NEWARK, NJ – U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ), a longtime advocate for increased federal recognition of and support for individuals and families struggling with Alzheimer's, today released the following statement in support of National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month:

“As a son who witnessed his mother lose her tough battle with Alzheimer's, I know we must do everything we can to raise awareness about this devastating disease which impacts not just those suffering, but their families, caregivers and our health care system.

“Together, we must work to find cure and help the thousands of families in New Jersey – and across the country – who are struggling to understand and cope with this disease. In my role as a senator, I vow to continue working to keep funding levels up so we can fully support the programs that are trying to end the scourge of Alzheimer’s for the nearly 5.4 million people in America diagnosed with the disease.

“Alzheimer’s truly is the “long goodbye” and it is my hope that we can raise awareness, raise money and innovate so we can say goodbye to this disease in the near future.”

Menendez supports the Administration’s National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease, which was called for as part of the National Alzheimer's Project Act, which the Senator co-sponsored. Menendez also continues to fight for critical funding at the National Institutes of Health and supports legislation to improve the diagnosis and treatment of this debilitating disease. He’s a cosponsor of the HOPE for Alzheimer's Act of 2015, which would provide coverage for comprehensive care planning for Alzheimer's disease and dementia for Medicare patients who have been newly diagnosed.

Menendez is also is the recipient of the Alzheimer's Association's Humanitarian Award in recognition of his ongoing work to improve federal response to Alzheimer's disease. In July 2015, the Senator received recognition at an event at Bergen Community College for his efforts to pass legislation to assist those with Alzheimer’s.

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