2024 Poll Insights Part II: Why Alzheimer's Disease Should Be a National Priority

Welcome back to our series on the national perception of Alzheimer’s disease, based on the insights from the 2024 national poll conducted by FTP Insights and Accelerate Advocacy. In our first post, we provided an overview of the key findings from the survey. Today, we’ll delve into why Alzheimer’s disease should be a national priority, highlighting voters' deep concerns and the disease's significant impact on American families.

High Levels of Concern

Alzheimer’s disease is a primary concern for American voters, with nearly 94% considering it a serious health condition. In fact, Alzheimer’s is comparable to cancer in terms of perceived seriousness. The widespread concern among voters underscores the critical need for prioritizing Alzheimer’s in national health agendas and policy discussions.

Impact on Families

The personal impact of Alzheimer’s is profound. According to the poll, 43% of voters personally know someone with Alzheimer’s, and 25% are currently or have recently been caregivers for someone with the disease. This high level of personal connection means that Alzheimer’s is not an abstract issue for many Americans—it directly affects their lives and the lives of their loved ones.

Support for Innovation and Research

Strong voter support exists for new and innovative treatments for Alzheimer’s disease. Voters are specifically interested in therapies that address vascular health and overall brain blood flow, recognizing these as essential factors in managing the disease. This support reflects a public willingness to embrace and invest in diverse research approaches that could lead to more effective therapies.

Quality of Life Considerations

Voters highly value treatments that enhance the quality of life for Alzheimer’s patients. Attributes such as prolonging independence, allowing patients to live more normal lives, and improving day-to-day functioning are highly prioritized. This focus on quality of life highlights the importance of developing treatments that address the disease and improve the overall well-being of those affected.

National and Global Impact

With an estimated 55 million people worldwide suffering from dementia, the urgency to prioritize Alzheimer’s research and treatment has never been more apparent. In the United States alone, millions are affected by Alzheimer’s, either directly or as caregivers. The economic burden and emotional toll on families and the healthcare system are immense. Addressing Alzheimer’s as a national priority can lead to significant advancements in care and support for these individuals and their families.

Call to Action

Given the high levels of concern and personal impact, Alzheimer’s disease must become a national health priority. Increased funding for research, improved public education, and the development of innovative treatments are essential steps toward combating this devastating illness. By prioritizing Alzheimer’s, we can make meaningful progress in improving the lives of those affected and reducing the overall burden on society.

Looking Ahead

In our upcoming posts, we will continue to explore the critical themes from the poll:

Awareness of Current Treatments: We’ll discuss the low awareness levels of current treatments and what can be done to bridge this knowledge gap.

New Treatment Enthusiasm: We’ll highlight the latest innovations in Alzheimer’s treatment, focusing on the connection between vascular health and cognitive decline.

Patient and Caregiver Priorities: We’ll examine what patients and caregivers value most in new treatments and how these insights can guide future research.

Stay tuned for these detailed discussions and sign up for our updates to ensure you don’t miss any part of this important series. By staying informed and engaged, you can help support the fight against Alzheimer’s disease.

Conclusion

The findings from the 2024 national poll highlight the urgent need to make Alzheimer’s disease a national priority. Addressing the public’s concerns and supporting innovative research can lead to more effective treatments and improved quality of life for millions of Americans affected by this disease.