The Alzheimer's Breakthrough Ride engaged more than 55 researchers and 100,000 Americans to urge Congress to make Alzheimer's a national priority. Demonstrating both the urgency of the issue and the dedication of the research community, these researchers spent 67 days this summer cycling relay-style throughout the United States to raise awareness about Alzheimer's disease. (Note: see attached fact sheet.)

Today, the Alzheimer's Breakthrough Ride culminates at Upper Senate Park in Washington, D.C. when the Alzheimer's Association and the research riders present a petition with more than 100,000 signatures to Congress.

"A crisis of this magnitude requires commitment and dedication from all of us ??“ from citizens, the scientific community, business and government," said Lamb. "The outpouring of support from the public has been overwhelming as we've cycled across the country.  Now we need elected officials to prove they understand what's at stake by developing a comprehensive Alzheimer's disease strategy and investing in research."

In addition to the recommendation for countries to develop national Alzheimer's plans, the 2010 World Alzheimer Report contains six further recommendations, which call on governments to increase dementia research funding, develop policies and plans for long-term care, and ensure access to cost-effective and appropriate healthcare services. (Note: see attached fact sheet.)

U.S. Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures

In the U.S., according to the Alzheimer's Association's Alzheimer's Disease Facts & Figures 2010, there are as many as 5.3 million Americans living with the disease and every 70 seconds someone in America develops Alzheimer's. In 2010, there will be a half million new cases of Alzheimer's. By 2050, there will be nearly a million new cases of Alzheimer's every year.

Alzheimer's was the seventh leading cause of death in the country in 2006, the latest year for which final death statistics are available. It was the fifth leading cause of death among individuals aged 65 and older. From 2000-2006 death rates have declined for most major diseases ??“ heart disease (-11.1 percent), breast cancer (-2.6 percent), prostate cancer (-8.7 percent), stroke (-18.2 percent) and HIV/AIDS (-16.3) while Alzheimer's disease deaths rose 46.1 percent.

The Alzheimer's Association estimates that total U.S. payments for health and long-term care services for people with these conditions will amount to $172 billion from all sources in 2010. Nearly 11 million U.S. family members and other unpaid caregivers provided 12.5 billion hours of care for people with Alzheimer's and other dementias, valued at $144 billion.

SOURCE Alzheimer's Association