Alzheimer Association responds to April 16 Wall Street Journal article

Apr 16 2004

“Scientists World-Wide Battle a Narrow View of Alzheimer’s Cause” incorrectly implies Alzheimer science is headed down a blind alley. The real issue is inadequate funding.

The Alzheimer’s Association is the largest non-government funding source for Alzheimer research. Our portfolio represents a broad spectrum of approaches to unanswered questions about the disease. For example, of the $15 million we awarded 75 researchers last year, 30 percent went to amyloid research, with the bulk to diagnosis, risk management, care, and diversity issues. We have one of the fairest review systems in science and take pride in funding new investigators and innovative ideas. One in seven applications is successful; superior proposals go unfunded solely for lack of resources. The odds are the same for "mainstream" investigators as for “mavericks.”

The role of amyloid in Alzheimer’s disease can only be resolved through clinical trials. To stop short of a resolution of the issue would be irresponsible. What is needed is more funding for the exploding field of Alzheimer research.

Sheldon Goldberg
President and CEO
Alzheimer’s Association

For information regarding this letter, contact:
Niles Frantz
Public Relations Department
Alzheimer’s Association
312.335.5777
866.720.0074 (fax)
[email protected]

For additional information:

• Published April 16: Scientists world-wide battle a narrow view of Alzheimer’s cause
  Source: The Wall Street Journal
  Read the entire article at: www.mlive.com
  

• Published April 9: Is Alzheimer's field blocking research into other causes?
  Source: The Wall Street Journal
  Read the entire article at: www.sfgate.com