Governor Creates Alzheimer's Planning Committee

Philadelphia - Gov. Tom Corbett today signed an Executive Order establishing the

Pennsylvania Alzheimer's Disease State Planning Committee.

The committee will work to create a state plan to address the growing Alzheimer's

disease crisis in Pennsylvania.

"Since Pennsylvania is the fourth 'oldest' state in the nation, it is critical that we

unite to find a cure and help those who are living with Alzheimer's disease, as well

as those who care for them," Corbett said. "This committee will bring together

experts to address the challenging issues related to this disease."

Corbett signed the executive order at the University of Pennsylvania's Perelman

School of Medicine. The school's Alzheimer's Disease Center is one of two

Pennsylvania centers funded by the National Institute of Health for advanced

research in Alzheimer's disease. Through this funding, dramatic advances have

been developed for more effective therapies in treating Alzheimer's disease.

Over 400,000 Pennsylvanians are currently living with Alzheimer's disease and

related dementias. Someone new is diagnosed every 69 seconds in the United

States.

Secretary of Aging Brian Duke will serve as the chairperson of the committee that

will examine the needs and research the trends of Pennsylvania's Alzheimer's

population.

"With the growing incidence of Alzheimer's disease and the increase in older adult

population, it is critical that Pennsylvania develops a plan of action," Duke said. "I

look forward to working with the committee to design a plan that will complement

existing programs and create new pathways for identification and treatment."

The committee will include representatives from various state agencies as well as

those personally impacted by Alzheimer's disease. They will have one year to

develop a planned approach for Pennsylvania relating to Alzheimer's disease and

other related brain disorders.

"The establishment of the State Alzheimer's Disease Planning Committee is a timely

and important initiative, and it comes when there is real hope in the Alzheimer's

research community," said John Q. Trojanowski, M.D., Ph.D., director of the

University of Pennsylvania's Alzheimer's Disease Core Center.

"We are within striking distance of finding ways to slow or delay the progression of

Alzheimer's disease and related disorders such as Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic

lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal degeneration. This initiative will accelerate

these efforts."

"Both Pennsylvania Chapters of the Alzheimer's Association thank Governor Corbett

for establishing an Alzheimer's State Plan by Executive Order," Robert Marino of the

Alzheimer's Association's Delaware Valley Chapter. "His action shows a great

dedication to helping those who cannot help themselves."

The establishment of the Alzheimer's Disease State Planning Committee is effective

immediately.

(From PA Internet Service and Governor's Office)