NIH Budget ‍Cuts Threaten alzheimer’s Research, ⁢Spark ⁣Bipartisan Concern

⁣ Updated June 11, 2025

Proposed budget ⁤cuts to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) are ⁢raising alarms about the future of
Alzheimer’s research. The cuts, including a potential $20 billion reduction proposed by the Trump
management, ⁤could devastate efforts ⁣to find treatments for this debilitating disease, impacting millions of
Americans.

The alzheimer’s Association ⁣estimates that approximately 7 million Americans are currently living with
⁤ Alzheimer’s disease, with that number projected to nearly double by 2050 without effective interventions.
⁣Experts warn that these budget cuts could significantly delay critical research and clinical trials.

Dr. Jim Brewer, who heads the neuroscience department at UC San Diego School of Medicine, said that budget
⁢ constraints could force 14 of the 35 Alzheimer’s Disease Research Centers (ADRCs) in the U.S. to halt their
⁢ research. Universities,including the University of Washington and⁣ the University of Massachusetts,have raised
⁢ concerns about the⁤ impact on ongoing clinical‍ trials and research projects aimed at identifying genes critical
to treating Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases.

⁢ ‍ ‍ “Alzheimer’s and dementia-related research ‍must remain a national priority.”
⁢

Despite concerns within the Trump administration, some Republican lawmakers have voiced support ⁣for maintaining
⁢ funding for Alzheimer’s research. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) emphasized the importance of
⁢ prioritizing Alzheimer’s and dementia research. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.)
⁢ successfully pushed for the ⁣reauthorization of the Alzheimer’s Accountability and Investment Act⁤ (AAIA) and the
National Alzheimer’s Project Act (NAPA), underscoring a bipartisan commitment to ⁢fighting the disease.

Sen. Susan Collins stated her opposition to the proposed ⁢cap on indirect costs, while Sen. Capito acknowledged
the⁤ drastic nature of the cuts and the ⁣need for further examination.

What’s next

Congress faces mounting pressure to restore the NIH’s budget and ensure continued‍ support for Alzheimer’s
research. The⁤ choices made now will significantly impact the lives of millions affected by this ⁢devastating
disease.