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Highlighting and Reducing the Impact of Negative Aging Stereotypes During Older Adults' Cognitive Testing
Published on: January 24, 2020
Alzheimer's research: can it help save our nation's entitlement programs?
Stephen McConnell1, Judith Riggs
1Alzheimer's Association, 1319 F Street NW, Suite 710, Washington, DC 20016, USA. stephen.mcconnell@alz.org
Summary
The aging population strains entitlement programs. Cutting research funding worsens fiscal challenges; reforming care and funding science offers a better solution for long-term fiscal health.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Health Policy
- Gerontology
Background:
- The aging of the baby boom generation presents a significant challenge to the solvency of national entitlement programs.
- Current budget policies often involve cutting entitlements and reducing funding for critical research areas, such as that supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the collision course between demographic shifts and government budget policies.
- To evaluate the impact of budget-driven responses on entitlement programs and scientific research.
- To propose alternative solutions for addressing the fiscal challenges posed by an aging population.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of demographic trends and their impact on entitlement program solvency.
- Review of current government budget policies and their effects on discretionary spending, including research funding.
- Examination of the potential consequences of proposed policy responses.
Main Results:
- Budgetary responses, such as cutting entitlements and research funding, may exacerbate fiscal problems.
- Reduced investment in scientific inquiry can hinder the development of solutions for future fiscal burdens.
- Existing health and long-term care programs may not adequately address the chronic care needs of the aging population.
Conclusions:
- Reforming health and long-term care programs is crucial to meet the needs of an aging population.
- Sustained and robust funding for scientific research is essential to develop interventions that delay disease onset and slow progression.
- A proactive approach combining policy reform and scientific investment offers a more viable path to fiscal sustainability.
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