HHS Secretary Kennedy Criticizes NIH's Alzheimer's Research Focus Amid Rising Dementia Rates

Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. called for a reevaluation of NIH's Alzheimer's research priorities on Alzheimer's research in testimony before the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies.

Kennedy criticized the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for its historical focus on amyloid plaque research in Alzheimer's disease, attributing this to systemic issues within the agency.

“For two decades, the NIH has lost its way, fixating on amyloid plaques while sidelining other promising hypotheses due to systemic corruption within the agency,” Kennedy stated.

This has derailed Alzheimer’s research in America, leaving millions without hope.

Kennedy emphasized the need to reform NIH's research priorities to explore broader scientific avenues.

Alzheimer’s is personal to me—my family has been touched by this disease, and many are tireless activists in this fight,” he said. “We must reform NIH, fund diverse research pathways, and prioritize patients over politics.

Kennedy also said that there should have been a cure for Alzheimer’s today.

We don’t have it purely because of corruption at NIH.

Alzheimer’s Association Pushes Back on Kennedy’s Claims

In response to Secretary Kennedy’s remarks, the Alzheimer’s Association issued a strong statement defending the integrity and diversity of current Alzheimer’s research. The organization pointed out that over the most recent 10-year period (2014–2023), less than 14% of new NIH-funded Alzheimer’s projects focused on amyloid beta as a therapeutic target.

According to the group, the National Institute on Aging supported 495 active clinical trials as of September 2024—exploring a wide range of pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions, including tau proteins, inflammation, and metabolic pathways.

To state that Alzheimer’s research is focused on amyloid to the exclusion of other targets is clearly wrong,” the association said.

The group also condemned Kennedy’s suggestion that corruption alone is to blame for the lack of a cure.

Implying that their loved ones would be alive today if not for ‘corruption’ is not based in any reality, is false and is cruel,” the statement said.

The association emphasized that while some studies involving amyloid research were later discredited, those findings were not foundational, and the broader field swiftly corrected course through peer review and replication.

Treatments like Leqembi and donanemab, now approved after successful phase 3 trials, reflect more than a decade of refined research. The organization called the dementia research community “dedicated, passionate, and evidence-driven” and stressed the importance of continued bipartisan support for research funding to expand innovation and deliver better outcomes to families.

Dementia Care Costly for American Families

Nearly 7 million Americans live with Alzheimer’s, a number expected to rise to nearly 13 million by 2050, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. Alzheimer’s remains the most common form of dementia and one of the costliest chronic conditions for families and public health systems.

Most dementia care involves long-term care services that are not covered by standard health insurance or Medicare. These costs are rising sharply—especially for specialized memory care, which tends to be even more expensive than other types of long-term care.

Alzheimer’s-related care costs the nation an estimated $360 billion annually, much of which is absorbed by Medicaid or paid out of pocket. That number is expected to exceed $1 trillion by 2050 if trends continue.

Health insurance and Medicare only pay for short-term skilled care, so as more Americans age and suffer from cognitive decline, the cost of long-term care services will adversely impact both American families and the state and federal government.

A survey of long-term care costs by LTC News shows that memory care averages about $5600 a month before surcharges, but costs in some parts of the country are substantially more. For example, in Boston, MA, the average cost is now $8,167 a month before surcharges, which can add up to another $2000 a month to the total cost. In 2045, LTC News projects increasing memory care costs; in Boston, for example, that cost before surcharges is projected to reach nearly $14,000 a month.

While Medicaid will cover extended care services, including memory care, that coverage is limited to individuals with very low income and minimal assets. For others, Long-Term Care Insurance offers a way to prepare. These policies are medically underwritten, meaning you must purchase long-term care coverage before significant health issues arise.

NIH's Current Research Landscape

Despite the criticism, NIH has made strides in expanding its research portfolio. The 2024 NIH Alzheimer's and Related Dementias Research Progress Report highlights several key areas of advancement:

• Diversified Research Focus: NIH has broadened its research to include studies on genetic, behavioral, environmental, and lifestyle risk factors for dementia.
• Innovative Diagnostic Tools: Development of new diagnostic methods, including biomarkers and cognitive assessments, aims to facilitate early detection and intervention.
• Clinical Trials: Over 230 active clinical trials are exploring various therapeutic approaches, ranging from drug development to lifestyle interventions.

These efforts represent a shift towards a more holistic understanding of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.

National Plan's 2024 Update

The HHS's 2024 update to the National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease underscores the need for comprehensive support systems for individuals with Alzheimer's and their caregivers. Key priorities include enhancing caregiver support, improving care quality, and promoting public awareness.

The plan also acknowledges the importance of addressing health disparities and ensuring equitable access to care and resources across diverse populations.

Looking Ahead

Experts suggest that Secretary Kennedy's call for a paradigm shift in Alzheimer's research signals a potential reorientation of federal efforts to combat the disease. By advocating for diversified research strategies and increased transparency within NIH, the goal is to accelerate the development of effective treatments and ultimately find a cure.

As the population ages and the prevalence of Alzheimer's continues to rise, the urgency for innovative and inclusive research approaches becomes ever more critical.

Cognitive decline impacts not just memory but families, finances, and long-term independence. Too often, families are left scrambling to find care when a loved one can no longer live safely at home.

Experts say the need for long-term care will not soon disappear, but research into treatments and prevention of aging issues like dementia can provide a better quality of life for older Americans.