2010 LEGISLATIVE ISSUES
Combatting Alzheimer's & Other Brain Disorders
Many of us, including me, have friends or family members who have been struck down by dementia, brain injuries, stroke, or Alzheimer's disease, and it's frightening. But there are thrilling developments underway at our own Blanchette Rockefeller Neurosciences Institute (BRNI) and WVU. Over twenty compounds have been discovered that have the potential not just to slow brain damage, but to rescue brain cells. By restoring the synapses, or nerve connections, these compounds could one day reverse brain damage and restore memory!
But these treatments can't be made available to the public until they have undergone rigorous clinical testing. I will be working with our local delegation on legislation that will require BRNI to develop a five-year plan that will:
- position our state to be the leader in research and development of treatments for neuro-degenerative diseases;
- address how stakeholders, including the state's medical schools, the state development office, the health department, and others will assist in the staging of clinical trials in the state of West Virginia and elsewhere;
- specify how financial partners, including the private sector, foundations and the state will be organized to leverage the funding needed to implement the plan.
This plan, if successfully implemented, could save millions from heart-breaking diseases. It could also provide hundreds of good, local jobs. Many different professionals will be needed to collect and analyze data, recruit and care for patients, administer the chosen medications, and work with the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) for approval.
This plan also has great potential for helping our returning veterans and athletes. WVU scientists are researching the connections between Alzheimer's disease and traumatic brain injuries. I am excited about the game-changing potential of passing this legislation.
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