The 19th Annual Alzheimer's Association Public Policy Forum in Washington, D.C., on March 18-20, saw hundreds of advocates storm Capitol Hill to meet with legislators and participate in a Senate hearing on Alzheimer's disease. From the Alzheimer’s Association Houston and Southeast Texas Chapter, Board Member, Melissa King, former Board Member Richard Taylor, and development staff, Ana Guerrero were in Washington, DC for the Forum to gather support from local Congressman for the Alzheimer’s Breakthrough Act of 2007. This legislation seeks to double Alzheimer research funding at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), expand brain health promotion activities at the Centers for Disease Control and continue funding for Alzheimer support programs, such as the Association’s 24/7 Helpline and the Alzheimer’s State Matching Grants program.

During the Annual Public Policy Forum, the National Alzheimer’s Association released the 2007 Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures report – which illustrates the impact of Alzheimer's on individuals and families; federal, state and local governments; the healthcare system; and the economy.