Most Voters See Alzheimer's As Key Issue

By: Barbara Basler | Source: AARP Bulletin Today | January 2007

Americans of all ages fear Alzheimer's disease to the point where 67 percent of the respondents in a new poll released today said they would be more likely to vote for a presidential candidate who supports increased government funding for Alzheimer's research.

The survey of 801 adults, by Hart Research Associates, Washington, for the Alzheimer's Association, also found that 72 percent of women are more likely to vote for a candidate who backs increased research into the disease, compared with 63 percent of men. Seventy-seven percent of women and 66 percent of men are more likely to choose a candidate who seeks Medicare and Medicaid reforms that would provide better care for those with Alzheimer's.

Alzheimer's, a devastating brain disease that destroys memory and reason, is seen as a threat by all age groups polled: Sixty-five percent of the 18- to 34-year-olds—and 64 percent of those ages 65 and older—reported they were concerned that they or a family member might develop Alzheimer's. And that concern cut across party lines, worrying Democrats (68 percent), Republicans (64 percent) and independents (66 percent) alike.

"Every presidential candidate needs to understand that Alzheimer's is an important issue for American voters," said Harry Johns, president and CEO of the Alzheimer's Association.

In fact, in previous polls by other groups, Americans have said they fear Alzheimer's more than heart disease or cancer. In the new poll 69 percent of the participants said they feared developing Alzheimer's more than battling a natural disaster such as a hurricane.

About 5 million Americans have Alzheimer's, and that number is expected to grow as millions of boomers move into their 70s and 80s, when the risk for the disease increases.