Senator Collins’ Statement on Development of Comedic Film on Alzheimer’s

Washington, D.C.—In response to recent news reports that a comedic film is being considered for development would satirize President Ronald Reagan’s struggle with Alzheimer’s, U.S. Senator Susan Collins released the following statement:

“I was very troubled to hear news reports that there are plans to develop a comedic film that would parody President Ronald Reagan’s struggle with dementia. Alzheimer’s is a devastating disease that takes a tremendous personal and economic toll on millions of individuals as well as their family caregivers.  The disease’s ability to rob people of their most precious memories should certainly not be used as material for comedy. 

“The dignity and grace with which President Reagan and his wife, Nancy, faced his Alzheimer’s diagnosis was an inspiration to us all.  Their leadership in the fight against Alzheimer’s had a significant, positive effect on the public discourse surrounding this disease. I hope that the creators of this script will abandon this insensitive idea.”

As the Chairman of the Senate Aging Committee and Co-Chair of the Congressional Task Force on Alzheimer’s Disease, Senator Collins is committed to supporting biomedical research that will lead to an effective means to treat, cure, or prevent Alzheimer’s.  Last year, Senator Collins successfully advocated for a $350 million increase for Alzheimer’s research, an increase of nearly 60 percent.  This brings total funding for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias research to $991 million, which is almost half-way to the goal of $2 billion per year, the amount experts say is needed to prevent or effectively treat Alzheimer’s by 2025.