Health and Disability

More than $100 million in federal funding was spent last year toward searching for a cure for Alzheimer's disease. However, if given the choice, most people with dementia and those caring for them would like to see the money go elsewhere, according to a recent study led by University at Buffalo researcher Davina Porock.

The study surveyed people with dementia and their care providers on how funding from the National Alzheimer's Project Act (NAPA), a federal plan to overcome the disease, should be spent.

It revealed that the majority of respondents ranked caregiving support and resources for long-term care ahead of research for a cure.

The findings are in contrast to current NAPA spending to support those with Alzheimer's disease, which dedicated only $10 million to care services and education, according to the Department of Health and Human Services.

With more than 5 million people in the U.S. living with dementia, each person receives less than $2 for care support, says Porock.

"Sure, most people in our surveys would love for there to be a cure, but in the meantime they all have this disease and they need help," says Porock, PhD, professor in the UB School of Nursing.