The recent speech by National Institutes of Health Director Jay Bhattacharya at the Alzheimer's Association's Advocacy Forum has left a lasting impression on me, and it's not the comforting words that stuck with me. It's the stark contrast between his promises and the actions of his agency. Bhattacharya's eloquence about bold science and finding a cure for Alzheimer's is commendable, but it rings hollow when we consider the NIH's recent decisions.
The NIH has been making headlines for all the wrong reasons. Since January 2025, they've terminated or frozen at least 65 Alzheimer's disease grants, totaling $94 million in cuts. This isn't just about numbers; it's about the impact on patients and the future of research. Alzheimer's research is a marathon, not a sprint, and these delays and cancellations have real consequences.
The NIH's use of a text analysis tool to flag grants containing certain words, like 'Latino/a' and 'Black men,' is deeply troubling. This brazen political lens is a clear indication of a shift in priorities. The agency's funding stream for new grants has also been slowed, granting 357 fewer Alzheimer's research awards in 2025 than the annual average over the previous decade. This is a recipe for disaster in the long term.
The proposed rule that would change how grants are administered by the NIH is equally concerning. By requiring all grants to be reviewed by a senior political appointee and codifying the Trump administration's expanded powers to suspend or terminate awards, the independence of NIH-funded science is at risk. This erosion of independence has the potential to undermine the very foundation of scientific progress.
What makes this situation even more frustrating is the audience at the Advocacy Forum. Every person in that room had been impacted by Alzheimer's in one way or another. We came to Washington seeking leaders who would match our urgency. But comforting speeches that say one thing while public policy does another are not enough. We deserve leaders whose actions are as committed as their promises.
The NIH's decisions and proposed changes are a stark reminder that words alone are not enough. We need leaders who will back up their promises with concrete actions. The future of Alzheimer's research and the lives of those affected by this devastating disease depend on it. It's time for a shift in priorities, and it's time for leaders who will make it happen.
