Washington, DC – Earlier this month, U.S. Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and Jennifer Wexton (D-VA) introduced the Harmonizing Environmental Analyses and Launching Therapeutic Hubs to Yield Bolstered Research and Innovation in Neurological Science (HEALTHY BRAINS) Act. This bill is designed to support research into the “environmental risk factors,” including “environmental toxicant exposure,” of various neurodegenerative diseases. Alzheimer’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson’s disease, and progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) are included in this list.
These diseases, which affect more than 50 million people across the globe, may have their roots in more than just genetic inheritance. According to a statement from Congressman Bilirakis’ office, evidence suggests these neurodegenerative diseases may also be due to toxins and other environmental risk factors. For example, most Parkinson’s disease cases (73 to 90 percent) cannot be purely attributed to heredity. Certain chemicals such as Trichloroethylene (TCE) are known to be factors, but far more research is needed to understand the depth and the causes of these life-changing ailments. Bilirakis and Wexton released statements regarding the law on Monday.
“We know that research is the key to developing a better understanding of diseases and holds the promise for the development of more effective treatments and potential cures,” said Congressman Bilirakis. “Through the HEALTHY BRAINS Act, we are investing in research that will hopefully help us better understand the underlying factors that contribute to neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s. I am optimistic about how the implications can help us improve health outcomes for millions of Americans who are suffering with these horrific ailments.”
“[…] As one of those people impacted, I understand firsthand how devastating these diseases are for them and their families,” Representative Wexton said. “The best way we can do better for these families is by ensuring no other family has to go through what theirs, and mine, have. We have a lot of work to do to understand how to prevent these diseases in the first place. That’s why I’m proud to lead the bipartisan HEALTHY BRAINS Act alongside my friend Representative Bilirakis to step up our work to research how environmental factors lead to neurodegenerative diseases like my PSP and help save lives.”
Through this legislation, the research into the environmental risks in relation to neurodegenerative diseases would be impelled by directing the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to establish “collaborative centers” for such research. These centers’ research into environmental risk factors and their effects would involve collaboration with various other partners that would include stakeholders, health professionals, nonprofit organizations, and patients, among others.
Due to the nature of this bill, many groups and foundations have already shown their support, including the American Academy of Neurology, the American Brain Coalition, the Michael J. Fox Foundation, the ALS Association, I AM ALS, the American Parkinson Disease Association, CurePSP, the Lewy Body Dementia Association, the Multiple System Atrophy Coalition, the Parkinson & Movement Disorder Alliance, PD Avengers, the Environmental Working Group, the Brian Grant Foundation, the Dallas Area Parkinson Society, Power Over Parkinson’s, and the Davis Phinney Foundation.
“The introduction of the HEALTHY BRAINS Act in the House is a much-needed step forward in better understanding, treating and someday curing and preventing neurological diseases including Parkinson’s disease and atypical parkinsonisms,” said Ted Thompson, senior vice president of public policy at The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. “Millions of Americans stand to benefit from a concerted federal effort to examine the effects of dangerous and harmful environmental risk factors for disease. The Michael J. Fox Foundation applauds Representatives Wexton and Bilirakis for their unwavering leadership on this issue and looks forward to continuing our work together.”
Leaders and health professionals from the above-stated organizations, such as Dr. Carlayne Jackson (MD, FAAN, President American Academy of Neurology) and Dr. Mark Rasenick (PhD, Chair, American Brain Coalition outwardly voiced their support as they are intimately aware of the importance of research into these and other such factors. Proper resource allocation will be key in the research and the support of healthy brains. Further information on this bill can be found at wexton.house.gov.
