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Chairman's Summary

Brian Regan, President
Brian K. Regan Ph.D.
Chairman, Board of Directors

A milestone was reached in 2009 as the American Health Assistance Foundation (AHAF) passed the $100,000,000 mark in grants awarded to date. This is an important accomplishment illustrating the commitment of AHAF donors in helping to find cures for Alzheimer’s disease, age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma.

Even in the midst of a challenging economy, AHAF donors have responded generously, which has allowed AHAF to award 41 grants totaling $6,447,983 this year to dedicated scientists and researchers worldwide. To researchers studying Alzheimer’s disease there were 19 grants awarded for a total of $4,453,522. In the area of age-related macular degeneration there were 12 awards for a total of $1,071,439 and in the area of glaucoma research AHAF awarded 10 grants for a total of $923,022. Once again, AHAF has stayed the course and delivered on the goals and mission of the organization.

Awards went to researchers in England, Germany and Australia; however, the majority of the grants funded this year went to scientists in the United States. AHAF funds some of the most groundbreaking research being proposed. It is our belief that these are the scientists who will eventually make the discoveries that will lead to a cure for these diseases that are devastating to those affected by them as well as their families.

At a time when the issue of health care costs is at the top of the national agenda, as the United States struggles to find a way to deliver health care to all those needing it, the toll that degenerative diseases places on the health care system and patients and families makes it imperative that a cure be found. Alzheimer’s disease alone is projected to affect15 million people by 2050 if no adequate treatments or a cure is found. Currently, the cost for caring for Alzheimer’s disease patients nationwide, including health care expenses and lost wages of both patients and their caregivers, is now thought to be about $100 billion per year.

We are grateful for the support of our donors. With your generous contributions, AHAF will continue to provide free educational materials to the public and fund the research of hard working scientists as together we battle the damaging effects of Alzheimer’s disease, age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma.

Brian K. Regan, Ph.D.
Chairman, Board of Directors

Last Reviewed On: 08/10/10
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