Congressman Vern Buchanan, Vice Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee and Chair of the Health Subcommittee, joined Representative Paul Tonko for an interview moderated by Kathleen Koch at The Hill on March 27 to discuss the importance of early detection, prevention, and support for families dealing with Alzheimer’s disease.
The discussion focused on bipartisan efforts to improve access to blood-based biomarker testing through the Alzheimer’s Screening and Prevention (ASAP) Act. The act aims to expand early diagnosis options for patients, which advocates say could lead to better outcomes for both patients and their families.
Tonko said, “In October of 25, The FDA approved what is one of the first blood-based biomarkers that determines whether or not there is a concern for Alzheimer’s. If the amyloid count is indicated through that blood test, then they would be eligible with our bill for Medicare coverage.” Buchanan added personal perspective: “I’m big on prevention. I think our whole healthcare system is backwards. We react to things instead of being proactive. My dad, unfortunately, had Alzheimer’s. I lived through that for 10 or 12 years… It was a very difficult time for our family… The point is to get after these things in the early stages the best we can. That’s why we’re fighting for this. There’s a lot of momentum.”
Buchanan also spoke about challenges faced by caregivers: “For many families, it’s a major, major struggle… We’ve got to find a way to work closer with people that have these challenges and do whatever we can to make a difference in their support.” He emphasized rising health care costs: “We’re spending $5 trillion a year … and you can make the argument that we’re getting sicker as a society… We’ve got to be more proactive on the front end…. That’s why I’m so excited about the bill that we’ve got together.”
Nutrition and lifestyle choices were also discussed as important factors in prevention. Buchanan said: “You’ve got to eat real food. That’s part of the problem—a lot of our food’s highly processed…. So we have to find a way to get people motivated to educate themselves and their children…” On bipartisan momentum behind Alzheimer’s policy he said: “I’m bullish… There’s a lot of momentum right now…and it’s bipartisan.”
Buchanan has represented Florida’s 16th district since replacing Katherine Harris in Congress in 2007 according to official records. He previously served in Florida’s House of Representatives as reported by Congress.gov. Born in Detroit in 1951, Buchanan currently lives in Sarasota according to his official biography. He graduated from Cleary University with a BA degree in 1975 before earning another degree from University of Detroit Mercy in 1986.
Looking ahead at legislative prospects for his bill addressing Alzheimer’s care improvements before retirement, Buchanan said: “I’m very excited about it. We’re going to get it done…. There are things we can do maybe slow things down—diet, exercise…” Tonko concluded by urging public support: “If you believe in Vern’s bill and mine—the Alzheimer’s Screening and Prevention Act—ASAP—please call your colleagues … ASAP.”
