Better understanding of autoimmune and genetic bases of these disorders are leading to new diagnostic methods, preventative therapies and treatment that reverse progressive neurological loss. These are just a few examples of the very exciting developments in neurological research that have the potential to yield effective treatments for many neurological disorders within the next decade. However, Federal research funds have only recently begun to keep pace with the virtual explosion of knowledge and therapeutic opportunities in neurological research. Last year, I joined with a bipartisan group of House and Senate members pledging to do9uble the budget of the National Institutes of Health, over the next five years. This is one of the unique moments in biomedical research.
Potential breakthroughs are real.
It is a good bet that many of these advances will emanate from NIH grants. These are real investments. Scientific advances are making major inroads in curbing disability among the elderly. If this trend accelerates, the potential savings in Medicare costs alone are staggering. I also want to mention the public policy controversy surrounding the issue of federal funding for stem cell research.