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ALBANY, NY—Congressman Paul D. Tonko announced today that Early Alzheimer’s Diagnostics LLC of Glenmont has been awarded a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant totaling $274,713 for a project to develop saliva screening tests that can detect Alzheimer’s disease before the onset of devastating symptoms such as memory loss.

“Far too many Americans have experienced the devastating impact of Alzheimer’s,” Congressman Tonko said.  “Early diagnosis can have a major impact on ensuring access to treatments and vastly improving quality of life for patients and their families.  I have long been at the forefront of efforts to increase access to early diagnostics for Alzheimer’s disease, and I’m proud to see this innovative research taking place here in the Capital Region.  I’m thankful to Early Alzheimer's Diagnostics for their innovative project, and I will continue working to deliver a compassionate federal response that supports all those living with Alzheimer’s and their loved ones.”

Congressman Tonko has long been a strong supporter of Alzheimer’s research in our Capital Region, announcing a $306,974 award for Early Alzheimer’s Diagnostics earlier this year to support research on new screenings based on blood spectroscopy.  In this session of Congress, Tonko has introduced bipartisan legislation aimed at prioritizing research on Alzheimer’s and supporting scientists in the development of treatments and potential cures, and has led bipartisan calls to increase access to existing diagnostic tests.

Congressman Tonko has been recognized nationally for his work to support individuals living with Alzheimer’s and their loved ones and for his steadfast support of the movement to end Alzheimer’s.  Earlier this year, Tonko was honored as Humanitarian of the Year by the Alzheimer’s Association’s Alzheimer’s Impact Movement (AIM).