There are 5.4 million Americans with Alzheimer 's and 15 million caretakers . Maria Carrillo : New National Alzheimer 's Foundation is first push to find solutions to disease . A historic milestone , the National Alzheimer 's Plan offers what Americans have never had before -- a path to change the trajectory of a devastating disease that steals people 's memories , independence and eventually their lives . Upcoming drug trials offer hope , she says : One in Colombia , one in Mexico . It 's crucial to keep a commitment to research , Carrillo says .
There are 5.4 million Americans with Alzheimer 's and 15 million caretakers . Maria Carrillo : New National Alzheimer 's Foundation is first push to find solutions to disease . Upcoming drug trials offer hope , she says : One in Colombia , one in Mexico . It 's crucial to keep a commitment to research , Carrillo says .