U.S. Representatives Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have reintroduced the bipartisan HEALTHY BRAINS Act, which aims to expand research into environmental factors contributing to neurodegenerative diseases. The bill, formally titled the Harmonizing Environmental Analyses and Launching Therapeutic Hubs to Yield Bolstered Research And Innovation in Neurological Science Act, was announced at a press conference at the U.S. Capitol alongside former Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton and several advocacy groups.
“We know far too little about the environmental factors that may increase the risk for neurodegenerative disorders,” Rep. Subramanyam said. “These diseases rob individuals of their mobility, memory, independence, and most importantly, time. This bill will ensure vital research is conducted so we can get answers for patients and their families. Thank you to my friend and mentor Jennifer Wexton, the original author of the HEALTHY BRAINS Act.”
Congressman Bilirakis highlighted the importance of research in understanding these conditions: “We know that research is the key to developing a better understanding of disease and holds the promise of more effective treatments – and ultimately, cures,” he said. “Through the HEALTHY BRAINS Act, we are investing in research that will help us better understand the environmental factors that may contribute to neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s. I am optimistic that this work will lead to improved health outcomes for millions of Americans who are suffering from these devastating conditions.”
The legislation directs the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish Collaborative Centers for Neurodegenerative Disease Environmental Research. These centers would focus on studying environmental risk factors linked with neurodegenerative illnesses; collaborate with researchers, healthcare professionals, nonprofits, patients, and caregivers; and promote a nationwide data system as well as a public clearinghouse on environmental risk factor information.
Dan Feehan from The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research emphasized how critical this step is: “The reintroduction of the HEALTHY BRAINS Act in the House marks an important step toward safeguarding the brain health of millions of Americans,” he stated. “Parkinson’s disease and atypical parkinsonisms are the fastest-growing neurological conditions in the world, affecting more than 1.2 million Americans today. By investing in dedicated research centers and strengthening collaboration across sectors, this bipartisan legislation advances a smarter, more coordinated federal response to understanding and addressing environmental risk factors for these diseases. The Michael J. Fox Foundation applauds Representatives Bilirakis and Subramanyam for championing this effort and extends special thanks to former Representative Jennifer Wexton for her support. We look forward to continuing our together to protect brain health for current and future generations.”
Calaneet Balas of The ALS Association commented on how this measure could accelerate progress against ALS: “The HEALTHY BRAINS Act advances research into not only what causes ALS, but how to prevent it,” she said. “This innovative legislation accelerates research into the environmental and occupational factors that may cause ALS and includes people living with ALS in the process. We are deeply grateful to Congressman Subramanyam and Congressman Bilirakis for their leadership in the fight against ALS.”
Andi Lipstein Fristedt from Parkinson’s Foundation noted: “Most experts agree that Parkinson’s disease is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors,” she said.“The Healthy Brains Act would help us better understand how toxic exposures and other risk factors contribute to brain diseases like Parkinson’s. We are grateful to the leadership of Representatives Subramanyam and Bilirakis for leading this important work.”
Jennifer French from American Brain Coalition added: “The American Brain Coalition (ABC) is proud to voice our strong support for the HEALTHY BRAINS Act. This important legislation marks a forward-looking investment in the health of Americans by investing in research and training about how environmental factors contribute to neurodegenerative and other brain diseases…ABC looks forward to working with policymakers, researchers, advocates, and communities to help move this critical effort forward and secure a healthier future for all Americans.”
