Bilirakis Introduces the HEALTHY BRAINS Act, Fighting Neurodegenerative Diseases

Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and Jennifer Wexton (D-VA) recently introduced the Harmonizing Environmental Analyses and Launching Therapeutic Hubs to Yield Bolstered Research and Innovation in Neurological Science (HEALTHY BRAINS) Act to the House. This bill looks into environmental risk factors such as toxicant exposure and neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Alzheimer’s disease, and multiple sclerosis (MS), among others.

The Florida congressman’s press release shared that 73-90% of Parkinson’s disease cases cannot be attributed to “genetic inheritance alone” and that environmental factors could be the major cause of diseases such as these.

“We know that research is the key to developing a better understanding of diseases and holds the promise for the development of more effective treatments and potential cures,” said Congressman Bilirakis. “Through the HEALTHY BRAINS Act we are investing in research that will hopefully help us better understand the underlying factors that contribute to neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s. I am optimistic about how the implications can help us improve health outcomes for millions of Americans who are suffering with these horrific ailments.”

Moreover, Rep. Wexton – who is not seeking reelection due to her diagnosis with Progressive Supra-nuclear Palsy, type-p (PSP-P), a form of Atypical Parkinsonism, shared that she understands the impact of diseases such as this “firsthand.”

“Neurodegenerative diseases currently affect more than 50 million people worldwide, and as one of those people impacted, I understand firsthand how devastating these diseases are for them and their families,” said Rep. Wexton. “The best way we can do better for these families is by ensuring no other family has to go through what theirs, and mine, have. We have a lot of work to do to understand how to prevent these diseases in the first place. That’s why I’m proud to lead the bipartisan HEALTHY BRAINS Act alongside my friend Rep. Bilirakis to step up our work to research how environmental factors lead to neurodegenerative diseases like my PSP and help save lives.”

Rep. Bilirakis has tackled diseases like Parkinson’s in the past as his bipartisan bill – The National Plan to End Parkinson’s Act was signed by President Joe Biden in early July.