Download ENROLLED 2007 SESSION

2007 SESSION
ENROLLED
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 857
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, February 9, 2007
Agreed to by the Senate, February 15, 2007
HJ857ER
WHEREAS, in 2007 the Alzheimer's and Related Diseases Research Award Fund (ARDRAF), an
innovative small-grant program used to jump-start research into Alzheimer's and related diseases at
Virginia institutions, celebrates its 25th anniversary; and
WHEREAS, established in 1982, ARDRAF has been diligently administered over the years by the
Virginia Center on Aging at Virginia Commonwealth University with superb results; and
WHEREAS, the idea for ARDRAF was born of the knowledge that researchers need initial research
results in order to be successful in attracting funding from big donors such as the federal government
and foundations; and
WHEREAS, ARDRAF awards grants in small amounts––the limit is $40,000 per award and the
average grant is $15,000––which Virginia researchers use to investigate promising leads on the causes,
consequences, and treatments of dementia; and
WHEREAS, ARDRAF casts a wide net with its grants, supporting studies that examine the causes,
epidemiology, and treatment of Alzheimer's and related diseases; policies, programs, and financing for
care and support of those affected by these diseases; and the social and psychological impacts of
dementia-related illnesses on the individual, family, and community; and
WHEREAS, in its 25-year history, ARDRAF has supported 105 pilot studies with small grants
totaling $1.6 million, and these small grants have subsequently produced over 180 scientific research
publications and brought in over $16 million in funding from non-Virginia resources, an astounding
return on the state's investment; and
WHEREAS, some of the practical results of studies conducted with ARDRAF seed money include
clinical tools to help physicians diagnose dementia, web-based help for family caregivers, therapeutic
interventions for persons with Alzheimer's, and improved drug regimens; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby
commend the Alzheimer's and Related Diseases Research Award Fund on the occasion of its 25th
anniversary; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution
for presentation to the Alzheimer's and Related Diseases Research Award Fund as an expression of the
General Assembly's admiration and gratitude for its outstanding support of research initiatives in
Virginia that may lead to improved care and quality of life for persons suffering from such illnesses.
ENROLLED
Commending the Alzheimer's and Related Diseases Research Award Fund on the occasion of its 25th
anniversary.