U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow was recognized by the Alzheimer's Association last night for her work promoting Alzheimer's research and care.  Stabenow received the group's 2012 Humanitarian Award, and is leading the fight in Congress for better diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer's disease. 

Senator Stabenow said: "Those who should be recognized are the real heroes who are living with this disease every day - patients, their families and their doctors. I commend the Alzheimer's Association for being a great advocate as we look for a cure and support patients and their caregivers who are dealing with this devastating disease."

Alzheimer's Association President and CEO Harry Johns said: "We applaud Senator Stabenow's continued leadership on Alzheimer's.  By authoring and championing the Health, Outcomes, Planning and Education (HOPE) for Alzheimer's Act (S. 738/H.R. 1386), which would improve access to diagnosis and care planning, she demonstrates her sensitivity to the Alzheimer's crisis and much needed support for families."

Legendary women's college basketball coach Pat Summitt was also recognized. Summitt, who recently resigned as coach of the University of Tennessee's women's basketball team because she is suffering from early onset Alzheimer's, was presented with the Alzheimer's Association's Sargent and Eunice Shriver Profiles in Dignity Award. Rep. Michael Burgess (R-TX) also received an award for his work as a leader on Alzheimer's disease in the House of Representatives.

Senator Stabenow introduced the Health Outcomes, Planning and Education (HOPE) for Alzheimer's Act last year to help doctors detect Alzheimer's disease earlier and ensure patients and families are better equipped to fight the disease.  She was a cosponsor of the National Alzheimer's Project Act in 2010, which set into motion the National Plan to Address Alzheimer's disease.  She is also an original cosponsor of a new resolution introduced by Senator Warner on Tuesday that supports the National Plan's goal of preventing and effectively treating Alzheimer's disease by 2025.

There are an estimated 5.4 million people living with Alzheimer's disease in the United States, including 800,000 who live alone.  One in eight seniors will develop the disease , and 200,000 people under 65 are suffering from early onset Alzheimer's disease.  The Alzheimer's Association is a world leader in Alzheimer care, support and research.