Trump’s decision to cut thousands of federal government jobs is now affecting crucial health research, with layoffs hitting a National Institutes of Health (NIH) department focused on Alzheimer’s and dementia studies.
Among those let go were key researchers at the NIH’s Center for Alzheimer’s and Related Dementias (CARD), including Kendall Van Keuren-Jensen, who was set to take over as the acting director. The move has left scientists and medical experts worried about the future of dementia research, as the layoffs could slow down progress in finding new treatments.
The cuts at CARD affected nearly 10% of its staff, which might not sound like much, but experts say every researcher plays a vital role in a complex network of studies. Scientists at CARD work alongside external researchers to turn early scientific discoveries into real treatments for Alzheimer’s, a disease that affects nearly 7 million Americans.
One senior CARD employee told ABC News the firing of Van Keuren-Jensen was especially shocking, calling it “jaw-dropping.” She was expected to bring major advancements to the field, and her sudden termination has left many wondering what this means for future research.
Alzheimer’s has no cure, and current treatments only help manage symptoms or slow the disease’s progression. That’s why research at places like CARD is so critical, scientists are working to find breakthroughs that could lead to better treatments or even a cure.
Neurologists warn that these job cuts could make it harder to develop new treatments and slow down scientific progress.
Could these job cuts delay life-saving treatments for millions of Americans? Let us know your thoughts.
