Klobuchar visits Mayo Alzheimer's research facility

by Elizabeth Baier, Minnesota Public Radio

Rochester, Minn. — U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., stopped by in Rochester Wednesday to highlight Mayo's research on Alzheimer's disease.

Klobuchar toured Mayo's Imaging Research Building to meet with by National Institute on Aging Director Richard Hodes and Ronald C. Petersen, Director of Mayo Alzheimer's Disease Research Center,

The non-invasive technology scanning and imaging performed at Mayo helps researchers better study Alzheimer's disease.

The capability of early-detection offers the hope of early intervention. Klobuchar said these sophisticated tests contribute greatly to the diagnosis, treatment and care of people with Alzheimer's disease. Nationally, 5.4 million Americans currently live with Alzheimer's, including nearly 100,000 in Minnesota.

These numbers are expected to grow as the Baby Boom generation ages.