MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — Millions of American families struggle with the difficulties of Alzheimer’s disease.

Now, an ambitious new plan has been released by the government to treat and prevent the disease, and help caregivers.

The Obama administration wants to develop effective prevention and treatment of the disease by 2025.

A committee of experts is in a two-day meeting to hammer out a game plan.

The Alzheimers Association says the goal is realistic if the commitment and the funding is really there.

“We’re going to see if it’s a plan that will remain an aspiration or whether it’s a battle plan backed by resources,” said Robert Egge, of the Alzheimer’s Association. “We need to really end the disease.”

Without better treatment, doctors expect Alzheimers to grow dramatically as the population ages, possibly affecting 16 million Americans by the middle of the century.

The government is hoping it can stop that trend before it happens.