109 HRES 964 IH: Supporting the goals and ideals of National U.S. House of Representatives 2006-07-28 text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

IV 109th CONGRESS 2d Session H. RES. 964 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES July 28, 2006 Mr. Smith of New Jersey (for himself, Mr. Markey, Mr. Holden, Mrs. McCarthy, Mr. Brady of Pennsylvania, Ms. Millender-McDonald, Mr. Van Hollen, Ms. DeLauro, Mr. Wexler, Mr. Allen, Mr. Brown of Ohio, Mr. Waxman, Mr. Kennedy of Rhode Island, Mr. Hinchey, Mr. McNulty, and Mr. Etheridge) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce RESOLUTION Supporting the goals and ideals of National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month, and for other purposes.

Whereas Alzheimer’s disease is a slow, progressive disorder of the brain that results in loss of memory and other cognitive function and, eventually, results in death; Whereas Alzheimer’s disease is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States and currently affects an estimated five million Americans, with that number expected to triple by 2050; Whereas a number of factors associated with the disease, including stigma, denial, lack of knowledge, resistance to visiting a doctor, and concern about health care costs, may result in a delay of diagnosis, in some cases up to six years; Whereas Alzheimer’s disease takes an enormous toll on loving family members, with an estimated one in four acting as caregivers for each individual with the disease; Whereas caregivers for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease watch closely the deleterious effects of the disease and often suffer more stress, depression, and health problems than caregivers of people with other illnesses; Whereas recent advancements in scientific research have demonstrated the benefits of early medical treatment for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease, and surveys and research have shown the benefits of early access to counseling and other support services for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers, including the opportunity for individuals with the disease to participate in long-term care and end-of-life decisions; Whereas there is broad recognition of the value of early detection and treatment of dementia, and rates of diagnosis and public awareness of dementia need to be increased; Whereas persons with memory problems should consult their physicians or qualified health professionals for evaluation, diagnosis, and necessary treatment; Whereas with early detection and diagnosis, individuals can avoid or correct contributing medical problems, commence available therapy, organize current and future care, and enhance self-determination, and individuals with the disease, caregivers, and other family members can identify and embrace support services in their communities and at a national level; Whereas early recognition of dementia can identify individuals at risk, help individuals plan for their care and take advantage of support services, and lead to interventions to reduce the incidence of avoidable harms such as accidents, injuries, and complications of co-morbid medical conditions; Whereas efforts to promote awareness, early detection, and early diagnosis of memory impairment should be encouraged so that individuals can obtain proper medical treatment, social services, and other resources related to their condition; and Whereas November is National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month, a national observance that was established by President Ronald Reagan in 1983 to increase public awareness of, and Federal research funding to find treatments and a cure for, Alzheimer’s disease: Now, therefore, be it

That the House of Representatives— (1)recognizes the seriousness of Alzheimer’s disease and the toll it takes on individuals living with the disease, their caregivers, and other family members; (2)recognizes that memory loss that disrupts everyday life is not a normal part of aging, and that it is always a good idea to check with a doctor or other qualified health professional if a person’s abilities seem to be declining; (3)acknowledges that more outreach and education is needed to eliminate the stigma associated with the disease and to assist individuals and their caregivers in identifying the signs and symptoms of dementia and pursuing evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, and support; (4)encourages all Americans who may be experiencing memory impairment to contact their physician or other qualified health professional to seek an evaluation and diagnosis; (5)congratulates national and local organizations representing individuals and families living with the disease, caregivers, and health care professionals for their commitment to improve the quality of life for those individuals by providing optimal care and services; and (6)supports the goals and ideals of National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month, including efforts— (A)to raise public awareness about Alzheimer’s disease; (B)to promote early evaluation, diagnosis, planning, and treatment; and (C)to encourage progress toward the development of a national health policy to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and to ensure that people with dementia receive a diagnosis and appropriate care.