[Congressional Bills 110th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 617 Introduced in House (IH)]







110th CONGRESS
  1st Session
H. RES. 617

    Supporting the goals and ideals of National Alzheimer's Disease 
                Awareness Month, and for other purposes.


_______________________________________________________________________


                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                             August 3, 2007

 Mr. Markey 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
    Resolved, 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.
                                 <all>