Whereas Alzheimer’s disease is a slow, progressive
disorder of the brain that results in loss of memory and other cognitive
function and, eventually, death;
Whereas Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth leading cause of
death in the United States and currently affects an estimated 2,400,000 to
4,500,000 people in the United States;
Whereas the stigma associated with the disease results in
a delay of diagnosis, in some cases up to 6 years;
Whereas Alzheimer’s disease takes an enormous toll on
family members, with an estimated 1 in 4 people in the United States acting as
caregivers for each individual with the disease;
Whereas caregivers for individuals with Alzheimer’s
disease 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, as well as the benefits of early access to counseling and
other support services for their caregivers;
Whereas with early diagnosis, individuals with the disease
can avoid or correct contributing medical problems, commence available therapy,
organize current and future care, and enhance self-determination, and
caregivers can identify and embrace community support services;
Whereas in direct response to research breakthroughs,
National Memory Screening Day was established by the Alzheimer’s Foundation of
America (AFA
) as a collaborative effort with local organizations
and health care professionals across the country to promote awareness, early
detection, and early diagnosis of memory impairment, so that individuals can
obtain proper medical treatment, social services, and other resources related
to their condition;
Whereas National Memory Screening Day is held by AFA each
November in recognition of National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month and on
this day, qualified health care professionals administer free, confidential,
face-to-face memory screenings at thousands of sites throughout the United
States;
Whereas memory screening is not used to diagnose any
illness but is used as an indicator to determine whether a person might benefit
from further examination by a qualified health care provider;
Whereas memory screenings are a safe and cost-effective
intervention to direct at-risk individuals to appropriate clinical resources,
thus reducing the costs of long-term care or hospitalization resulting from
undiagnosed complications; and
Whereas screenings also greatly benefit those with normal
scores, by checking their memory, allaying fears, and promoting chronic disease
prevention and successful aging: Now, therefore, be it
That the House of
Representatives—
(1)recognizes the
seriousness of Alzheimer’s disease and the toll it takes on individuals with
the disease and their caregivers;
(2)acknowledges that
more outreach and education is needed to eliminate the stigma associated with
the disease and assist individuals and their caregivers in identifying
available screenings, treatments and support;
(3)encourages all
people in the United States with memory concerns or who want to check their
memory to have annual memory screenings at National Memory Screening Day sites
or by other qualified health care professionals;
(4)congratulates
State and local organizations representing individuals with memory problems,
caregivers, and health care professionals for their commitment to improve the
quality of life of individuals and families confronting dementia by providing
optimal care and services; and
(5)supports the goals
and ideals of National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month and National Memory
Screening Day, including the development of a national health policy on
dementia screening and care.