[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 134 (Thursday, December 7, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2120]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  NATIONAL ALZHEIMER'S AWARENESS MONTH

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                            HON. CONNIE MACK

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 6, 2006

  Mr. MACK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my support for the 
goals and ideals of National Alzheimer's Awareness month. It is during 
this month that we recognize the millions of Americans who have 
succumbed to this devastating disease, as well as their loved ones and 
caretakers. It is also a time to renew our commitment to advancing the 
research efforts aimed at preventing and combating Alzheimer's disease.
  As America's Baby Boomer generation ages, the need to find a cure for 
this disease is more urgent than ever. There is groundbreaking work 
being done at our Nation's premier research universities, the National 
Institutes of Health, as well as the Department of Veterans Affairs, to 
further understand how Alzheimer's affects the brain. We must continue 
to support this cutting edge research to combat and prevent the 
debilitating effects of this disease.
  Far too many Americans are faced with what Nancy Reagan called the 
``long, long goodbye.'' Over 4 million Americans are living with 
Alzheimer's and it is estimated that in the next 50 years that number 
will likely triple. These numbers do not take into account the 
countless family members, loved ones, and caretakers who shoulder the 
burden to ensure that patients are able to live out their days with as 
much dignity and comfort as possible.

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