[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 111 (Friday, June 25, 2021)]
[House]
[Page H3138]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 ALZHEIMER'S AND BRAIN AWARENESS MONTH

  (Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania asked and was given permission to 
address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
June as Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month.
  With more than 6 million Americans living with Alzheimer's and nearly 
50 million people living with Alzheimer's and other dementias 
worldwide, it is important to raise awareness. The more we know about 
Alzheimer's, the more action we can inspire.
  Alzheimer's is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States, 
and it is the only one of the top ten causes of death without any 
methods for preventing, curing, or slowing it down. Alzheimer's related 
deaths increased by 16 percent during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  The diagnosis of Alzheimer's is not only devastating to those who are 
diagnosed, but also to their caregivers and loved ones. My own mom 
lived with Alzheimer's for 10 years. It stole her memories and finally 
stole her life.
  In 2021, Alzheimer's care will cost our Nation $355 billion, and by 
2050, costs are expected to rise to more than $1.1 trillion.
  Currently, over 11 million Americans provide unpaid care to family 
and friends living with Alzheimer's and other dementias.
  Mr. Speaker, the time to act is now. Let's join the fight. Let's take 
the pledge to raise awareness about Alzheimer's disease and to never 
stop searching for a cure.

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