[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 109 (Wednesday, June 25, 2025)]
[House]
[Pages H2932-H2933]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING ALZHEIMER'S AND BRAIN AWARENESS MONTH

  (Mr. Thompson of Pennsylvania was recognized to address the House for 
5 minutes.)
  Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
June as Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month, a time to bring 
attention to a disease that impacts nearly every family in America in 
some way.
  This month serves as a solemn reminder of the devastating toll 
Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia continue to take on our loved 
ones, our caregivers, and our communities.
  More than 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's today. 
Around the world, nearly 50 million people are facing daily struggles 
with this disease or related dementias.
  Alzheimer's is not just a health issue. It is a national crisis. It 
is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States and remains 
the only one in the top 10 with no known cure. There is no way to 
prevent it and no effective means to slow its progression.
  During the COVID-19 pandemic, deaths related to Alzheimer's increased 
by 16 percent, further underscoring the urgency for action. Behind 
these statistics are real people.

[[Page H2933]]

  I recently had the privilege of meeting with two advocates from my 
district, Maria Frank of Wellsboro and Julieanne Steinbacher of 
Williamsport. They came to Washington on behalf of the Alzheimer's 
Association to share their personal experiences and to urge continued 
investment in research and support for patients and caregivers.
  However, the Alzheimer's Association does more than just advocate for 
Alzheimer's, dementia patients, and their families. Through its strong 
network of nationwide chapters, the Alzheimer's Association invests 
directly in cutting-edge research, offering free, 24/7 care 
consultation for patients and their families. It hosts community 
education programs and caregiver support groups, ensuring families and 
patients receive the critical resources that they need.
  Their stories are a powerful reminder that behind every diagnosis is 
a family doing everything they can to hold on to moments, to dignity, 
and to hope. This is personal for so many of us.
  A diagnosis of Alzheimer's doesn't impact one individual. It affects 
entire families. There is hope. We have seen progress through 
bipartisan investment in research. Continued support for groundbreaking 
innovation can bring us closer to treatment and, one day, a cure.
  Mr. Speaker, I thank Maria and Julieanne for their tireless advocacy 
and commitment to this cause. This month let's support the families 
impacted and never stop believing in a future where Alzheimer's is no 
longer a devastating diagnosis but a defeated disease.

                          ____________________