[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 14890-14891]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING ALZHEIMER'S PATIENTS AND CAREGIVERS OF NORTHERN MICHIGAN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DAN BENISHEK

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 21, 2012

  Mr. BENISHEK. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the citizens of the First 
District of Michigan, I wish to recognize September as World 
Alzheimer's Month, and specifically today, September 21, 2012, as 
Alzheimer's Action Day.
  Alzheimer's is a type of dementia that destroys brain cells causing 
problems with memory, judgment, and behavior. Alzheimer's is a serious 
disease, and is not a normal part of aging. In fact, while most 
Alzheimer's patients are over age 65, for as many as 5% of its victims, 
the disease first appeared in their 40s or 50s.

[[Page 14891]]

  In the United States, an estimated 5.4 million people are living with 
Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's disease is the sixth-leading cause of 
death in the US, and it is the only cause of death among the top 10 in 
the United States that cannot be prevented, cured, or even slowed. It 
has been projected that as many as 16 million Americans may have 
Alzheimer's by the year 2050.
  As a doctor who has treated patients for nearly 30 years in Northern 
Michigan, I understand the devastating impact Alzheimer's disease can 
have on patients and their caregivers. In addition to the physical toll 
Alzheimer's takes on patients, the disease also takes a heavy toll on 
families serving as caregivers through very difficult times. More than 
15 million Americans provide unpaid care to a loved one with 
Alzheimer's. I am reminded of the words which former President Ronald 
Reagan shared in announcing his diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease 18 
years ago: ``Unfortunately, as Alzheimer's disease progresses, the 
family often bears a heavy burden.'' Very poignantly, Nancy Reagan 
referred to Alzheimer's as ``the long goodbye.''
  In sharing his diagnosis, President Reagan also hoped to promote 
greater awareness of the disease. Although awareness of Alzheimer's has 
grown, we need to continue educating others about the disease. While 
there is still no cure or prevention for Alzheimer's, with early 
detection one can get the maximum benefit from available treatments 
that may provide some relief and help maintain independence longer. I 
encourage everyone to know the early warning signs and how they differ 
from typical age-related changes. For example, suffering from memory 
loss that disrupts daily life may be an early sign of Alzheimer's, but 
occasionally forgetting names or appointments, then remembering them 
later, is normal as we age.
  Today, on Alzheimer's Action Day, I stand with the residents of 
Northern Michigan who are fighting ``the long goodbye.'' I also wish to 
acknowledge and honor their dedicated caregivers. Thank you for the 
courage and perseverance you display every day.

                          ____________________