[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 163 (2017), Part 3]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 4287]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                          BRAIN AWARENESS WEEK

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EARL BLUMENAUER

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 15, 2017

  Mr. BLUMENAUER. Mr. Speaker, March 13 through 17, 2017 commemorates 
Brain Awareness Week, which presents an important opportunity to 
educate lawmakers, students, and the broader public about brain 
science, and its many impacts and benefits. This is critical when you 
consider that brain disorders and diseases affect the lives of nearly 
100 million Americans--from Alzheimer's to ALS to mental illness.
  Neurological and neurodegenerative disorders are among the leading 
causes of disability in the United States and around the world--greater 
than heart disease and cancer put together. As society ages, this 
number will increase exponentially as will the cost to the healthcare 
system and to the economy. Yet, the underlying causes of most 
neurological diseases remain unknown.
  Neuroscience is the next great frontier. Research and work being done 
in this field needs to be front and center in both the private world 
and Congress.
  The bipartisan Congressional Neuroscience Caucus' mission is to build 
awareness of the intrinsic role brain research plays in understanding 
ourselves and our society. As the Co-Founder and Co-Chair, I am 
committed to working on these important issues and hope my colleagues 
will join our efforts as members of the Congressional Neuroscience 
Caucus.

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