[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 214 (Tuesday, November 5, 2002)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 67293-67294]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-28259]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 67, No. 214 / Tuesday, November 5, 2002 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 67293]]


                Proclamation 7617 of October 31, 2002

                
National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month, 
                2002

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Alzheimer's Disease robs its victims of their 
                independence and identity and greatly affects the lives 
                of their loved ones. This disease and other forms of 
                dementia afflict approximately 50 percent of Americans 
                age 85 and older. Due to the rapid growth of our 
                elderly population, experts expect that the number of 
                individuals who will develop this debilitating illness 
                will dramatically increase. As we observe National 
                Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month, we rededicate 
                ourselves to fighting this devastating affliction and 
                to supporting Alzheimer's patients, their families, and 
                their caregivers.

                Alzheimer's Disease harms its victims by altering the 
                brain's chemistry and disrupting signals to the brain 
                by attacking cells, nerves, and transmitters. Those who 
                develop Alzheimer's Disease may experience memory 
                lapses, confusion, or mood swings. They can also become 
                withdrawn and depressed due to lost confidence, and 
                they have significant problems communicating. These 
                symptoms usually worsen over time and, in most cases, 
                patients eventually need help with all of their daily 
                activities.

                Researchers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) 
                and in the private sector are working to understand how 
                Alzheimer's develops. We hope that their advances will 
                lead to new methods for early diagnosis, new 
                medications that will aid Alzheimer's patients in all 
                stages of the disease, and ultimately a cure for this 
                debilitating illness. Recent studies suggest that 
                commonly used substances, including certain vitamins 
                and anti-inflammatory drugs, may help prevent 
                Alzheimer's Disease. In addition, we are working to 
                increase understanding of the genetic and nongenetic 
                risk factors that may influence the development of this 
                disease.

                As we continue to pursue better prevention and 
                treatment regimes, we remain committed to caring for 
                those now afflicted with Alzheimer's disease. 
                Alzheimer's patients generally live for an average of 8 
                to 10 years after they are diagnosed. As the disease 
                progresses, patients require increased support from 
                families and caregivers.

                Scientists at the NIH and the Department of Veterans 
                Affairs are continuing their research to help improve 
                patient care and ease the burdens of caregivers at home 
                and in nursing facilities. The Administration on Aging 
                is working to develop best practices for serving 
                persons with Alzheimer's disease and assisting States 
                as they attempt to improve their responsiveness and the 
                accessibility of home and community-based long-term 
                care services and other support resources. My 
                Administration is increasing access to available 
                information, education, and referrals about diagnostic 
                and treatment services for those afflicted with 
                Alzheimer's Disease.

                During National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month, I 
                commend the members of our research community for their 
                commitment to improving diagnosis and treatment for 
                Alzheimer's Disease; and I encourage those suffering 
                from or at risk for Alzheimer's to participate in 
                clinical treatment studies and therapy trials. These 
                studies and trials have been and continue to be an 
                important part of our progress against this disease. I 
                also commend

[[Page 67294]]

                the families and caregivers of individuals suffering 
                from Alzheimer's disease who provide the care and 
                support to their loved ones and carry the daily burden 
                of this tragic disease.

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the 
                United States of America, by virtue of the authority 
                vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United 
                States, do hereby proclaim November 2002 as National 
                Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month. I call upon the 
                people of the United States to observe this month with 
                appropriate programs and activities.

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                thirty-first day of October, in the year of our Lord 
                two thousand two, and of the Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and twenty-seventh.

                    (Presidential Sig.)B

[FR Doc. 02-28259
Filed 11-4-02; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P