[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 214 (Monday, November 7, 2005)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 67639-67640]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-22298]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 214 / Monday, November 7, 2005 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 67639]]


                Proclamation 7958 of November 3, 2005

                
National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month, 
                2005

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month is an 
                opportunity to recognize the strength of family 
                members, doctors, nurses, volunteers, and others who 
                provide care for those living with this devastating 
                disease. During this month, we also reaffirm our 
                commitment to victims of this disease. We hope to 
                enhance the quality of life for Alzheimer's patients 
                and improve prevention and treatment.

                Approximately 4.5 million Americans are affected by 
                Alzheimer's disease. The disease gradually destroys 
                parts of the brain that control memory, learning, 
                communication, and reason. As it progresses, 
                individuals may also experience changes in behavior and 
                personality, leading to severely impaired cognitive 
                abilities and the need for full-time care and 
                assistance. Age remains the greatest risk factor--the 
                National Institute on Aging estimates that the 
                percentage of people who develop Alzheimer's disease 
                doubles for each 5-year age group beyond 65. 
                Alzheimer's affects nearly half of those over 85.

                While there is no known cure or certain treatment, 
                researchers are learning more about what causes this 
                tragic disease and how to control its symptoms. My 
                Administration remains committed to funding medical 
                research programs to help prevent, treat, and find a 
                cure for Alzheimer's disease. The National Institute on 
                Aging has begun new initiatives to improve development 
                and testing of medicines that may slow progression of 
                the disease. The Department of Veterans Affairs is 
                supporting research through its Geriatric Research, 
                Education and Clinical Centers, and the Administration 
                on Aging is working to improve home and community-based 
                services for Alzheimer's patients. By working together, 
                we can learn more about treatment options and bring 
                greater comfort to those afflicted with this disease.

                Our Nation is grateful for the scientists, researchers, 
                and health care professionals who are dedicated to 
                treating Alzheimer's patients and finding a cure. We 
                are also grateful for the hard work and compassionate 
                spirit of family members and caregivers. Their efforts 
                reflect the character and spirit of America.

                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 2005 as National 
                Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month. I call upon all 
                Americans to observe this month with appropriate 
                programs and activities.

[[Page 67640]]

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                third day of November, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand five, and of the Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and thirtieth.

                    (Presidential Sig.)B

[FR Doc. 05-22298
Filed 11-4-05; 9:20 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P