[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 213 (Thursday, November 3, 2016)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 76835-76836]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-26801]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 81 , No. 213 / Thursday, November 3, 2016 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 76835]]


                Proclamation 9534 of October 31, 2016

                
National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month, 
                2016

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                A heartbreaking disease present in more than 5 million 
                Americans, Alzheimer's is the most common form of 
                dementia and causes people to lose many of the critical 
                abilities they need to live independently. Too often, 
                those suffering from Alzheimer's cannot recognize their 
                loved ones or remember how to perform daily tasks, 
                struggling physically and mentally with things that 
                once came naturally. Although we have long known 
                Alzheimer's to be irreversible and fatal, we maintain 
                hope that by advancing research and treatment options 
                we can work to change these outcomes and ensure 
                brighter prospects for all those who face this disease. 
                During National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month, we 
                resolve to continue working toward this brighter future 
                as we stand with every person battling, Alzheimer's and 
                their loved ones.

                Alzheimer's disease is more likely to affect Americans 
                as they grow older--although genetics can also play a 
                role, age is the most significant risk factor. But 
                Alzheimer's touches many more individuals than simply 
                those who are diagnosed. Dedicated caregivers--whether 
                professionals, family members, or friends--are also 
                emotionally, physically, and financially affected by 
                Alzheimer's disease, giving of themselves to ensure 
                those who face it are not alone. And because these 
                individuals need access to information and resources in 
                order to provide this essential care, we launched 
                www.Alzheimers.gov to give them a place to find help.

                Through the National Plan to Address Alzheimer's 
                Disease, my Administration has been working to meet a 
                goal of being able to prevent and effectively treat 
                this illness by 2025. Over the past year we have taken 
                a number of actions to reach this vision, including 
                developing a training curriculum that gives health care 
                workers the necessary skills to care for dementia 
                patients and better detect and diagnose dementia. We 
                have also helped family caregivers look after their own 
                health, in addition to addressing the needs of people 
                with dementia, and launched a campaign to increase 
                awareness of changes in the brain as people age so that 
                older adults feel more comfortable having open 
                conversations with family members and health care 
                providers.

                In addition to ensuring anyone with Alzheimer's can 
                access proper care, we must harness the innovative 
                ideas of the scientific community and work to prevent 
                this disease. To ramp up research and development aimed 
                at uncovering the answers to diseases like Alzheimer's, 
                I have increased funding for research dedicated to 
                understanding, preventing, and curing Alzheimer's and 
                related dementias. I also introduced the Brain Research 
                through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies 
                Initiative, which will enhance our understanding of 
                brain function and give scientists the tools they need 
                to better understand and discover new ways to treat, 
                cure, and prevent brain disorders. And through a bold 
                new research effort that seeks to deliver personalized 
                care through patient-centered research and 
                collaboration, my Precision Medicine Initiative is 
                working to revolutionize our understanding of diseases 
                like Alzheimer's.

[[Page 76836]]

                From researchers and advocates who are bringing us 
                closer to preventing this disease to family members who 
                devotedly look after their loved ones, people across 
                our country are doing their part to support those 
                touched by Alzheimer's. This month, let us honor those 
                we have lost too soon and renew our efforts to ensure 
                more Americans can live their lives with health and 
                happiness.

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the 
                United States of America, by virtue of the authority 
                vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the 
                United States, do hereby proclaim November 2016 as 
                National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month. I call 
                upon the people of the United States to learn more 
                about Alzheimer's disease and support the individuals 
                living with this disease and their caregivers.

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                thirty-first day of October, in the year of our Lord 
                two thousand sixteen, and of the Independence of the 
                United States of America the two hundred and forty-
                first.
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 2016-26801
Filed 11-2-16; 11:15 am]
Billing code 3295-F7-P