[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 118, 108th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

Proclamation 7839 of November 4, 2004


 
National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month, 2004


By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
Today, it is estimated that over 4 million Americans suffer from
Alzheimer's disease. A progressive, degenerative disorder of the brain,
Alzheimer's robs individuals of their memory and their mental and
physical functions, leading to increasing dependence on others for care.
Factors such as age and family history can contribute to the risk of
developing this disease. While no cure exists yet, researchers are
learning more about this disease and how to enhance the quality of life
for those with Alzheimer's.
President Reagan believed in the courage and capacity of the American
people to overcome any obstacle, and my Administration remains committed
to funding medical research programs to find a cure for Alzheimer's
disease and improving care for Alzheimer's patients and increasing
support for their families. The National Institutes of Health plans to
spend $680 million in Alzheimer's research in 2004 and an estimated $699
million in 2005, a 33 percent increase from 2001. The National
Institutes of Health, along with the Department of Veterans Affairs, is
testing drugs for prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's disease. This
year, the National Institute on Aging launched the Alzheimer's Disease
Neuroimaging Initiative, an innovative partnership with the private
sector that is using the latest technologies to observe changes in the
brains of individuals who are affected by Alzheimer's. This project is
researching ways to enhance early diagnosis and further the development
of treatments. In addition, the Administration on Aging is working with
States to improve home and community-based services for people with
dementia and their families.
As we observe National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month, we recognize
our citizens who are living with this disease and extend our gratitude
to those who provide vital care and support. We also specially recognize
the public and private scientists, researchers, nurses, and health care
providers who are dedicated to finding new and better ways to help
patients and ultimately find a cure for Alzheimer's disease. Their
efforts bring comfort to many and offer hope for the future.

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118 STAT. 4204

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 2004 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 fourth day of
November, in the year of our Lord two thousand four, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
ninth.
GEORGE W. BUSH

PROCLAMATION 7840--NOV. 4, 2004