[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 124, 111th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 8591--OCT. 29, 2010

Proclamation 8591 of October 29, 2010
National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month, 2010
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation

Alzheimer's disease tragically robs individuals of their memories and
leads to progressive mental and physical impairments. This eventually
fatal disease represents a serious and growing threat to the health of
our Nation, impacting millions of Americans and their families. During
National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month, we recommit to improving
its detection and treatment, finding a cure, and standing with all whose
lives are affected by this terrible disease.
As we continue our fight against Alzheimer's disease, we must seek new
ways to prevent, delay, and treat this disease. Through the American
Recovery and Reinvestment Act, we are boosting funding for promising
research on risk factors, on improving diagnostic tools and therapies,
and in identifying new preventive measures.
This year's landmark Affordable Care Act also makes important progress
for those living with Alzheimer's disease, as well as their loved ones
and caretakers. This legislation establishes the Cures Acceleration
Network, which will advance cutting-edge research, aid in the
development of highly needed cures, and reduce barriers between
laboratory discoveries and clinical trials for debilitating and life-
threatening conditions like Alzheimer's disease. The Affordable Care Act
seeks to improve care by training nursing home workers who care for
residents with dementia and establishes the Community Living Assistance
Services and Supports (CLASS) Program, a new national long-term care
insurance option. This legislation also provides Medicare beneficiaries
with free annual wellness visits to increase the likelihood of early
cognitive impairment detection, allowing patients and families to better
plan for care needs. And by 2014, Americans living with Alzheimer's
disease and other pre-existing conditions will not have to worry about
having their insurance coverage discontinued or denied.
The human cost of Alzheimer's disease is staggering. We can--and must--
come together to address this growing health challenge. Caring for a
person with Alzheimer's disease is a full-time, non-stop job, and this
month, we also honor the compassionate caregivers and medical
professionals who provide endless comfort and attention to those facing
Alzheimer's disease. Until we find more effective treatments and a cure,
we must continue to support both Alzheimer's disease research and the
caregivers and victims of this devastating disease.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of
America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Con-

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stitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim November
2010 as National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month. I call upon the
people of the United States to learn more about Alzheimer's disease and
what they can do to support their families, friends, and neighbors who
care for those with the disease.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-ninth day
of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand ten, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
fifth.
BARACK OBAMA