[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 130, 114th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
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

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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.
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.
BARACK OBAMA