[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 40, Number 45 (Monday, November 8, 2004)]
[Pages 2795-2796]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7839--National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month, 2004

 November 4, 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

[[Page 2796]]

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.
     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

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 9:39 a.m., November 8, 
2004]

Note: This proclamation will be published in the Federal Register on 
November 9.