IV 

110TH CONGRESS 

1ST SESSION H. RES. 617 

Supporting the goals and ideals of National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness 

Month, and for other purposes. 

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 

AUGUST 3, 2007 

Mr. MARKEY submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the 

Committee on Energy and Commerce 

RESOLUTION 

Supporting the goals and ideals of National Alzheimer’s 

Disease Awareness Month, and for other purposes. 

Whereas Alzheimer’s disease is a slow, progressive disorder of 

the brain that results in loss of memory and other cognitive function and, eventually, results in death; 

Whereas Alzheimer’s disease is the seventh leading cause of 

death in the United States and currently affects an estimated five million Americans, with that number expected 

to triple by 2050; 

Whereas a number of factors associated with the disease, including stigma, denial, lack of knowledge, resistance to 

visiting a doctor, and concern about health care costs, 

may result in a delay of diagnosis, in some cases up to 

six years; 


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•HRES 617 IH 

Whereas Alzheimer’s disease takes an enormous toll on loving 

family members, with an estimated one in four acting as 

caregivers for each individual with the disease; 

Whereas caregivers for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease 

watch closely the deleterious effects of the disease and 

often suffer more stress, depression, and health problems 

than caregivers of people with other illnesses; 

Whereas recent advancements in scientific research have 

demonstrated the benefits of early medical treatment for 

individuals with Alzheimer’s disease, and surveys and research have shown the benefits of early access to counseling and other support services for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers, including the opportunity for individuals with the disease to participate in 

long-term care and end-of-life decisions; 

Whereas there is broad recognition of the value of early detection and treatment of dementia, and rates of diagnosis 

and public awareness of dementia need to be increased; 

Whereas persons with memory problems should consult their 

physicians or qualified health professionals for evaluation, 

diagnosis, and necessary treatment; 

Whereas with early detection and diagnosis, individuals can 

avoid or correct contributing medical problems, commence available therapy, organize current and future 

care, and enhance self-determination, and individuals 

with the disease, caregivers, and other family members 

can identify and embrace support services in their communities and at a national level; 

Whereas early recognition of dementia can identify individuals at risk, help individuals plan for their care and take 

advantage of support services, and lead to interventions 


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to reduce the incidence of avoidable harms such as accidents, injuries, and complications of co-morbid medical 

conditions; 

Whereas efforts to promote awareness, early detection, and 

early diagnosis of memory impairment should be encouraged so that individuals can obtain proper medical treatment, social services, and other resources related to their 

condition; and 

Whereas November is National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month, a national observance that was established 

by President Ronald Reagan in 1983 to increase public 

awareness of, and Federal research funding to find treatments and a cure for, Alzheimer’s disease: Now, therefore, be it 

1 Resolved, That the House of Representatives— 

2 (1) recognizes the seriousness of Alzheimer’s 

3 disease and the toll it takes on individuals living 

4 with the disease, their caregivers, and other family 

5 members; 

6 (2) recognizes that memory loss that disrupts 

7 everyday life is not a normal part of aging, and that 

8 it is always a good idea to check with a doctor or 

9 other qualified health professional if a person’s abili10 ties seem to be declining; 

11 (3) acknowledges that more outreach and edu12 cation is needed to eliminate the stigma associated 

13 with the disease and to assist individuals and their 

14 caregivers in identifying the signs and symptoms of 


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1 dementia and pursuing evaluation, diagnosis, treat2 ment, and support; 

3 (4) encourages all Americans who may be expe4 riencing memory impairment to contact their physi5 cian or other qualified health professional to seek an 

6 evaluation and diagnosis; 

7 (5) congratulates national and local organiza8 tions representing individuals and families living 

9 with the disease, caregivers, and health care profes10 sionals for their commitment to improve the quality 

11 of life for those individuals by providing optimal care 

12 and services; and 

13 (6) supports the goals and ideals of National 

14 Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month, including ef15 forts— 

16 (A) to raise public awareness about Alz17 heimer’s disease; 

18 (B) to promote early evaluation, diagnosis, 

19 planning, and treatment; and 

20 (C) to encourage progress toward the de21 velopment of a national health policy to raise 

22 awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and to en23 sure that people with dementia receive a diag24 nosis and appropriate care. 

Æ 


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