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 cog-
nitive 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 esti-
mated five million Americans, with that number expected 
to triple by 2050; 
Whereas a number of factors associated with the disease, in-
cluding 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 re-
search have shown the benefits of early access to coun-
seling and other support services for individuals with Alz-
heimer’s disease and their caregivers, including the op-
portunity 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 de-
tection 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, com-
mence 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 com-
munities and at a national level; 
Whereas early recognition of dementia can identify individ-
uals 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 acci-
dents, injuries, and complications of co-morbid medical 
conditions; 
Whereas efforts to promote awareness, early detection, and 
early diagnosis of memory impairment should be encour-
aged so that individuals can obtain proper medical treat-
ment, social services, and other resources related to their 
condition; and 
Whereas November is National Alzheimer’s Disease Aware-
ness Month, a national observance that was established 
by President Ronald Reagan in 1983 to increase public 
awareness of, and Federal research funding to find treat-
ments and a cure for, Alzheimer’s disease: Now, there-
fore, be it 
Resolved, That the House of Representatives— 
(1) recognizes the seriousness of Alzheimer’s 
disease and the toll it takes on individuals living 
with the disease, their caregivers, and other family 
members; 
(2) recognizes that memory loss that disrupts 
everyday life is not a normal part of aging, and that 
it is always a good idea to check with a doctor or 
other qualified health professional if a person’s abili-
ties seem to be declining; 
(3) acknowledges that more outreach and edu-
cation is needed to eliminate the stigma associated 
with the disease and to assist individuals and their 
caregivers in identifying the signs and symptoms of 
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dementia and pursuing evaluation, diagnosis, treat-
ment, and support; 
(4) encourages all Americans who may be expe-
riencing memory impairment to contact their physi-
cian or other qualified health professional to seek an 
evaluation and diagnosis; 
(5) congratulates national and local organiza-
tions representing individuals and families living 
with the disease, caregivers, and health care profes-
sionals for their commitment to improve the quality 
of life for those individuals by providing optimal care 
and services; and 
(6) supports the goals and ideals of National 
Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month, including ef-
forts— 
(A) to raise public awareness about Alz-
heimer’s disease; 
(B) to promote early evaluation, diagnosis, 
planning, and treatment; and 
(C) to encourage progress toward the de-
velopment of a national health policy to raise 
awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and to en-
sure that people with dementia receive a diag-
nosis and appropriate care. 
Æ 
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