ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE AWARENESS MONTH
2009
BY THE GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
A PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive degenerative disease of the brain causing memory loss and impaired thinking, judgment and behavior; and
WHEREAS, according to the Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer’s is the seventh leading cause of death for older adults and is the most common form of dementia; and
WHEREAS, it is estimated that in 2009 there were more than 5.3 million people in the United States living with Alzheimer’s; this includes 5.1 million people aged 65 and older and 200,000 individuals under age 65 who have younger-onset Alzheimer’s; and
WHEREAS, every 70 seconds, someone in America develops Alzheimer’s disease; according to the Alzheimer’s Association, researchers are predicting that up to 16 million Americans will have Alzheimer’s disease by 2050 unless a cure or prevention is found; and
WHEREAS, Alzheimer’s disease costs the United States $100 billion per year in diagnosis, extended care, family caregiver illness and lost wages according to the National Institute on Aging; and
WHEREAS, neither Medicare nor most private health insurance covers the long term services and support most people with dementia need; and
WHEREAS, November 5, 2009 marks the statewide Fourth Annual Candlelight Reflection honoring lives affected by Alzheimer’s; and
WHEREAS, in recognition of the individuals, families, friends and caregivers dealing with the devastating effects of Alzheimer’s disease, the researchers who are seeking a cause or causes and cure, and the educational programs and support services provided by the two Chapters of the Alzheimer’s Association; Eastern North Carolina Chapter – Raleigh and Western Carolina Chapter – Charlotte;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BEVERLY EAVES PERDUE, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim November 2009, as “ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE AWARENESS MONTH” in North Carolina and urge our citizens to help us ease the burden for individuals, families and caregivers while we search for a cure.
BEVERLY EAVES PERDUE
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Great Seal of the State of North Carolina at the Capitol in Raleigh this thirtieth day of October in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.