Reps. Fattah and Thompson Introduce House Resolution Recognizing November as National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month

WASHINGTON, Nov. 4, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Congressman Chaka Fattah (D-PA) and Congressman Glenn Thompson (R-PA) introduced a resolution today in recognition of November as National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month.  Congressman Fattah, architect of the Fattah Neuroscience Initiative (FNI), has pushed for increased federal funding to support finding a cure for Alzheimer's and other brain diseases. Thompson, who prior to being elected to Congress spent over 28 years in a non-profit healthcare setting as a therapy manager and licensed nursing home administrator, worked with patients facing life-changing diseases and disabilities.

In the United States, more than five million individuals suffer from Alzheimer's—the most common form of dementia.  The disease is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States.

The resolution, H. Res. 396, supports the goals of National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month, including spreading awareness about Alzheimer's disease, and also acknowledges the progress and improvements that neurological research has made in the diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer's.

"Through my Neuroscience Initiative, I have traveled the country and met hundreds of individuals who suffer from this degenerative, life-altering disease, as well as researchers, advocates, and families who remain hopeful because of the number of supporters who come together this month, and every month, to push for heightened awareness and research funding," Congressman Fattah said. "As the U.S. population ages, so will the number of people diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. The economic toll of caring for Alzheimer's patients is high—but the personal toll on family, friends, caregivers, and the patients suffering from the disease is far higher. We cannot stop our efforts until there is a cure."

"This resolution is a mark of appreciation for the amazing work being done through medical research, education, and awareness to improve the lives of millions of Americans coping with this debilitating disease, but also a recognition of how much work must still be done," stated Thompson.  "Alzheimer's took a very heavy toll on my family like the millions of other Americans that are impacted every day by this tragic and devastating disease. Through continued public advocacy, research, and the dedicated work of the scientific community, we can and will find a cure.  During National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month, we rededicate ourselves to this critically important mission."

November was first designated as National Alzheimer's Disease Month 30 years ago by President Ronald Reagan. It was eventually renamed National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month and has been recognized by subsequent presidents over the last three decades.

SOURCE Office of Congressman Chaka Fattah