LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim November 2015, as Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month, in
conjunction with the observance of National Caregiver Month, and Novem-
ber 18, 2015, as Memory Screening Day in the State of New York

WHEREAS, Alzheimer's disease is a slow, progressive disorder of the
brain that results in loss of memory and other cognitive function and,
eventually death; and
WHEREAS, Today, more than five million Americans have Alzheimer's
disease; including approximately 200,000 individuals younger than the
age of 65 who have younger-onset Alzheimer's disease; and
WHEREAS, Women are more likely to be diagnosed with Alzheimer's
disease; more than two-thirds of all those suffering from this devastat-
ing disease are women; and
WHEREAS, In New York alone, it is estimated that more than 320,000
aged 65 and older are currently affected by Alzheimer's disease; and
WHEREAS, The stigma associated with Alzheimer's disease results in a
delay of diagnosis, in some cases up to six years; and
WHEREAS, In 2014, the direct costs to American society of caring for
those with Alzheimer's disease will total an estimated $214 billion,
including $150 billion in costs to Medicare and Medicaid; and
WHEREAS, Alzheimer's disease takes an enormous toll on family members,
with an estimated one in four acting as caregivers for each individual
with the disease; and
WHEREAS, Caregivers for individuals with Alzheimer's disease suffer
more stress, depression and health problems than caregivers of people
with other illnesses; and
WHEREAS, Recent advancements in scientific research have demonstrated
the benefits of early medical treatment for individuals with Alzheimer's
disease, as well as the benefits of early access to counseling and other
support services for their caregivers; and
WHEREAS, With early diagnosis, individuals can avoid or correct
contributing medical problems, commence available therapy, organize
current and future care and enhance self-determination, and caregivers
can identify and embrace community support services; and
WHEREAS, National Memory Screening Day was established by the
Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA) as a collaborative effort with
local organizations and health care professionals across the country to
promote awareness, early detection, and early diagnosis of memory
impairment, so that individuals can obtain proper medical treatment,
social services and other resources related to their condition; and
WHEREAS, National Memory Screening Day is held by AFA each November in
recognition of National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month and on this
day, healthcare professionals administer free, confidential, face-to-
face memory screenings at thousands of sites throughout the United
States; and
WHEREAS, Memory screening is not used to diagnose any illness but is
used as an indicator to determine whether a person might benefit from
further examination by a qualified healthcare provider; and
WHEREAS, Memory screenings are a safe and cost-effective intervention
to direct at-risk individuals to appropriate clinical resources, thus
reducing the costs of long-term care or hospitalization resulting from
undiagnosed complications; and
WHEREAS, Screenings also greatly benefit those with normal scores, by
checking their memory, allaying fears and promoting chronic disease
prevention and successful aging; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim November 2015, as
Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month, in conjunction with the observance
of National Caregiver Month, and November 18, 2015, as Memory Screening
Day in the State of New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New
York, and the Alzheimer's Foundation of America.