Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month and The Longest Day.
SCR 162 highlights the alarming prevalence of Alzheimer's disease in California, where nearly 720,000 residents over the age of 65 are living with this condition. The state's population is projected to grow significantly in the coming years, with estimates suggesting that by 2025, around 840,000 individuals could be impacted. The resolution also outlines the financial burden related to Alzheimer's care, noting that California's Medi-Cal program is expected to escalate spending on skilled nursing and community-based supports for beneficiaries living with Alzheimer's, reaching approximately $5 billion in eight years. This underscores the urgency for greater awareness and support at both state and national levels.
Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 162 (SCR 162) aims to recognize June 2024 as Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month in California, while also declaring June 20, 2024, as The Longest Day in California. This resolution emphasizes the need for heightened public awareness about Alzheimer's disease, urging all Californians to wear purple on The Longest Day to support the vision of the Alzheimer's Association for a world without this debilitating condition. The resolution further underlines the critical importance of continuous state and federal investment in innovative neurological research and treatments for disorders affecting brain health.
The sentiment surrounding SCR 162 is predominantly supportive among lawmakers and advocates for Alzheimer's awareness. Generally, the resolution garners positive feedback from those who believe that increased awareness and advocacy are vital in combating the stigma associated with Alzheimer's and enhancing public understanding of the disease's impact. This initiative is seen not merely as a ceremonial gesture but as crucial to driving state-level investments in necessary resources for patients and caregivers.
While SCR 162 is largely supported, there are underlying concerns regarding the availability of resources and comprehensive support systems for those affected by Alzheimer's and their families. Critics of similar initiatives often point out that resolutions need tangible follow-up actions, such as funding and effective implementation of programs supporting early detection and caregiver assistance. Additionally, some advocates argue for a wider scope in promoting awareness about various neurological and mental health disorders that continue to affect significant portions of the population.