Alzheimer’s Disease and Brain Awareness Month and The Longest Day.
SCR 75 emphasizes the urgent need for awareness and resources dedicated to Alzheimer's disease, particularly as population forecasts predict a 127% increase in those affected over the next two decades. With approximately 720,000 residents living with Alzheimer's in California, the state's commitment to designate an awareness month is a call to action, urging citizens, healthcare providers, and policymakers to prioritize brain health. It is part of a broader strategy to ensure that the forthcoming challenges associated with the disease are met with adequate preparations and support structures for patients and caregivers alike.
Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 75, introduced by Senator Weber Pierson, aims to declare June 2025 as Alzheimer’s Disease and Brain Awareness Month, and recognizes June 20, 2025, as The Longest Day. This resolution seeks to raise public awareness about Alzheimer's disease, highlighting its devastating human and economic impacts. It encourages Californians to engage in activities and advocacy aimed at increasing understanding and support for individuals affected by this disease and their caregivers. The resolution acknowledges the significant increase in the prevalence of Alzheimer's within California's diverse communities, indicating a growing public health concern.
One notable point of contention surrounding SCR 75 is the significant mention of the disproportionate impact of Alzheimer's on communities of color, particularly among Latinx and Asian American populations. Critics may raise concerns regarding the adequacy of current resources and services available to these communities, which could be exacerbated without targeted initiatives. The resolution highlights the need for an integrated response from state agencies and private sectors to ensure equitable access to diagnostic and supportive services for all Californians affected by Alzheimer's disease.