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Regular Session, 2014
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTI ON NO. 87
BY REPRESENTATIVE JAMES
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
To commend the Louisiana chapter of the Alzheimer's Association for its efforts in Louisiana to
eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research, provide and enhance
care and support for all affected, and reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of
brain health, and to recognize Wednesday, April 23, 2014, as Alzheimer's Awareness Day
at the state capitol.
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, Alzheimer's disease is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States and
currently affects an estimated five million Americans; and
WHEREAS, more than five hundred thousand seniors die each year because they have
Alzheimer's disease; and
WHEREAS, in Louisiana alone it is estimated that more than ninety-two thousand people
have Alzheimer's disease; and
WHEREAS, Alzheimer's disease takes an enormous toll on family members, with an
estimated two hundred twenty-eight thousand people in Louisiana acting as caregivers for
individuals with the disease; and
WHEREAS, caregivers for individuals with Alzheimer's disease suffer from increased levels
of stress and depression that differ from those of caregivers who deal with other illnesses and that
can create health problems unique to those caregivers; and
WHEREAS, the Alzheimer's Association works on a global, national, and local level to
enhance care and support for all those affected by Alzheimer's disease and other dementias; and
WHEREAS, as the largest nonprofit funder of Alzheimer's disease research, the Alzheimer's
Association is committed to accelerating progress of new treatments, preventions, and ultimately,
a cure; and
WHEREAS, through its partnerships and funded projects, the Alzheimer's Association has
been part of every major research advancement over the past thirty years; and ENROLLEDHCR NO. 87
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WHEREAS, although there is currently no cure for Alzheimer's disease, new treatments are
on the horizon as a result of accelerating insight into the biology of the disease; and
WHEREAS, research has also shown that effective care and support can improve quality of
life for individuals and their caregivers over the course of the disease from diagnosis to the end of
life; 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, the Alzheimer's Association is a leading voice for Alzheimer's disease
advocacy, fighting for critical Alzheimer's research, prevention, and care initiatives at the state and
federal level, and working diligently to make Alzheimer's a national priority; and
WHEREAS, the Alzheimer's Association is committed to the eradication of Alzheimer's
disease and other forms of dementia through the advancement of research, committed to providing
and enhancing care and support of all affected, and committed to reducing the risk of dementia
through the promotion of brain health.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of Louisiana does hereby commend
the Louisiana chapter of the Alzheimer's Association for its efforts in Louisiana to eliminate
Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research, provide and enhance care and support for
all affected, and reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health, and to recognize
Wednesday, April 23, 2014, as Alzheimer's Awareness Day at the state capitol.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a suitable copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the
Louisiana chapter of the Alzheimer's Association.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATI VES
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE