LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to declare
May 16, 2012, as Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Day in the State of New
York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize official
days that are set aside to increase awareness of serious issues that
affect the lives of citizens of New York State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, it is the sense of this Legislative Body to memori-
alize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to declare May 16, 2012, as Alzheimer's
Disease Awareness Day in the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Alzheimer's disease is a progressive, degenerative disorder
that attacks the brain and results in disorientation, with impaired
memory, thinking, and judgment; and
WHEREAS, In the United States, an estimated 5.4 million people are
living with Alzheimer's disease and unless something is done to change
the trajectory of the disease, as many as 16 million Americans will have
Alzheimer's by 2050; and
WHEREAS, In New York State, an estimated 320,000 Empire State resi-
dents are living with Alzheimer's disease, and an estimated 350,000 New
York residents will have Alzheimer's disease by 2025; and
WHEREAS, The national cost of caring for people with Alzheimer's and
other dementias is estimated to total $200 billion in 2012 and is
projected to increase to $1.1 trillion per year; and
WHEREAS, In New York State, 994,540 people serve as unpaid caregivers
to individuals with Alzheimer's disease providing $13.45 billion dollars
in uncompensated care; and
WHEREAS, New York State must support policies that encourages early
detection of Alzheimer's disease; and
WHEREAS, New York State policy must support community based outreach
and education services for individuals with Alzheimer's disease and
their caregivers; and
WHEREAS, It is imperative that there be greater public awareness of
this serious health crisis, and more must be done to increase activity
at the State, local and national levels to support the patients as well
as their caregivers and families; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to declare May 16, 2012, as
Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Day in the State of New York; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New
York.