LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim June 2016 as Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month in the State
of New York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize official
months 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 proclaim June 2016 as Alzheimer's and
Brain Awareness Month in the State of New York; and
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; this disease accounts for 60%-80% of cases of demen-
tia; and
WHEREAS, Every 66 seconds, someone in the United States develops the
disease, for which there are no robust treatments or cures and is ulti-
mately fatal; and
WHEREAS, It is estimated by 2050, there will be as many as 16 million
Americans diagnosed with Alzheimer's; the cost of caring for those with
Alzheimer's and other dementia is estimated to rise to $1.1 trillion by
mid-century; the cost for caring for someone with Alzheimer's or another
dementia is $236 billion; and
WHEREAS, Nearly one in every three seniors die from Alzheimer's or
another form of dementia each year; it is time to shine a light on the
millions of individuals, their families and caregivers who are affected
by Alzheimer's disease; and
WHEREAS, There are 390,000 New Yorkers with Alzheimer's currently,
with over 1,021,000 Alzheimer's caregivers in New York providing
1,163,000,000 hours of unpaid care valued at more than $14.2 billion;
and
WHEREAS, Alzheimer's disease is the sixth-leading cause of death in
the U.S. and the fifth-leading cause of death for those age 65 and
older; and
WHEREAS, Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month is held in recognition
of all those facing this devastating disease; and
WHEREAS, June 20th is Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Day, on which
there will be awareness events held throughout New York and all New
Yorkers are encouraged to wear purple to acknowledge the Alzheimer's
Association effort to create a dementia capable and dementia friendly
New York; and
WHEREAS, It is imperative that there be greater public awareness of
this public health crisis, and more must be done to increase activity at
the local, State and national levels; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim June 2016 as
Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month in the State of New York, and to
further recognize June 20th as Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Day; 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.