National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month, 2013

Proclamation 9050 of October 31, 2013

National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month,
2013

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Alzheimer's disease is an irreversible and progressive
brain disease that slowly erodes precious memories,
thinking skills, and the ability to perform simple
tasks. It affects millions of Americans, including
senior citizens as well as younger Americans with
early-onset Alzheimer's disease. This month, we stand
with everyone confronting the painful reality of an
Alzheimer's diagnosis; lend our support to the families
who care for them; and renew our commitment to
delaying, preventing, and ultimately curing this
disease.

In research labs across our country and around the
world, scientists are working to unlock the answers to
Alzheimer's disease. My Administration proudly supports
this promising research. Earlier this year, I proposed
the Brain Research through Advancing Innovative
Neurotechnologies (BRAIN) Initiative, which aims to
revolutionize our understanding of the human brain. By
mapping the brain, we hope to better comprehend the
causes of disorders like Alzheimer's disease and
enhance our work on improving treatment. In September,
the National Institutes of Health announced support for
innovative new studies to help find effective
interventions for this devastating degenerative brain
disease. And my Administration also remains committed
to implementing the first-ever National Plan to Address
Alzheimer's Disease, which lays out a roadmap to
preventing and effectively treating Alzheimer's disease
by 2025.

Working together with scientists, patient advocates,
and those living with this disease, we can give a sense
of hope to millions of families, patients, and
caregivers. For resources and information on living
with or caring for someone with Alzheimer's disease,
please visit www.Alzheimers.gov.

As we offer our support to Americans with Alzheimer's
disease, we also recognize those who care and provide
for them, sharing their loved ones' emotional,
physical, and financial strains. This month, we honor
their compassion, remember those we have lost, and
press toward the next great scientific breakthrough.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the
United States of America, by virtue of the authority
vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the
United States, do hereby proclaim November 2013 as
National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month. I call
upon the people of the United States to learn more
about Alzheimer's disease and support the individuals
living with this disease and their caregivers.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
thirty-first day of October, in the year of our Lord
two thousand thirteen, and of the Independence of the
United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
eighth.