[Federal Register: November 9, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 216)]
[Presidential Documents]               
[Page 65043-65044]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr09no04-110]                         



                        Presidential Documents 




[[Page 65043]]


                Proclamation 7839 of November 4, 2004

 
                National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month, 
                2004

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Today, it is estimated that over 4 million Americans 
                suffer from Alzheimer's disease. A progressive, 
                degenerative disorder of the brain, Alzheimer's robs 
                individuals of their memory and their mental and 
                physical functions, leading to increasing dependence on 
                others for care. Factors such as age and family history 
                can contribute to the risk of developing this disease. 
                While no cure exists yet, researchers are learning more 
                about this disease and how to enhance the quality of 
                life for those with Alzheimer's.

                President Reagan believed in the courage and capacity 
                of the American people to overcome any obstacle, and my 
                Administration remains committed to funding medical 
                research programs to find a cure for Alzheimer's 
                disease and improving care for Alzheimer's patients and 
                increasing support for their families. The National 
                Institutes of Health plans to spend $680 million in 
                Alzheimer's research in 2004 and an estimated $699 
                million in 2005, a 33 percent increase from 2001. The 
                National Institutes of Health, along with the 
                Department of Veterans Affairs, is testing drugs for 
                prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's disease. This 
                year, the National Institute on Aging launched the 
                Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative, an 
                innovative partnership with the private sector that is 
                using the latest technologies to observe changes in the 
                brains of individuals who are affected by Alzheimer's. 
                This project is researching ways to enhance early 
                diagnosis and further the development of treatments. In 
                addition, the Administration on Aging is working with 
                States to improve home and community-based services for 
                people with dementia and their families.

                As we observe National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness 
                Month, we recognize our citizens who are living with 
                this disease and extend our gratitude to those who 
                provide vital care and support. We also specially 
                recognize the public and private scientists, 
                researchers, nurses, and health care providers who are 
                dedicated to finding new and better ways to help 
                patients and ultimately find a cure for Alzheimer's 
                disease. Their efforts bring comfort to many and offer 
                hope for the future.

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the 
                United States of America, by virtue of the authority 
                vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United 
                States, do hereby proclaim November 2004 as National 
                Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month. I call upon the 
                people of the United States to observe this month with 
                appropriate programs and activities.

[[Page 65044]]

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                fourth day of November, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand four, and of the Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and twenty-ninth.

                    (Presidential Sig.)B

[FR Doc. 04-25164
Filed 11-8-04; 9:39 am]

Billing code 3195-01-P