[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 3, Volume 1]
[Revised as of January 1, 2003]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 3CFR7617]

Proc. 7617

[[Page 167]]

Proclamation 7617 of October 31, 2002

National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month, 2002

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

          Alzheimer's Disease robs its victims of their independence and 
          identity and greatly affects the lives of their loved ones. 
          This disease and other forms of dementia afflict approximately 
          50 percent of Americans age 85 and older. Due to the rapid 
          growth of our elderly population, experts expect that the 
          number of individuals who will develop this debilitating 
          illness will dramatically increase. As we observe National 
          Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month, we rededicate ourselves 
          to fighting this devastating affliction and to supporting 
          Alzheimer's patients, their families, and their caregivers.
          Alzheimer's Disease harms its victims by altering the brain's 
          chemistry and disrupting signals to the brain by attacking 
          cells, nerves, and transmitters. Those who develop Alzheimer's 
          Disease may experience memory lapses, confusion, or mood 
          swings. They can also become withdrawn and depressed due to 
          lost confidence, and they have significant problems 
          communicating. These symptoms usually worsen over time and, in 
          most cases, patients eventually need help with all of their 
          daily activities.
          Researchers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and in 
          the private sector are working to understand how Alzheimer's 
          develops. We hope that their advances will lead to new methods 
          for early diagnosis, new medications that will aid Alzheimer's 
          patients in all stages of the disease, and ultimately a cure 
          for this debilitating illness. Recent studies suggest that 
          commonly used substances, including certain vitamins and anti-
          inflammatory drugs, may help prevent Alzheimer's Disease. In 
          addition, we are working to increase understanding of the 
          genetic and nongenetic risk factors that may influence the 
          development of this disease.
          As we continue to pursue better prevention and treatment 
          regimes, we remain committed to caring for those now afflicted 
          with Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's patients generally live 
          for an average of 8 to 10 years after they are diagnosed. As 
          the disease progresses, patients require increased support 
          from families and caregivers.
          Scientists at the NIH and the Department of Veterans Affairs 
          are continuing their research to help improve patient care and 
          ease the burdens of caregivers at home and in nursing 
          facilities. The Administration on Aging is working to develop 
          best practices for serving persons with Alzheimer's disease 
          and assisting States as they attempt to improve their 
          responsiveness and the accessibility of home and community-
          based long-term care services and other support resources. My 
          Administration is increasing access to available information, 
          education, and referrals about diagnostic and treatment 
          services for those afflicted with Alzheimer's Disease.
          During National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month, I commend 
          the members of our research community for their commitment to 
          improving diagnosis and treatment for Alzheimer's Disease; and 
          I encourage those suffering from or at risk for Alzheimer's to 
          participate in clinical treatment studies and therapy trials. 
          These studies and trials have been and continue

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          to be an important part of our progress against this disease. 
          I also commend the families and caregivers of individuals 
          suffering from Alzheimer's disease who provide the care and 
          support to their loved ones and carry the daily burden of this 
          tragic disease.
          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 2002 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.
          IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirty-
          first day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand 
          two, and of the Independence of the United States of America 
          the two hundred and twenty-seventh.

GEORGE W. BUSH