November 24, 2003

Congressman Gregory W. Meeks Reaffirms
Support for Alzheimer's Disease Prevention, Treatment and Care

St. Albans---Congressman Gregory W. Meeks (D-NY) today reaffirmed his support for efforts to prevent, treat and cure Alzheimer's disease, as Americans commemorate National Alzheimer's Disease Month this November.

"As we enter the last week of November I reflect back on how Alzheimer's disease is a human tragedy that touches all Americans both young and old," said U.S. Rep Meeks. "National Alzheimer's Disease Month is an opportunity to rededicate ourselves to finding a cure, and to offer support to the spouses, families and care givers of people with Alzheimer's."

Alzheimer's disease is not a normal part of aging. It is a brain disease that results in impaired memory, thinking and behavior. Over the past 20 years, immense progress has been made in understanding the disease and its risk factors, but much remains to be done to delay progression of the disease, prevent it and ultimately find a cure.

"As America observes National Alzheimer's Disease Month, I hope that policymakers and the public will develop a better understanding of the toll this disease takes on people with Alzheimer's and on those who care for them," said U.S. Rep Meeks. "I urge Congress and the private sector to continue to support funding for Alzheimer's disease research and to continue to build an environment ripe for new discoveries."

Throughout November, organizations such as the Alzheimer's Association sponsor events for families, care givers and the public. To find out about National Alzheimer's Disease Month events and informational seminars available throughout the year planned in the Sixth Congressional District, Queens and Long Island, visit the Alzheimer's Association's Web site at htpp://www.alz.org/about us/leadership/NADM.htm.

National Alzheimer's Disease Month traces its origins to November 1983 when then-President Ronald Reagan, who was later diagnosed with the disease, first signed a proclamation calling the nation's attention to this disease. This event marked the beginning of greater advocacy for and awareness and understanding of Alzheimer's disease. National Alzheimer's Disease Month is observed annually.

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