Florida Senate - 2009                            (NP)    SR 2716
       
       
       
       By Senator Wise
       
       
       
       
       5-01994C-09                                           20092716__
    1                          Senate Resolution                        
    2         A resolution recognizing the devastating and far
    3         reaching effects of Alzheimer’s disease, honoring the
    4         caregivers and health care providers of those who have
    5         the disease, and encouraging participation in National
    6         Memory Screening Day.
    7  
    8         WHEREAS, Alzheimer’s disease is a slow, progressive
    9  disorder of the brain that results in loss of memory and other
   10  cognitive function and, eventually, death, and
   11         WHEREAS, Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth leading cause of
   12  death in the United States and currently affects an estimated
   13  2.4 million to 4.5 million Americans, and
   14         WHEREAS, in Florida, alone, it is estimated that more than
   15  500,000 people have Alzheimer’s disease, and
   16         WHEREAS, the stigma associated with the disease results in
   17  a delay of diagnosis, in some cases up to 6 years, and
   18         WHEREAS, Alzheimer’s disease takes an enormous toll on
   19  family members, with an estimated one in four acting as
   20  caregivers for each individual with the disease, and
   21         WHEREAS, caregivers for individuals with Alzheimer’s
   22  disease suffer more stress, depression, and health problems than
   23  caregivers of people with other illnesses, and
   24         WHEREAS, recent advancements in scientific research have
   25  demonstrated the benefits of early medical treatment for
   26  individuals with Alzheimer’s disease, as well as the benefits of
   27  early access to counseling and other support services for their
   28  caregivers, and
   29         WHEREAS, with early diagnosis, individuals can avoid or
   30  correct contributing medical problems, commence available
   31  therapy, organize current and future care, and enhance self
   32  determination, and caregivers can identify and embrace community
   33  support services, and
   34         WHEREAS, in direct response to research breakthroughs,
   35  National Memory Screening Day was established by the Alzheimer’s
   36  Foundation of America (AFA) as a collaborative effort with local
   37  organizations and health care professionals across the county to
   38  promote awareness, early detection, and early diagnosis of
   39  memory impairment so that individuals can obtain proper medical
   40  treatment, social services, and other resources related to their
   41  condition, and
   42         WHEREAS, National Memory Screening Day is held by the AFA
   43  each third Tuesday in November in recognition of National
   44  Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month and, on this day, health
   45  care professionals administer free, confidential, face-to-face
   46  memory screenings at thousands of sites throughout the United
   47  States, and
   48         WHEREAS, memory screening is not used to diagnose any
   49  illness, but is used as an indicator to determine whether a
   50  person might benefit from further examination by a qualified
   51  health care provider, and
   52         WHEREAS, memory screenings are a safe and cost-effective
   53  intervention to direct at-risk individuals to appropriate
   54  clinical resources, thus reducing the costs of long-term care or
   55  hospitalization resulting from undiagnosed complications, and
   56         WHEREAS, screenings also greatly benefit those with normal
   57  scores by checking their memory, allaying fears, and promoting
   58  chronic disease prevention and successful aging, NOW, THEREFORE,
   59  
   60  Be It Resolved by the Senate of the State of Florida:
   61  
   62         That the Senate recognizes the seriousness of Alzheimer’s
   63  disease and the toll it takes on individuals with the disease
   64  and their caregivers;
   65         Acknowledges that more outreach and education is needed to
   66  eliminate the stigma associated with the disease and assist
   67  individuals and their caregivers in identifying available
   68  screenings, treatments, and support;
   69         Encourages all Americans with memory concerns or who want
   70  to check their memory to have annual memory screenings at
   71  National Memory Screening Day sites or by other qualified
   72  professionals;
   73         Congratulates state and local organizations representing
   74  individuals with memory problems, caregivers, and health care
   75  professionals for their commitment to improve the quality of
   76  life of individuals and families confronting dementia by
   77  providing optimal care and services; and
   78         Supports the goals and ideals of National Alzheimer’s
   79  Disease Awareness Month and National Memory Screening Day,
   80  including the development of a state health policy on dementia
   81  screening and care.