Governor Inslee proclaims June Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month (ABAM) in Washington State (view the Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month Proclamation).
Proclamation
WHEREAS, Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia, is a progressive and degenerative brain disorder that causes memory loss and affects self care, decision making, and behavior; and
WHEREAS, there are 110,000 Washingtonians now living with Alzheimer’s disease and current projections indicate that this rate will increase to 140,000 individuals by 2025, and there are currently 341,000 unpaid caregivers providing 3 89 million hours of support to their loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease each year, valued at $4.9 billion annually; and
WHEREAS, dementia is the third leading cause of death in Washington State and the only leading cause of death in the country with no known treatments to prevent, cure, or even delay the onset or slow the progression of the disease; and
WHEREAS, with early detection and diagnosis, individuals and families can gain access to medications and supp011 services that promote quality of life, fully pai1icipate in planning for the future, and enroll in critical research trials; and
WHEREAS, the Washington State Plan to Address Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementias outlines the action steps that are being implemented by the Dementia Action Collaborative to promote brain health; address legal, financial and advance care planning; improve the quality of life for those living with dementia; provide evidence-based health care; ease the strain on family caregivers; and reduce associated costs in the future; and
WHEREAS, the state of Washington recognizes the efforts of the Alzheimer’s Association and the Alzheimer Society of Washington to promote awareness of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias and provide care and support to all those affected, thereby improving the quality of life for individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers; and
WHEREAS, it is important to recognize the stories, strengths, and eff011s of the individuals, families, friends, and caregivers impacted by Alzheimer’s disease, as well as the tireless work of the researchers who are seeking a cause and cure;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Jay lnslee, Governor of the state of Washington, do hereby proclaim June 2018 as Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month in Washington, and I encourage all people in our state to join me in this special observance.
Signed this 5th day of June, 2018
Governor Jay Inslee
Get Involved
Help spread the word about ABAM:
- Visit the Alzheimer’s Association Facebook or Twitter pages and share posts about ABAM or any of the promotional events they have going on this month.
- Help raise awareness by sharing our Know the 10 Signs or 10 Ways to Love Your Brain websites with your networks via social media or email.
- “Go Purple” to raise awareness any time throughout the month and encourage others to do the same!
Resources
- Dementia Road Map: A Guide for Family and Care Partners
- Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementia’s Report and Recommendations for Primary Care, Bree Collaborative 2017
- Clinical Provider Practice ToolDementia Action Collaborative.
