WHEREAS, Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia and is a progressive and degenerative brain disease that affects memory, thinking, decision-making, and behavioral processes, and hinders the cognitive ability to care for oneself, eventually leading to death; and
WHEREAS, over 8,500 Alaskans age 65 and older has Alzheimer’s dementia and this number is projected to grow to 11,000 Alaskans by 2025; and
WHEREAS, Alzheimer’s disease is difficult and expensive to manage, often requiring inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing facility stays, and home health care visits; and
WHEREAS, the assistance provided by family and other caregivers to those with Alzheimer’s helps offset the impact of this disease on Alaska’s budget. In 2021, approximately 12,000 Alaskans provided an estimated 21 million hours of unpaid care valued at $409 million by helping with activities of daily living , giving medications and following medical treatment plans, managing behavioral symptoms, and coordinating decision-making regarding care, among other caregiving tasks; and
WHEREAS, Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month is an opportunity to raise awareness about this growing public health concern, its symptoms, and the importance of early detection so Alaskans can connect with resources and services that offer assistance, such as the Alzheimer’s Resource of Alaska, adult day programs, family caregiver support programs, and related senior service providers.
NOW THEREFORE, I, Mike Dunleavy, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF ALASKA, do hereby proclaim November 2023 as:
Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month
in Alaska, and encourage all Alaskans to become educated about this disease, to personally engage in behaviors that promote brain health, to support those with the disease and their loved ones who care for them, and to remember those who have been lost to Alzheimer’s disease.
Dated: November 1, 2023
