BILL NUMBER: SCR 121	INTRODUCED
	BILL TEXT


INTRODUCED BY   Senator Alquist
   (Coauthor: Assembly Member Logue)

                        AUGUST 9, 2010

   Relative to Alzheimer's disease.


	LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST


   SCR 121, as introduced, Alquist. Alzheimer's Disease Awareness
Month and National Memory Screening Day
   This measure would designate November 2010 as Alzheimer's Disease
Awareness Month and Tuesday, November 16, 2010, as National Memory
Screening Day.
   Fiscal committee: no.



   WHEREAS, Alzheimer's disease is a slow, progressive disorder of
the brain that results in loss of memory and other cognitive function
and, eventually, death; and
   WHEREAS, Alzheimer's disease is the seventh leading cause of death
in the United States and currently affects an estimated 5.1 million
Americans; and
   WHEREAS, In California alone it is estimated that more than
588,000 people have Alzheimer's disease. That number is expected to
double by the year 2030; and
   WHEREAS, The stigma associated with Alzheimer's disease results in
a delay of diagnosis, in some cases up to six years; and
   WHEREAS, Alzheimer's disease takes an enormous toll on family
members, with an estimated one in four acting as caregiver for
individuals with the disease; and
   WHEREAS, Caregivers for individuals with Alzheimer's disease
suffer from increased levels of stress and depression that differ
from those of caregivers who deal with other illnesses, that can
create health problems unique to those caregivers; and
   WHEREAS, Recent advancements in scientific research have
demonstrated the benefits of early medical treatment for individuals
with Alzheimer's disease, as well as the benefits of early access to
counseling and other support services for their caregivers; and
   WHEREAS, With early diagnosis, individuals can avoid or correct
contributing medical problems, commence available therapy, organize
current and future care, and enhance self-determination. Caregivers
can identify and embrace available community support services; and
   WHEREAS, In direct response to research breakthroughs, National
Memory Screening Day was established by the Alzheimer's Foundation of
America (AFA) as a collaborative effort with local organizations and
health care professionals across the country to promote awareness,
early detection, and early diagnosis of memory impairment so that
individuals can obtain proper medical treatment, social services, and
other resources related to their condition; and
   WHEREAS, National Memory Screening Day is held by the AFA each
November in recognition of National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness
Month, and on this day health care professionals administer free,
confidential, face-to-face memory screenings at hundreds of sites
throughout the United States; and
   WHEREAS, Memory screening is not used to diagnose any illness, but
is used as an indicator to determine whether a person might benefit
from further examination by a qualified health care provider; and
   WHEREAS, Memory screenings are a safe and cost-effective
intervention to direct at-risk individuals to appropriate clinical
resources, thus reducing the costs of long-term care or
hospitalization resulting from undiagnosed complications; and
   WHEREAS, Screenings also greatly benefit those with normal scores
by checking their memory, allaying fears, and promoting chronic
disease prevention and successful aging; now, therefore, be it
   Resolved by the Senate of the State of California, the Assembly
thereof concurring, That the Legislature recognizes the seriousness
of Alzheimer's disease and the toll it takes on individuals with the
disease and their caregivers; and be it further
   Resolved, That the Legislature acknowledges that more outreach and
education is needed to eliminate the stigma associated with the
disease and assist individuals and their caregivers in identifying
available screenings, treatments, and support; and be it further
   Resolved, That the Legislature designates November 2010 as
Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month in the State of California to
raise awareness about the importance of early diagnosis and treatment
of Alzheimer's disease; and be it further
   Resolved, That the Legislature designates Tuesday, November 16,
2010, as National Memory Screening Day and urges the citizens of
California to participate in a free and confidential memory screening
program at National Memory Screening Day sites or by other qualified
professionals; and be it further
   Resolved, That the Legislature congratulates state and local
organizations representing individuals with memory problems,
caregivers, and health care professionals for their commitment to
improving the quality of life of individuals confronting dementia and
their families by providing optimal care and services; and be it
further
   Resolved, That the Legislature supports the goals and ideals of
National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month and National Memory
Screening Day, including the development of a state health policy on
dementia screening and care; and be it further
   Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate transmit copies of this
resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.