Bill Text: CA SCR121 | 2009-2010 | Regular Session | Enrolled
NOTE: There are more recent revisions of this legislation. Read Latest Draft
Bill Title: Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month and National Memory
Spectrum: Bipartisan Bill
Status: (Passed) 2010-09-07 - Chaptered by Secretary of State. Res. Chapter 131, Statutes of 2010. [SCR121 Detail]
Download: California-2009-SCR121-Enrolled.html
Bill Title: Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month and National Memory
Spectrum: Bipartisan Bill
Status: (Passed) 2010-09-07 - Chaptered by Secretary of State. Res. Chapter 131, Statutes of 2010. [SCR121 Detail]
Download: California-2009-SCR121-Enrolled.html
BILL NUMBER: SCR 121 ENROLLED BILL TEXT ADOPTED IN SENATE AUGUST 19, 2010 ADOPTED IN ASSEMBLY AUGUST 30, 2010 INTRODUCED BY Senator Alquist (Coauthor: Assembly Member Logue) AUGUST 9, 2010 Relative to Alzheimer's disease. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST SCR 121, 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. 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.