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