WHEREAS, An estimated 5.4 million people in the United States are living with Alzheimer’s disease, and as many as 26,000 Philadelphians suffer from this debilitating ailment; and
WHEREAS, Every 66 seconds someone in the United States is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s; and
WHEREAS, Alzheimer’s disease is the 6th leading cause of death in the United States, with 1 in 3 seniors dying each year from Alzheimer’s or another dementia; and
WHEREAS, Alzheimer’s is one of the most critical public health issues America, and is the only cause of death in the top 10 in the country that cannot be prevented, cured or slowed; and
WHEREAS, In 2016, Alzheimer’s and other dementia will cost the United States $236 billion and is expected to rise to over $1 trillion by 2050; and
WHEREAS, Alzheimer’s is a devastating disease which frequently goes undiagnosed, and causes incredible emotional strain on victims and their families; and
WHEREAS, In 2015, more than 15.9 million caregivers provided an estimated $18.1 billion in unpaid care, weighing heavily on their careers and finances; and
WHEREAS, With the increases in life spans and baby boomers coming of age, support for Alzheimer’s research is more critical to families than ever; and
WHEREAS, September 21st is World Alzheimer’s Day and Alzheimer’s organizations around the world concentrate their efforts on raising awareness about Alzheimer’s and calling attention to effective treatments, preventive strategies and gold-standard care for all people affected by Alzheimer's disease; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby recognizes September 21, 2016 as World Alzheimer’s Day and supports Alzheimer advocates, families, and caregivers in this City and around the world in their struggle for recognition, treatment, and an eventual cure for Alzheimer’s disease.
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