WHEREAS, Alzheimer’s disease is a degenerative brain illness that impacts the memory and cognitive functioning of more than 7 million Americans, some 11.5% of all adults over the age of 65. Roughly 17% of hospice residents are diagnosed with dementia. Alzheimer’s ubiquity and devastating impact is also a source of intense emotional trauma to the loved ones of individuals suffering from Alzheimer’s and all other dementia, who are vulnerable to forgetting memories and relationships; and
WHEREAS, The millions of people in America suffering from Alzheimer’s are supported by an even larger cohort of caregivers, including some 12 million people who, annually, provide 831 million hours of unpaid care to loved ones at a value of about $15.9 billion. The total estimated annual economic cost of Alzheimer’s is on order of $384 billion in 2025, and expected to rise to $1 trillion by 2050; and
WHEREAS, Many caregivers are themselves suffering from chronic conditions ,76.6% reported chronic health problems, and 32.5% reported suffering from depression. Medicaid will reimburse $4.4 billion in Alzheimer’s-associated costs in 2025, with possible federal funding cuts putting even more strain on Alzheimer’s care. Medicare spent an average of $32,271 on people with dementia in 2024; and
WHEREAS, Nearly 4 in 5 Americans feel optimistic about new Alzheimer’s treatments in the next decade, and 92% of individuals surveyed would want access to a medical treatment to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease following a diagnosis. Recent medical advancements, including research conducted and supported by medical experts in the City of Philadelphia, have improved our understanding of the disease, with newer medications that treat the underlying biology of Alzheimer's for people in the early stages, including those that target beta-amyloid protein build-up in the brain. The potential of these breakthroughs will only be realized through additional research, education, outreach and funding for care provision; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Hereby recognizes June as Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month in the City of Philadelphia and commends the work of advocates and researchers working to improve brain health and cognitive function through risk reduction, early detection, diagnosis, and treatment.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this Resolution be presented to the Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Pennsylvania as evidence of the support and admiration of the Council of the City of Philadelphia.
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