Leaders Show their Support

The New York State Senate recently passed a resolution proclaiming June 2016 as Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month in New York State. The proclamation coincides with the Alzheimer’s Association’s June awareness campaign and is supported by Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

“This is a victory for the 390,000 people with Alzheimer’s disease in New York and their 1.1 million caregivers,” said Jennifer Scheuermann, interim executive director of the Alzheimer’s Association Hudson Valley Chapter. “Alzheimer’s is an epidemic across the nation, and we applaud Governor Cuomo and the New York State Senate for promoting Alzheimer’s disease and brain awareness. Now, more than ever, we know that greater awareness is the key to mitigating the devastating effects of Alzheimer’s disease.”

On Monday, June 20, several lawmakers wore purple in support of the cause and encouraged their staffs to do so as well. They included Representatives Chris Gibson, R-Kinderhook, and Eliot Engel, D-Bronx, State Sen. Sue Serino, R-Hyde Park, and State Assemblymember Didi Barrett, D-Hudson.

State Assemblymember Didi Barrett and some staff members wear purple for Alzheimer’s Awareness.

The summer solstice, June 20 was the longest day of the year. Honoring families living with Alzheimer’s on that day served as a reminder that for those living with Alzheimer’s, every day seems like the longest day.

Alzheimer’s is a fatal and progressive disease that attacks the brain, killing nerve cells and tissue that affects an individual’s ability to remember, think and plan. Every 66 seconds, someone in the United States develops the disease. There is no treatment or cure, and it is fatal.

“Nearly one in three seniors die from Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia,” Scheuermann noted. “By 2025, approximately 460,000 New Yorkers aged 65 or older will suffer from the disease. That’s almost an 18 percent increase from today. To quote the governor’s proclamation: ‘It’s time to shine the light on the millions of individuals, families and caregivers who are affected by Alzheimer’s.’ The effects of the disease are far-reaching for our state and others.”

Rep. Chris Gibson and Alzheimer’s Ambassador Melanie Whaley wear purple.

Alzheimer’s costs Medicaid more than $4 billion in New York each year. Compared with caregivers of people without dementia, twice as many caregivers of those with dementia indicate substantial financial, emotional and physical difficulties. New York caregivers had $800 million more in aggravated health-care costs than non-caregivers in 2015.

Alzheimer’s cannot be prevented, but adopting healthy habits can reduce the risk of cognitive decline and contribute to brain health. Staying mentally active, engaging in regular physical activity and eating a healthy diet benefits the body and the brain. People may also benefit from staying socially engaged with friends, family and the community. The Alzheimer’s Association provides steps to reduce the risk of cognitive decline with 10 Ways to Love Your Brain.