WHEREAS, Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia and is a progressive and degenerative brain disease that causes memory loss and affects self-care, decision-making, and behavior; and

WHEREAS, it is projected that there will be 11,000 Alaskans age 65 and older with Alzheimer’s disease by 2025, and in 2023, approximately 25,000 Alaskans provided an estimated 39 million hours of informal, unpaid assistance valued at $796 million; and

WHEREAS, dementia is a leading cause of death in Alaska and the only leading cause of death in the Country with no known treatments to prevent, cure, or even delay the onset or slow the progression of the disease; and

WHEREAS, with early detection and diagnosis, individuals and families can gain access to medications and support services which promote quality of life, fully participate in planning for the future, and enroll in critical research trials; and

WHEREAS, Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month is an opportunity to bring awareness to this growing public health concern, its symptoms, and the importance of early detection so Alaskans can connect with resources and services that offer assistance, such as the Alzheimer’s Resource of Alaska, adult day programs, family caregiver support programs, and related senior service providers.

NOW THEREFORE, I, Mike Dunleavy, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF ALASKA, do hereby proclaim November 2024 as:

Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month

in Alaska and encourage all Alaskans to educate themselves about this disease, to personally engage in behaviors that promote brain health, to support those with the disease and their loved ones who care for them, and to remember those who have been lost to Alzheimer’s disease.

Dated: November 1, 2024