BILL ANALYSIS
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THIRD READING
Bill No: SCR 121
Author: Alquist (D), et al
Amended: As introduced
Vote: 21
WITHOUT REFERENCE TO COMMITTEE OR FILE
SUBJECT : Alzheimers Disease Awareness Month and National
Memory Screening Day
SOURCE : Alzheimers Foundation of America
DIGEST : This resolution designates November 2010 as
Alzheimers Disease Awareness Month and Tuesday, November
16, 2010, as National Memory Screening Day.
ANALYSIS : This resolution makes the following
legislative findings:
1. Alzheimer's disease is a slow, progressive disorder of
the brain that results in loss of memory and other
cognitive function and, eventually, death.
2. Alzheimer's disease is the seventh leading cause of
death in the United States and currently affects an
estimated 5.1 million Americans.
3. In California alone it is estimated that more than
588,000 people have Alzheimer's disease. That number is
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expected to double by the year 2030.
4. The stigma associated with Alzheimer's disease results
in a delay of diagnosis, in some cases up to six years.
5. Alzheimer's disease takes an enormous toll on family
members, with an estimated one in four acting as
caregiver for individuals with the disease.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10.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.
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11.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.
12.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.
13.Screenings also greatly benefit those with normal scores
by checking their memory, allaying fears, and promoting
chronic disease prevention and successful aging.
This resolution designates November 2010 as Alzheimer's
Disease Awareness Month and Tuesday, November 16, 2010, as
National Memory Screening Day.
FISCAL EFFECT : Fiscal Com.: No
SUPPORT : (Verified 8/12/10)
Alzheimer's Foundation of America (source)
CTW:mw 8/16/10 Senate Floor Analyses
SUPPORT/OPPOSITION: SEE ABOVE
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