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1993.11.16 :  Alzheimer's Disease Month 

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Administration on Aging
Tuesday, Nov. 16, 1993  
Contact: Moya Benoit Thompson
(202) 401-4541

Fernando M. Torres-Gil, assistant secretary for aging in the
Department of Health and Human Services, joins the National
Institute on Aging and the Alzheimer's Association in recognizing
November 1993 as "National Alzheimer's Disease Month." This month
has been designated to increase public awareness of the slowly
degenerative brain disease that affects as many as 4 million
Americans and their families.

"Alzheimer's disease begins with what appears to be simple
forgetfulness, then usually progresses, without mercy, affecting
the parts of the brain that control thought, memory and language,"
Torres-Gil said.  "The individual, family and societal tragedy of
Alzheimer's disease and related dementia is of staggering
proportions.  It is urgent that we continue to do our utmost to
find the cause and the cure for this devastating disease."
Alzheimer's disease causes a downward and dehumanizing spiral of
mental and physical changes which can last from 8 to 20 years --
leaving in its wake an emotionally, physically and economically
exhausted family.  At present the cause of the disease is unknown,
and there is no cure.

Most persons with Alzheimer's disease are age 65 or older, and the
risk of developing the disease increases with advancing age.  As
the nation "ages" the prevalence of Alzheimer's disease is expected
to rise, at the same time increasing the emotional, physical and
economic burdens on caregivers.  According to the National
Institute on Aging, the numbers affected by Alzheimer's disease may
reach 14 million by the middle of the next century.

The costs of Alzheimer's disease exact a toll not only upon the
affected patient and family, but also on the national economy.  NIA
estimates that Alzheimer's disease costs the nation $90 billion per
year including medical bills and long-term care costs, in addition
to overall lost productivity.

Torres-Gil said, "Recently we have been blessed with good news --
biological and medical research has increased greatly in recent
years.  Trials of many different drugs have been under way, and
major scientific advances have been made leading to a better
understanding of the causes and progress of the disease.  This
includes the recent announcement of a genetic link to Alzheimer's,
as discovered by Duke University researcher Alan Roses and funded
by the NIA."

According to NIA director, Richard J. Hodes, M.D., "We have arrived
at a new frontier for Alzheimer's disease." The 28 NIA supported
Alzheimer's disease centers, 10 special care units, and 30-site
drug discovery consortium are poised to translate research into
practice.  The continued research commitment holds great promise
for the improvement of diagnosis and treatment of this disease.
The Administration on Aging has been involved in the support of
families of Alzheimer's disease victims for some time.  Since 1985
AoA has supported more than 50 projects nationwide through grants
to state and community programs.  Special efforts have been made in
such areas as the development of community-based systems of care,
methods to support families and other informal caregivers, and the
special needs of low income and minority families dealing with
Alzheimer's disease.  The Administration on Aging's network of
state and area agencies on aging have supported successful efforts
in many communities to assist those who care for Alzheimer's
patients.  Support groups, respite care and specialized adult day
care are now more widely available in many communities across the
nation.

Torres-Gil said, "The president and Secretary Donna E. Shalala have
demonstrated a true commitment to assisting Alzheimer's patients
and their families." Under the president's proposed health care
plan, a new home and community-based long-term care program will be
created with a flexible array of services including respite, day
care and personal assistance.

Torres-Gil said, "With the passage of the president's health care
plan, in conjunction with a continued commitment from the
Administration on Aging and others at the federal, state and
community level, we are hopeful that we will see an end to
Alzheimer's disease in our lifetime."

For more information about Alzheimer's disease research, call the
Alzheimer's Disease Education and Referral Center at 1-800-4384380.