Governor Cuomo Proclaims June 2017 As Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month

ALBANY, N.Y., June 12, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Both houses of the New York State Legislature, through the leadership of Senator Kemp Hannon and Assembly Member Matthew Titone, passed a resolution recognizing Governor Cuomo's proclamation of June 2017 as Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month in New York State. The proclamation coincides with the national campaign, from the Alzheimer's Association in June, which highlights the facts and figures, and the personal stories of those affected by the disease to raise public awareness of the challenges, costs and the pressing need for research and additional resources for caregivers.

In 2017, more than 390,000 New Yorkers aged 65 or older are living with the Alzheimer's and that number is expected to increase by almost 18 percent in 2025. Alzheimer's kills more people than breast and prostate cancer combined, and nearly one in three seniors die from Alzheimer's or another dementia. Alzheimer's is a fatal and progressive disease that attacks the brain, killing nerve cells and tissue, which affect an individual's ability to remember, think, and plan. There is no treatment or cure.

"We applaud Governor Cuomo and the New York State Legislature for acknowledging June 2017 as Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month" stated Christopher Smith, Executive Director of the Alzheimer's Association, New York City Chapter. "Alzheimer's is a public health crisis across the nation and now, more than ever, we need to provide information about risk factors, and the importance of early diagnosis so that all those affected by this devastating disease have time to plan for the future, and can take advantage of clinical trials and the support programs available to them."

"Alzheimer's will cost Medicaid almost $4.6 billion in New York in 2017, and Alzheimer's caregivers in New York are projected to have $848 million more in aggravated health-care costs than non-caregivers this year," noted Jane Ginsburg, Executive Director of the Alzheimer's Association, New York Coalition, "Our ongoing efforts to support, educate and advocate for New Yorkers affected by Alzheimer's disease, in coordination with the New York State Department of Health, Governor Cuomo, and the New York State Legislature are key to mitigating the Alzheimer's epidemic in New York."

The Alzheimer's Association works on a global, national and local level to provide care and support for all those affected by Alzheimer's and other dementias, providing free services within local communities. A professionally staffed 24/7 Helpline (1.800.272.3900) offers information and advice to more than 300,000 callers each year and provides translation services in more than 200 languages. The Association also hosts face-to-face support groups and educational sessions in communities across New York City and New York State. 

Alzheimer's Association, New York State Coalition
The Alzheimer's Association, New York State Coalition advocates on behalf of the 390,000 Empire State residents living with Alzheimer's disease and the one million caregivers who support them. For more than 30 years, the Coalition's seven New York state chapters have provided care consultations, consumer and professional education programs, a 24-hour Helpline, safety services and support groups. Through robust statewide advocacy and education, the Coalition advances public policy, and increases concern and awareness of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. Visit alznys.org.

Alzheimer's Association
The Alzheimer's Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer's care, support and research. It is the largest nonprofit funder of Alzheimer's research. The Association's mission is to eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Its vision is a world without Alzheimer's. Visit alz.org/nyc or call 1-800-272-3900.

SOURCE Alzheimer's Association - NYC Chapter