Public Law 97–277

Joint Resolution

To provide for the designation of the week beginning on November 21, 1982, as “National Alzheimer’s Disease Week”.

Whereas Alzheimer’s disease produces senile dementia in 15 percent of all individuals who have attained the age of 65 and is responsible for over 50 percent of all nursing home admissions;

Whereas more than one million five hundred thousand American adults are affected by this surprisingly common disorder that destroys certain vital cells in the brain;

Whereas more than $20,000,000,000 is spent annually in treating the ravages of Alzheimer’s disease;

Whereas one parent in one out of three families will succumb to this disease;

Whereas Alzheimer’s disease is not a normal consequence of aging; and

Whereas an increase in the national awareness of the problem of Alzheimer’s disease may stimulate the interest and concern of the American people which may lead, in turn, to increased research and eventually to the discovery of a cure for Alzheimer’s disease: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

Approved October 4, 1982.