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A Resolution of the City Commission of Coral Gables, Florida recognizing the month of November as “National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month” and expressing the City Commission’s support for efforts to eradicate Alzheimer’s Disease.
(Sponsored by Commissioner Menendez)
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The City Commission desires to recognize the month of November as National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”), Alzheimer’s Disease is the sixth leading cause of death in United States, affecting approximately six million people.
Alzheimer’s Disease is a slow, degenerative disease of the brain that results in loss of memory and other cognitive function and, eventually, death; with no known treatments to prevent, cure, or even delay the onset or slow the progression of the disease.
The state of Florida has the second highest incidence of Alzheimer’s Disease, with 1 in every 38 people of all ages having Alzheimer’s. This especially affects the many multi-generational homes in the City of Coral Gables where each member of the family may be helping to support a family member with the disease as well as the many homes where a single caregiver has sole responsibility over a family member with the disease.
The City Commission deems it important to bring awareness to Alzheimer’s Disease and to the many families silently suffering because of it. The City Commission also embraces the opportunity to work with organizations dedicated to the fight against Alzheimer’s Disease, such as the Alzheimer’s Association, whose mission is to end Alzheimer's and other dementia by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support.