Proclaiming March 20, 2026, to Be "Alzheimer's Awareness Day" in the State of Rhode Island

WHEREAS, Alzheimer's disease is a degenerative brain disease, and the most common form of dementia that results in loss of memory and other cognitive function, and eventually death; and

WHEREAS, Alzheimer's disease is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States and the fifth leading cause of death for persons aged 65 and over; and

WHEREAS, It is estimated that one in three seniors dies from Alzheimer's disease or another dementia, more than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined; and

WHEREAS, An estimated 7 million people in the United States are living with Alzheimer's disease, and this number is anticipated to increase to 12.7 million by 2050; and

WHEREAS, The direct costs to the United States caring for individuals living with Alzheimer's disease in 2024 was estimated to be $360 billion, increasing to nearly $1 trillion by 2050, making it the most expensive disease in America; and

WHEREAS, More than 24,0 Rhode Islanders are living with Alzheimer's disease, and an estimated 36,000 family caregivers provide approximately 51 million hours of unpaid care valued at more than $1.1 billion; and

WHEREAS, Alzheimer's disease is the fifth leading cause of death in Rhode Island for persons 65 years of age or older; and

WHEREAS, Older Black Americans face nearly 2 times, and Latino Americans face nearly 1.5 times higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease; and

WHEREAS, Rhode Island's per capita Medicare spending on people with dementia is $31,741, and Rhode Island's Medicaid costs of caring for people with Alzheimer's disease is nearly $500 million; and

WHEREAS, Caregiving for individuals with Alzheimer's disease often takes an enormous toll on family members; caregivers themselves often suffer more stress, depression, and health problems than caregivers of people with other illnesses; and

WHEREAS, An increasing number of individuals are developing younger-onset Alzheimer's disease, a form of the disease that occurs prior to age 65 and can be particularly difficult on family dynamics and economics due to its early occurrence; and

WHEREAS, As the population of older adults in Rhode Island continues to grow, there will be an increased demand for residential, home-based, and community-based services that will in turn mean an increased demand for direct care workers, including home health aides, certified nursing assistants, and personal care aides; and

WHEREAS, Advocates are visiting the State House today, to raise awareness and inform legislators of the challenges they face navigating Alzheimer's and all other dementias; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby proclaims March 20, 2026, as "Alzheimer's Awareness Day" in the State of Rhode Island; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Donna McGowan, Executive Director, Alzheimer's Association, Rhode Island Chapter.