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June is now Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness month in New York State.
The proclamation coincides with the Alzheimer’s Association’s June awareness campaign and is supported by Gov. Andrew Cuomo.
“This is a victory for the 390,000 people with Alzheimer’s disease in New York and their 1.1 million caregivers,” said Jennifer Scheuermann, interim executive director of the Alzheimer’s Association Hudson Valley Chapter. “Alzheimer’s is an epidemic across the nation, and we applaud Governor Cuomo and the New York State Senate for promoting Alzheimer’s disease and brain awareness. Now, more than ever, we know that greater awareness is the key to mitigating the devastating effects of Alzheimer’s disease.”
On June 20, several lawmakers wore purple in support of the cause and encouraged their staffs to do so as well. They included Representatives Chris Gibson, R-Kinderhook, and. Eliot Engel, D-Bronx, State Sen. Sue Serino, R-Hyde Park, and State Assemblymember Didi Barrett, D-Hudson.
Alzheimer’s is a fatal and progressive disease that attacks the brain, killing nerve cells and tissue that affects an individual’s ability to remember, think and plan.
Alzheimer’s costs Medicaid more than $4 billion in New York each year. Compared with caregivers of people without dementia, twice as many caregivers of those with dementia indicate substantial financial, emotional and physical difficulties, according to the Alzheimer's Association.
Alzheimer’s cannot be prevented, but adopting healthy habits can reduce the risk of cognitive decline and contribute to brain health.
Click here for information about programs and services available in the Hudson Valley or call the 24-hour helpline at 1.800.272.3900 seven days a week for immediate assistance.
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