Promoting Outreach in Increased Awareness of Alzheimer’s Disease

WHEREAS, according to the Alzheimer's Association, 21% of African Americans over the age of 70 are effected by Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia compared to just 11.2 percent of Caucasians; and

WHEREAS, the number of African Americans age 65 and over will more than double by 2030, from 2.7 million in 1995 to 6.9 million by 2030, including 'Baby Boomers' whom began turning 65 in 2011; and Alzheimer's disease is the fifth leading cause of death for those over 65; and

WHEREAS, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) is committed to supporting the cure of Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia through the advancement of research including clinical research, and to reducing the risk of dementia through the promotion of "brain health"; and

WHEREAS, many African Americans have "co-existing conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol obesity, which are considered risk factors for Alzheimer's disease; and

WHEREAS, the NAACP supports the HOPE for Alzheimer's Act [The "Health Outcomes, Planning, and Education (HOPE) for Alzheimer's Act" (S.857/H.R. 1559)] that was presented to the 114th Congress by the Alzheimer's Association's; and

WHEREAS, the prevalence of Alzheimer's disease within the African American community urgently requires increased awareness of the NAACP regarding the disease.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the NAACP recognizes the need for culturally-sensitive and specific support services for seniors in communities of color and others living with Alzheimer's disease; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the NAACP supports efforts to disseminate information and increase outreach and educational programs to raise awareness and understanding of Alzheimer's disease; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the NAACP supports legislation at the federal level that requires federal commitment through the Public Health Service Act to include Alzheimer's disease research, in effect advancing treatments for people with Alzheimer's disease; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the NAACP also supports federal legislation that provides Medicare and Medicaid coverage for clinical diagnosis and appropriate planning for treatment and support.