Federal Register: November 4, 2009 (Volume 74, Number 212)
DOCID: fr04no09-125 FR Doc E9-26761
Presidential Documents
Veterans Affairs Department
NOTICE: Part II
DOCID: fr04no09-125
DOCUMENT SUMMARY:
[[Page 57229]]
Proclamation 8446 of October 30, 2009
National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month, 2009
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
Every day, millions of American families experience the
difficult reality of Alzheimer's disease. The physical
and emotional demands of caring for a loved one with
Alzheimer's can be overwhelming, but no one should face
this disease alone. During National Alzheimer's Disease
Awareness Month, we recognize all those living with
Alzheimer's disease and honor the caregivers, including
families and friends, who support them. We also renew
our commitment to research that is improving treatments
for this illness and may one day prevent it entirely.
Alzheimer's disease is an irreversible and progressive
brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking
skills. Symptoms usually appear after age 60, but many
scientists now believe damage to the brain may begin
decades earlier. Research conducted and supported by
the National Institutes of Health and the Veterans
Health Administration has shed light on these early
effects and identified genetic risk factors for
Alzheimer's. Doctors are now able to start treatments
earlier, slowing the loss of brain cells and the
progression of debilitating physical and mental impairments.
As we seek hope for families struggling with
Alzheimer's disease, we must leave no avenue
unexplored. Embryonic stem cells may hold the key for
us to better understand, and possibly cure, some of our
most devastating diseases and conditions. That is why I
signed an Executive Order lifting the ban on Federal
funding for embryonic stem cell research, with proper
guidelines and strict oversight to prohibit abuse.
We must continue the urgent work of giving substance to
hope for all who dream of a day when words like
``terminal'' and ``incurable'' are finally retired from
our vocabulary. Until then, we must strive to ease the
burden of every individual struggling to recall a
spouse's name; every parent unable to recognize a
child's face; and every family member or friend who brings them comfort and care.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the
United States of America, by virtue of the authority
vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the
United States, do hereby proclaim November 2009 as
National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month. I call
upon the people of the United States to observe this
month with appropriate programs and activities.
[[Page 57230]]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
thirtieth day of October, in the year of our Lord two
thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.
(Presidential Sig.)
[FR Doc. E9-26761
Filed 11-3-09; 11:15 am]
Billing code 3195-W9-P