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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Edward Wojnaroski Sr. |
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Wojnaroski resolution promotes awareness of Alzheimer's
to help families, find cure
HARRISBURG, Oct. 30 -- The Pennsylvania House of Representatives unanimously adopted a resolution authored by Rep. Edward Wojnaroski Sr. that marks November 2007 as Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month.
"The tragic effects of Alzheimer's disease have spurred scientists and doctors worldwide to intensify their research efforts. If we can combine that with increased awareness and education, we may be able to find a cure for this disease," Wojnaroski said.
Alzheimer's is a degenerative brain disorder that causes progressive memory loss and decreased mental capacity. It was first described in 1906 and has been diagnosed in millions of people since.
According to Wojnaroski, approximately 500,000 older Pennsylvanians have Alzheimer's or related dementia, while throughout the nation, 5.1 million people are afflicted with the disease. That number may increase to between 11 million and 16 million by 2050 if no cure is found.
"Finding a treatment that delays the onset of Alzheimer's disease by five years could reduce by half the number of people with the disease after 50 years. We must draw attention to and educate people about this disease so we can find a cure," he said.
Wojnaroski said that since seven of 10 people afflicted with the disease live at home where their families shoulder the burden of their care out of their own pockets, it's even more important than ever to find a cure and develop policies and legislation, support programs, and other services for those people and their families.
In response to a need for advocacy for victims, families and caregivers of Alzheimer's disease, Wojnaroski created the Alzheimer's Awareness Caucus within the General Assembly in 2003. He continues to find ways to ease the burden of this disease on patients, families and caregivers.
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CONTACT: Amy Giancoli Hartman |