Whereas, Currently, there are over four million adults in the United States with Alzheimer’s disease, including over 170,000 in Michigan alone; and,

Whereas, One in ten people over the age of 65, and nearly half of those over the age of 85 will get Alzheimer’s disease, along with a small percentage of persons in their mid 30’s and 40’s; and,

Whereas, Alzheimer’s disease is the third most expensive disease in the country, with average lifetime costs per person around $174,000, and costs to American businesses $61 billion annually with a lost in productivity and the business share of health costs; and,

Whereas, The Michigan Dementia Coalition, with support from the Michigan Department of Community Health, has developed a new strategic plan to reduce the burden of dementia in Michigan; and,

Whereas, Alzheimer Association chapters in Michigan are not-for-profit, voluntary health organizations, working throughout the state to improve life for those living with the disease, and to support research efforts to find a cure for future generations; and,

Whereas, Many encouraging research studies are being conducted, and several drug treatments have been introduced which delay the onset of disease symptoms, improving the quality of life for those afflicted and reducing the strain on caregivers; and now therefore be it,

Resolved, That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor of the State of Michigan, do hereby proclaim November, 2003, as Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month in Michigan.