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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
RECOGNIZING JUNE AS ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE AND BRAIN AWARENESS MONTH
WHEREAS, June is Alzheimer's Disease and Brain Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about Alzheimer's disease and other dementias, and to promote overall brain health; and
WHEREAS, Alzheimer's Disease and Brain Awareness Month was officially recognized by the Alzheimer's Association in June 2014; and
WHEREAS, according to the Alzheimer's Association, over 55 million people worldwide are currently living with Alzheimer's or another form of dementia; and
WHEREAS, in 2020, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as many as 5.8 million Americans were living with Alzheimer's disease. The CDC expects that number to climb to about 95 million by 2060
WHEREAS, right now, Alzheimer's Disease is the sixth leading cause of death among adults in the U.S.; and
WHEREAS, the number of people living with Alzheimer's disease doubles every five years after age 65; and
WHEREAS, more than 90% of Alzheimer's Disease cases don't show symptoms until after the age of 60. In 2018, the estimated total cost of healthcare for people with dementia and Alzheimer's was $277 billion; and
WHEREAS, no cure currently exists, but early detection and support can improve quality of life
As of 2025, approximately 7.2 million Americans aged 65+ are living with Alzheimer's Disease; and
WHEREAS, 38.6% of individuals aged 75 to 84 have Alzheimer's Disease, while 35.4% of those aged 85+; and
WHEREAS, Black Americans are nearly twice as likely, and Hispanics about 1.5 times as likely, to develop Alzheimer's compared to white Americans; and
WHEREAS, about 33% of Alzheimer's Disease patients in 2025 will be 85+ years old-a high-risk age group; and
WHEREAS, Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month works alongside other awareness campaigns, including National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month in November (created by President Reagan in 1983) and World Alzheimer's Disease Month in September (launched globally in 2012); and
WHEREAS, this month-long initiative aims to educate the public, support those affected, and encourage proactive steps to maintain optimal brain health.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Cook County Board of Commissioners recognizes June as Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month.
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