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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
RECOGNIZING JUNE 2026 AS ALZHEIMER'S & BRAIN AWARENESS MONTH IN COOK COUNTY
WHEREAS, June is recognized nationally as Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD), promote brain health, support caregivers, and advance efforts toward prevention, early detection, treatment, and equitable access to care; and
WHEREAS, according to a January 2026 report from the Illinois Department of Public Health, an estimated 250,000 Illinois residents are living with Alzheimer's disease, and nearly 15% of Illinois adults report worsening difficulties with thinking or memory, yet many have not discussed these concerns with a healthcare provider; and
WHEREAS, according to that same report, the number of people living in the U.S. affected is expected to double by 2060; and
WHEREAS, Cook County experiences a significant impact from Alzheimer's disease, reporting the highest number of cases in Illinois and ranking among the counties with the highest prevalence nationwide; and
WHEREAS, Alzheimer's disease disproportionately affects Black, Latino, and other historically underserved communities, while barriers to culturally responsive care and early diagnosis continue to contribute to health disparities; and
WHEREAS, family caregivers provide the backbone of dementia care, often sacrificing their own financial security, employment opportunities, physical health, and emotional well-being. Most caregivers are women, many of whom provide intensive care for years while balancing work and family responsibilities; and
WHEREAS, public health agencies, healthcare providers, community organizations, advocates, researchers, caregivers, and residents all play a critical role in promoting brain health, reducing stigma, supporting those affected, and ensuring that Cook County becomes a more dementia-capable and dementia-friendly community;
WHEREAS, advances in research, including emerging blood-based biomarker testing and new approaches to early detection, offer hope for improving diagnosis, treatment, and quality of life for individuals living with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Cook County Board of Commissioners hereby recognizes June 2026 as Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month in Cook County and encourages all residents to learn the early signs of Alzheimer's disease, prioritize brain health, support caregivers, and engage in efforts that promote early detection, equitable access to care, and improved quality of life for all persons living with Alzheimer's disease and related dementia.
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