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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-b...
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