WHEREAS, Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia, is a progressive and degenerative brain disorder that causes memory loss and affects self-care, decision making, and behavior; and

WHEREAS, there are 120,000 Washingtonians now living with Alzheimer’s disease and current projections indicate that this rate will increase to 140,000 individuals by 2025, disproportionately affecting older black and Hispanic people, and there are currently 295,000 unpaid caregivers providing 426 million hours of support to their loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease each year; and

WHEREAS, dementia continues to be a leading cause of death in Washington State, and deaths from Alzheimer’s were 11% higher than average in 2020; it continues to be the only leading cause of death in the country with no known treatments to prevent, cure, or even delay the onset or slow the progression of the disease; and

WHEREAS, with early detection and diagnosis, individuals and families can gain access to medications and support services which promote quality of life, fully participate in planning for the future, and enroll in critical research trials; and

WHEREAS, the Washington State Plan to Address Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementias outlines the action steps being implemented by many public and private partners of the Dementia Action Collaborative to promote brain health; address legal, financial and advance care planning; improve the quality of life for people living with dementia; provide evidence-based health care; ease the strain on family caregivers and reduce associated costs in the future; and

WHEREAS, the state of Washington recognizes the efforts of the Alzheimer’s Association, Dementia Support Northwest and community partners to promote awareness of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, and provide care and support to all affected, thereby improving the quality of life for people living with dementia; and

WHEREAS, it is important to recognize the stories, strengths, and efforts of the individuals, families, friends and caregivers impacted by Alzheimer’s disease, as well as the tireless work of the researchers who are seeking a cause and cure;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Jay Inslee, Governor of the state of Washington, do hereby proclaim June 2021 as

Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month

in Washington and I encourage all people in our state to join me in this special observance.

Signed this 26th Day of May 2021

Governor Jay Inslee