Higgins recognizes National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month on House Floor

Congressman Brian Higgins spoke today on the House Floor in honor of National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month.

Higgins encouraged his colleagues in the House of Representatives to raise awareness about Alzheimer's in their own communities and to support H.R. 1507, the Health Outcomes, Planning, and Education (HOPE) for Alzheimer's Act.

The congressman has been an outspoken advocate for increasing funding for medical research, including finding a cure for Alzheimer's disease.

In honor of Alzheimer's Awareness month, more than 20 Western New York bakeries are offering purple icing on baked goods. Several landmarks will be lit up in purple, including Niagara Falls and the Seneca Niagara Casino on Nov. 15; the Electric Tower in Buffalo Nov. 18; and the Peace Bridge Nov. 22 and 23. For more information on Alzheimer's and the resources available to families, visit alz.org/wny.

The text of Higgins' remarks is below:

"Mr. Speaker,

"I rise today to recognize November as National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month.

"Over 5 million Americans nationwide are living with Alzheimer's. It is a disease who afflicts the victim, but also the family. It is a disease whose origins are unknown, but whose end is absolutely certain. It is a disease that takes your mind, your dignity, and eventually your life.

"In 2013, Alzheimer's will cost the nation $203 billion. This number is expected to rise to $1.2 trillion by 2050.

"Mr. Speaker, I commend the work of the Western New York Alzheimer's Association and local advocate Nancy Swiston, who work so hard this month - and year-round - to highlight the effect of Alzheimer's disease.

"Alzheimer's disease is a public health crisis that can't be ignored. I urge my colleagues to raise awareness about Alzheimer's in their own communities and support the bipartisan HOPE for Alzheimer's Act to improve diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer's disease."