Contact: Colleen Roche or Jack Deacy (212) 788-2958
"Because this devastating disease affects 150,000 New Yorkers and because there is no cure and not even a diagnostic test to detect it, we must do all we can to support research and public education programs," said Mayor Giuliani. "You're doing your part by walking for a cure today and all New Yorkers salute you for doing so."
Alzheimer's Disease, a progressive, degenerative disease that attacks the brain and results in memory loss, disorientation, impairment of judgment and loss of communications skills, is the fourth leading cause of death among elderly Americans.
The Mayor noted that New York City has established the Alzheimer's Resource Center in the Department for the Aging, the first municipally sponsored Alzheimer's program of its kind in the nation. The Center, which works closely with the New York Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association, sponsors the annual Mayoral Conference on Alzheimer's Disease which brings together 1,000 health care providers, caregivers, policy makers, researchers and academics to discuss Alzheimer related issues.
Mayor Giuliani also paid tribute to the important work of the New York Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association, which supports research, provides information and support services to patients, their families and caregivers, and maintains the nationwide 24-hour information and referral phone line. The phone number locally is (212) 983-0700.