The Alzheimer’s Awareness stamp will be issued on October 17, 2008, in Morgantown, WV, during the grand opening of the Blanchette Rockefeller Neurosciences Institute (BRNI). The facility is dedicated to the study of both memory and memory disorders for the purposes of prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. The stamp will go on sale nationwide the same day.
According to an Alzheimer’s Association report — 2008 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures — an estimated 5 million Americans live with this disease. Persons suffering from Alzheimer’s-related dementia have trouble carrying out daily activities. As the disease progresses, perceptual, language, functional, and motor skills deteriorate. It takes a tremendous toll on individuals, caregivers, and society.
November is National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month and National Family Caregivers Month. Local and national publicity will help raise awareness of the seriousness of memory disorders. The Alzheimer’s Awareness stamp serves as a reminder to everyone to know the warning signs of this disease and to encourage early detection. This stamp will help raise awareness about how devastating this disease is, and underscore that there still is no cure. Just as important is the need for increased research and resources to care for Alzheimer’s patients and those suffering from dementia-related illnesses. There are many ways to interest local media in your Alzheimer’s Awareness stamp events.
