Reps. Barragán, Bilirakis, Buchanan, and Sanchez Reintroduce Resolution to Recognize Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

30 June 2026

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Reps. Barragán, Bilirakis, Buchanan, and Sanchez Reintroduce Resolution to Recognize Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Nanette Barragán (CA-44), Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), Vern Buchanan (FL-16), and Linda Sanchez (CA-39) reintroduced a resolution to recognize June as Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month. This bipartisan resolution would reaffirm Congressional commitment to support the goals of Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month, encourage Americans' education of Alzheimer's disease, advocate for further research and support regarding access to care, and express support for people with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia, their family members, and caretakers.

Underserved populations, including Black, Latino, Asian Americans, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities, are often disproportionately affected by unequal access to treatments or knowledge integral to the care of Alzheimer's and other dementias. Older Latinos face 1.5 times the risk of developing Alzheimer's, Black Americans face nearly twice the risk, and AANHPI communities are at higher risk of under-detection. Furthermore, caregivers for people with Alzheimer's have been reported to hold significant levels of emotional distress and/or depression. The resolution seeks to raise awareness of these health disparities and the need overall to improve health outcomes for the seventh leading cause of death in the United States.

"As the primary caretaker for my mother who has Alzheimer's, I know how tough the disease can be for both the loved one who has it and for the families who look after them," said Rep. Barragán. "Alzheimer's disease continues to devastate families and communities across our country. Far too many-especially in underserved communities-face barriers to early detection, treatment, and care. Strong federal funding for research and investments in support services for our families and caretakers mean that more communities will have access to the resources they need. Together, we can work toward a future where every individual has equitable access to care, and where breakthroughs in treatment and prevention bring hope to millions."

"As research continues to drive promising advancements in the prevention, detection, and treatment of Alzheimer's disease, we know that early identification, timely diagnosis, and appropriate intervention offer the greatest opportunity to improve patient outcomes and quality of life," said Congressman Gus Bilirakis. "That is why it is so important that we raise awareness of the warning signs, expand access to screening and assessment, and ensure families have the resources they need to navigate this devastating disease. My own family has lived with the heartbreaking effects of Alzheimer's for more than a decade, so I have witnessed firsthand the profound emotional, physical, and financial toll it takes on both patients and their loved ones. We owe it to the millions of Americans affected by this disease to build a healthcare system that prioritizes education, early detection, coordinated care, and continued investment in research so that every individual has the opportunity to live with dignity and the best possible quality of life."

"As someone who cared for a parent with this horrible disease, I believe that it is critical for Congress to recognize the impact that Alzheimer's and dementia have on the millions of Americans diagnosed every year, as well as the caregivers who support them," said Rep. Buchanan. "I also hope this resolution brings awareness to the need for congressional action to expand access to early detection opportunities to give people the chance to seek care sooner. I'm grateful for the support I've received for my Alzheimer's Screening and Prevention Act, and I call on my colleagues to pass this bill to ensure every American can benefit from life-saving innovations in early Alzheimer's and dementia detection."

"I lost both of my parents to Alzheimer's, so I know firsthand how cruel this disease is for patients and the families caring for them. More than 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's today, and it disproportionately affects women, Latinos and Black Americans. Our resolution will help raise awareness of the early warning signs and support the research that will one day lead us to a cure," said Rep. Sanchez.

This resolution is endorsed by the Alzheimer's Association and Alzheimer's Impact Movement (AIM).

"Alzheimer's kills more than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined, yet too many Americans still don't know the signs, the risks, or the resources available to them," said Robert Egge, Alzheimer's Association chief public policy officer and AIM president. "Thank you to Reps. Barragán, Buchanan, Bilirakis and Sánchez for raising awareness with this bipartisan recognition, and for your commitment to the millions of families counting on continued progress in the fight against Alzheimer's and other dementia."

In addition to Representatives Bilirakis, Buchanan, and Sánchez, the resolution is cosponsored by 32 original cosponsors: Don Bacon (NE-02), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Kat Cammack (FL-03), Mike Carey (OH-15), André Carson (IN-07), Buddy Carter (GA-01), Yvette Clarke (NY-09), Danny K. Davis (IL-07), Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Neal Dunn (FL-02), Julie Fedorchak (ND At-Large), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Jahana Hayes (CT-05), Henry C. "Hank" Johnson, Jr. (GA-04), William R. Keating (MA-09), Timothy M. Kennedy (NY-26), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Jen Kiggans (VA-02), Ted Lieu (CA-36), Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11), Seth Moulton (MA-06), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC At-Large), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Brad Schneider (IL-10), Chris Smith (NJ-04), Haley Stevens (MI-11), Mike Thompson (CA-04), Paul D. Tonko (NY-20), Ritchie Torres (NY-15), Marc Veasey (TX-33), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), and Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12).

The text of the resolution can be found HERE.

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