PROCLAMATION 5901—NOV. 5, 1988 103 STAT. 2603 Alzheimer's disease is precisely that, a disease of the brain. It is not a normal consequence of aging. Scientific studies of families with an ab- normally high incidence of Alzheimer's disease have revealed a possi- ble genetic connection in some patients to chromosome 21. Encourag- ingly, new knowledge about the brain's neurotransmitters—chemicals that ferry messages between nerve cells—^is enabling scientists to de- velop experimental drugs to try to slow or halt the relentless progress of the disease. Within the Federal Government, research into the cause, diagnosis, treatment, and ultimately the prevention of Alzheimer's disease is led by the National Institute of Neurological and Communicative Disorders and Stroke, the National Institute on Aging, and the National Institute of Mental Health. Federal research efforts are augmented in the private sector by the work of voluntary health organizations committed to the conquest of dementing disorders. Throu^ forceful leadership, these groups aid distressed families, inform the public, and attract young in- vestigators to the challenge of Alzheimer's disease research. To enhance public awareness of Alzheimer's disease, the Congress, by Senate Joint Resolution 261, has designated November 1988 as "Nation- al Alzheimer's Disease Month" tuid authorized and requested the Presi- dent to issue a proclamation in observance of this occasion. NOW, THEREFORE, I. RONALD REAGAN, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim November 1988 as National Alz- heimer's Disease Month, and I call upon the people of the United States to observe this month with appropriate ceremonies and activi- ties. IN WITNESS WHEREOF. I have hereunto set my hand this fifth day of November, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and eighty-eight, and of the Independence of the United States of America two hundred cmd thirteenth. RONALD REAGAN Proclamation 5901 of November 5, 1988 National Diabetes Month, 1988 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Eleven million Americans suffer from diabetes. The disease strikes men. women, and children of all races. It takes many forms and is likely to have many causes, but the long-term outcome is the same— over the years, diabetes damages the heart, blood vessels, kidneys, eyes, and nerves. The disease and its complications affect individuals and our country heavily in terms of illness, disability, and economic loss. Through research, we are learning how diab^es occurs, how it causes complications, and how in the future we may short-circuit its effects. We are also improving the understanding and management of diabetes.
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