Memory Day 2003

By Lt. Governor Joe Maxwell

	We treasure the memories we carry throughout our lives, using them to
brighten our days and bring smiles to our faces during times of both great
happiness and tragedy.  We remember the moments we spent with our family
members, friends and others through the milestones and celebrations of our
life that can bring us joy on a daily basis.  The possibility of not being
able to recall these events and individuals is crushing for us to consider,
feeling that we would be losing part of our identity.  If we would then add
to this the inability to remember routine events and occurrences from day to
day, it would become absolutely devastating to our lives.   

	This is the reality that affects over 100,000 Missourians currently living
with Alzheimer's disease, as well as all of their loved ones that provide
support and care.  The number of people who have had their lives touched by
Alzheimer's is rapidly growing throughout our state and nation, either by
personally knowing or caring for someone who has suffered from this disease.
It is heartbreaking for family members to watch the memory of those affected
slowly fade away. They must deal with the emotions of loss as they
themselves become strangers to those they have loved their entire lives.
While living with this disease is emotionally devastating for those with
Alzheimer's and their families, the resulting memory loss, changes in
personality and behavior, and poor judgment increases the risk for abuse,
neglect, and exploitation.  Currently, more than half of all nursing home
residents has some form of dementia. These seniors are vulnerable citizens
who are extremely dependent upon the care of others.  

	The need to protect these residents is a major reason that we must pass the
Senior Care and Protection Act of 2003, which will strengthen the laws to
protect these vulnerable citizens from abuse and neglect in nursing homes.
The Alzheimer's Association has been a key supporter of this legislation,
helping with the process of creating this bill and providing key testimony
for committee. Together, these citizens and I share the responsibility to
advocate for those with Alzheimer's, working to protect the rights of our
most vulnerable citizens.

	The Alzheimer's Association recently held its annual Memory Day event at the
state capitol, urging legislators to support those Missourians afflicted by
this disease.  As part of this day, citizens posted the pictures of those
they love with Alzheimer's, creating a visual reminder of the impact that
this disease has on the lives of those in our state.  During this ceremony I
was honored to receive the "Leadership of the Year Award" from the Missouri
Coalition of Alzheimer's Association Chapters for my work as the state's
Elderly Advocate.  

	Our seniors have forged the society in which we currently live, and I am
proud to dedicate my energy toward protecting these citizens and improving
their lives.  As we continue to seek a cure, we must, as a society, remember
the needs of these individuals. For only through compassion, understanding
and the quality care and protection these citizens have earned, can we
assure them the dignity they deserve.