Why It Matters
Lawmakers from both parties are uniting behind a symbolic measure to elevate awareness of Alzheimer's disease. H.Res. 1402, a bipartisan House resolution supporting the goals and ideals of Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month, has drawn support from 35 members of Congress, including 23 Democrats and 12 Republicans, in what reflects a shared concern about a disease affecting millions of Americans.
The resolution, introduced on June 30 by Rep. Nanette Diaz Barragán of California, is co-led by Republicans Gus M. Bilirakis of Florida and Vern Buchanan of Florida, and Democrat Linda T. Sánchez of California. "Early detection, diagnosis and intervention offers the best promise for Alzheimer's disease management," according to Rep. Bilirakis, who has built a legislative record on the issue. Barragán and Bilirakis have co-led versions of this resolution in prior Congresses in 2022, 2024, and 2025.
An estimated 7.2 million Americans aged 65 and older are currently living with Alzheimer's dementia, with the lifetime risk for Alzheimer's at age 45 standing at 1 in 5 for women and 1 in 10 for men. Nearly 13 million Americans provide unpaid care for people with Alzheimer's or other dementias, and the total cost of dementia in the U.S. is estimated at $781 billion.
The resolution has now been referred to the House Energy and Commerce Committee.
Why Members Are Backing the Measure
For some cosponsors, the issue carries personal weight. Rep. Vern Buchanan cared for a parent with Alzheimer's disease. In 2024, Buchanan stated he was pleased to co-lead the bipartisan resolution to bring awareness to Alzheimer's disease. Rep. Bilirakis also has a long record on Alzheimer's legislation, including co-sponsoring the bipartisan CHANGE Act and the HEALTHY BRAINS Act.
Organizational Support Driving the Effort
The resolution is closely tied to the work of the Alzheimer's Association and the broader Alzheimer's Impact Movement (AIM), both of which endorse H.Res. 1402. The Alzheimer's Impact Movement explicitly highlighted the measure as a vehicle for congressional action during Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month, established by the Alzheimer's Association in 2014. In June, the association launched a new initiative called (re)think your brain™, putting awareness campaigns at the center of the organization's strategy.
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