Alzheimer's Foundation of America |
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New Ad Campaign Spotlights Caregiving Toll on Families
 A multi-media public service advertising campaign and survey results that draw attention to the plight of millions of family caregivers in America were announced yesterday by AARP and the Ad Council. The campaign seeks to portray the various responsibilities, isolation and frustrations experienced by family caregivers, and urges them to seek resources and information.
The poll reveals that two-thirds of Americans are currently caring for someone with a chronic illness, including one-third who are caring for someone with dementia. More than 60 percent of caregivers spend nine or more hours a week providing care to a loved one older than 50, and many said they do not have the support they need or do not know where to access help. Annually, 42 million caregivers - overwhelmingly women - provide approximately $450 billion worth of unpaid care to adult relatives and friends.
The Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA) provides various support services to help family caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer's disease, including a free caregiver magazine called care ADvantage, online support communities, Inspire.com, monthly educational teleconferences, and access to licensed social workers via a toll-free hot line (866-232-8484), e-mail, Skype and live chat. |
Older Americans Mixed on Outlook for Health, Finances
 Most Americans aged 60 to 69 expect their quality of life to stay status quo or improve over the next decade, but a significant number of those 60 or older are not confident about their future health and financial security, according to a survey that examined their outlook and preparedness for aging. About 90 percent of respondents say they intend to continue living in their current homes for the next five to ten years - a concept known as "aging in place." Overshadowing this desire, baby boomers currently in their 60's report feeling uncertain that their community will have all of the resources and services they will need to help them be healthy and independent. When asked about long-term health and finances, the vast majority of all age groups older than 60 report being in good health and expect to remain so over time, and feeling financially secure. However, of the respondents, one-third express concern about being able to afford long-term care or support services. Seniors with low- to moderate- incomes were the most worried about their financial stability and were also more likely to have a chronic health condition. The survey was conducted by the National Council of Aging (NCOA), UnitedHealthcare and USA TODAY in an effort to help older adults, their families and caregivers identify challenges they might face as they age. |
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Research & Hope Awards to Highlight Alzheimer's Champions
 Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) in Washington, D.C. will honor individuals and organizations that have championed the fight against Alzheimer's disease at a special national awards program on September 12 in the nation's capitol.
The industry group, which represents the country's leading pharmaceutical industry research and biotechnology companies, is co-hosting the PhRMA Research & Hope Awards ceremony with AFA, the National Alliance for Caregiving, and the National Association for Home Care & Hospice in an effort to recognize achievements made in academic research, biopharmaceutical industry research, patient advocacy and volunteering related to Alzheimer's disease.
Read more... |
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News to Use
- The American Society of Aging, AFA and Senior Helpers are hosting a free Webinar featuring dementia care expert Teepa Snow on September 21 at 2 p.m. (ET). Snow will focus on nutrition and hydration in individuals with dementia.
- The National Institutes of Health yesterday released a report entitled "Older Americans 2012: Key Indicators of Well-Being," which tracks the health and economic status of Americans age 65 and older. Highlights from the report include rising rates of obesity and an increased use of hospice care among this age group.
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News Updates
- Experimental Drug Halted in Further Clinical Trials... Drug manufacturers discontinued further studies of the drug bapineuzumab in its intravenous form after it failed to show effectiveness in treating people with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease in a second clinical trial. Pfizer Inc. and Janssen Alzheimer Immunotherapy made the announcement based on the latest results from the second trial of the antibody, which was part of a series of four trials testing the drug in carriers and non-carriers of the gene ApoE4. Read more...
- Cognitive Decline in Alzheimer's Disease More Aggressive in 'Younger Elderly'... People with Alzheimer's disease in their 60's and 70's showed faster rates of cognitive decline and brain tissue loss when compared with those 80 years or older, a new study has found. Researchers have yet to find out why the disease progresses more rapidly in this age group, but note that the findings have important implications in the detection and treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Read more...
- Flavoring Ingredient Used in Popcorn Linked to Alzheimer's Disease... Laboratory experiments have found that an artificial butter-flavoring agent, diacetyl (DA), that is used in microwave popcorn, margarines and other snacks increases the level of beta-amyloid in the brain - a hallmark characteristic of Alzheimer's disease. The researchers noted that the findings raise concerns about the effects of exposure to this flavorant among workers at microwave popcorn and food flavoring factories. Read more...
- Ingredient in Chocolate May Help Brain Health... An antioxidant found in dark chocolate called flavanol improved cognitive function in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), according to a new study. Participants who consumed cocoa drinks with higher levels of flavanol did better on attention and mental skills tests when compared with a group who received lower amounts. Read more...
- Epilepsy Drug May Reverse Memory Loss... In a preliminary study, researchers found that a drug already approved to treat people with epilepsy improved memory and other brain functions when tested in mice engineered with young-onset Alzheimer's disease. The drug, levetiracetam or Keppra, now will be studied to test its effect on people with Alzheimer's disease. Read more...
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August 17, 2012
Volume 5 Issue 17
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Good Cookin' Rewards AFA
Neela's Contemporary Indian Restaurant in Napa, CA named AFA a beneficiary in the 3rd annual HALL Cabernet Cookoff fundraiser this past spring.
The event was hosted by Hall's St. Helena Winery and involved 15 talented chefs from the Napa Valley and Bay Areas of California. After judging by attendees and professionals, the winner and runner-up of the best dish pairing with the HALL 2009 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon in each category was able to pass on part of the proceeds from the event to its charity of choice.
The culinary event raised more than $2,200 for AFA. Thank you HALL Wines and Neela's!
To find out how you can hold a fundraiser for AFA, click here.
September 13, 2012
Free Teleconference for Family and Professional Caregivers
"Not Treating Your Elders Like Your Children"
1:00 pm - 2:00 p.m. ET
Click here for call-in details.
September 30, 2012
Test Your Mental Fitness With a Crossword by a Renowned Puzzle Master!
Contest begins 3:00 p.m. ET.
Register now.
November 9-11, 2012
Sign up to host a ceremony.
November 13, 2012
Sign up to host a screening. |
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The Legacy Society
AFA's Legacy Society offers special recognition to individuals who have included AFA in their wills or estate plans.
Support AFA Monthly
Donors can now make recurring monthly donations to AFA, which will be automatically deducted from your credit card each month. You may cancel at any time. |
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Join us on Inspire
AFA's Support Community connects individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, and their families, friends and caregivers to provide support and improve quality of life.
 
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