Alzheimer's Foundation of America |
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Survey Finds Caregivers Misperceive Behavior Changes as Normal Aging
 Results from a survey released today by the Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA) reveal that two-thirds of caregiver respondents mistakenly interpret various behaviors as a normal part of aging - rather than as symptoms of Alzheimer's disease or another dementia. As a result, they (67 percent) now believe those false impressions delayed their loved one's diagnosis of the incurable brain disorder. The survey, "Alzheimer's Caregivers: Behavioral vs. Cognitive Challenges," was conducted by Harris Interactive for AFA to examine how behavioral symptoms - which include irritability, anxiety, and aggression - compare to cognitive symptoms - which include memory loss or confusion - of people with Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia, in their impact on diagnosis, disease management, and caregivers' well-being as well as other issues. "The survey findings sound another loud wake-up call that we must address this public health crisis, and reinforce that education and early detection must be among the nation's key strategies in tackling it," said Eric J. Hall, AFA's president and CEO. "Families can't afford missed opportunities for help that can result from a timely and proper diagnosis."
Other key findings from the survey reveal that healthcare professionals are suggesting a multi-pronged treatment for behavioral symptoms, including non-drug interventions - an approach that clinicians are advancing more than some medications and that many caregivers say works well.
To learn how to manage behavioral challenges, AFA provides information on www.alzfdn.org and www.carecrossroads.org, and operates a toll-free helpline (866-232-8484) with licensed social workers. AFA also invites caregivers to discuss behavioral challenges and other everyday issues on www.inspire.com. |
Pro Football Players May Be at Higher Risk of Brain Disease  A new study of nearly 3,500 retired National Football League (N.F.L.) players shows that their risk of death from Alzheimer's disease or ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) was almost four times higher than the general population.
Moreover, researchers found that those who played "speed" positions, such as quarterbacks, running backs and wide receivers, fared worst, and were more at risk of dying from a neurodegenerative cause than "non-speed" positions, like defensive and offensive linemen.
While the study was limited by a small number of deaths in the analysis, the latest findings support other studies suggesting that pro football players are at higher risk of developing neurological disorders as a result of concussions or other traumatic head injuries. The findings come at a time when the N.F.L. announced a $30 million unrestricted donation to the National Institutes of Health to fund medical research; potential research areas are concussion treatment, Alzheimer's disease and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), another form of dementia linked to repetitive damage to the brain, such as concussions, over a long period. |
U.S. House Reauthorizes Missing Alzheimer's Disease Patient Alert Program
 The U.S. House of Representatives voted on Tuesday to reauthorize the Missing Alzheimer's Disease Patient Alert Program (H.R. 2800), which will provide grants to nonprofit organizations to operate programs to help local communities and law enforcement officials quickly locate and identify people with Alzheimer's disease who have gone missing. The bill, which authorizes $1 million annually for five years, will now be considered by the Senate.
Experts estimate that 60 percent of people with Alzheimer's disease will wander at some point during the progression of the brain disorder and half of those will become lost or separated from a loved one. Moreover, up to 61 percent of people who become lost will suffer serious injury or death if not found within 24 hours.
The Missing Alzheimer's Disease Patient Alert Program was introduced by Rep. Maxine Waters (D-CA), and co-sponsored by 18 members of Congress, including Reps. Christopher Smith (R-NJ) and Edward Markey (D-MA), co-chairs of the Bipartisan Congressional Task Force on Alzheimer's Disease.
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AFA Teens Founder Wins 'Volunteer Champion' Award
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AFA Teens Founder
Neha Chauhan |
The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) yesterday awarded its PhRMA Research & Hope Award for Volunteer Champion to Neha Chauhan, the founder of AFA's branch to educate and engage teens in the cause, AFA Teens.
Chauhan was a 15-year-old high school student living on Staten Island, NY when she initiated AFA Teens in 2002. With AFA's guidance, she worked to create an outlet for teenagers to raise awareness of and funds for Alzheimer's disease. Since, AFA Teens has grown into an award-winning division that includes a dedicated Web site (www.afateens.org), nationwide teens chapters, and an annual college scholarship essay.
Chauhan, a graduate of Harvard College, is currently pursuing her MBA at the Stanford Graduate School of Business in Palo Alto, CA. Previously, she was CFO of DANNIJO Jewelry, a luxury jewelry company, and an investment banking analyst at JPMorgan.
The first annual Research & Hope Awards program was co-hosted by PhRMA, the National Alliance for Caregiving, the National Association for Home Care & Hospice, and AFA to recognize achievements in academic research, biopharmaceutical industry research, patient advocacy and volunteering related to Alzheimer's disease. |
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News to Use
- September 22 is National Falls Prevention Awareness Day. An educational DVD by AFA on preventing falls can help you understand why dementia and other conditions intensify the incidence and impact of falls, and learn practical ways to overcome the fear of falling and reduce risk factors. The DVD covers communication techniques, home modifications and lifestyle changes. It is available on AFA's e-Store.
- Medicare annual open enrollment begins next month: The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is encouraging Medicare beneficiaries to review their current government health plan, Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C), and prescription drug coverage, Medicare Part D, and make adjustments, if needed, for 2013 during the annual enrollment period from October 15 to December 7. In addition to reviewing Medicare plan changes, beneficiaries should take advantage of other benefits provided through the Affordable Care Act.
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News Updates
- Higher dose of drug treatment for Alzheimer's disease approved... The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently approved a stronger dosage of the Exelon Patch - a through-the-skin therapy -for people with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease, according to the drug's manufacturer, Novartis Pharmaceuticals. The company received approval after clinical trial participants had significant improvement in cognitive function compared to the lower dose. Read more...
- Ginkgo biloba ineffective against Alzheimer's disease...A new study of nearly 3,000 people with memory problems has found that ginkgo biloba, a supplement widely marketed as a memory booster, does not protect against Alzheimer's disease. After five years, about the same number of people in their 70's and older taking ginkgo biloba and those taking a placebo developed the brain disorder. Read more...
- New analysis shows experimental drug shows some promise...A deeper analysis of two studies on bapineuzumab, an experimental treatment for Alzheimer's disease, shows that it reduced nerve cell damage and stabilized amyloid buildup - a sticky plaque that is a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease - in the brains of people with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease who carry the ApoE4 gene when compared with a placebo. Researchers said the latest analysis of brain imaging suggests that the drug may show some benefit if given earlier in the disease process and to pre-symptomatic individuals. The fuller results come a few weeks after the drug's manufacturers announced that bapineuzumab had failed to meet its goals of slowing cognitive decline. Read more...
- Blood pressure medications linked to less Alzheimer's disease pathology... An autopsy study found that people who were treated during their lifetime with a specific type of antihypertensive drug to control high blood pressure, called angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), showed less brain plaque buildup and less likelihood of a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease when compared with people who took other antihypertensive agents. Read more...
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September 13, 2012
Volume 5 Issue 19
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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.  Thursday, October 25, 2012 Join Us for the 8th Annual "For the Love of George" Cocktail Party & Fall Concert Crimson
915 Broadway
New York, NY 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Event features a live concert by Atlantic Recording artist Brett Eldredge. To purchase tickets, click here. |
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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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