Alzheimer's Foundation of America |
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Study Highlights Looming Senior Health Crisis
Americans are living longer but are also experiencing an increasing number of health concerns, including obesity, diabetes and heart disease -- all of which are risk factors for Alzheimer's disease, according to the "America's Health Rankings Senior Report" released by the United Health Foundation, Minnetonka, Minn.
The report examined 34 factors to determine health challenges facing the nation, including hospital re-admission rates, physical inactivity, obesity, poverty, and self-reported health status.
Among the key findings of the state-by-state study: Almost eight in 10 seniors currently live with at least one chronic health condition and half have two or more. In addition, the cost of care is of great concern, with Americans 65 and older spending three to five times more than those younger than 65.
The five states found to have the healthiest senior populations are, in order, Minnesota, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Iowa. On the flip side, seniors from Mississippi, Oklahoma, Louisiana, West Virginia, and Arkansas compose the bottom five.
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Government Notes Progress in Lowering Antipsychotics Use
 The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) this week announced a 6.5 percent reduction in the use of antipsychotics in nursing homes during the past year, but conceded that more needs to be done to meet its goal of lowering utilization by 15 percent. Some states have been more successful than others.
To push forward toward its objectives, CMS said it will make available a new brochure on antipsychotic medication and dementia; meet with state nursing home coalitions to conduct outreach, share interventions and discuss impediments; and meet with national provider organizations representing nursing homes, pharmacists, physicians, and others, regarding continuing education.
Officials provided the update during a quarterly stakeholder call on the "National Partnership to Improve Dementia Care in Nursing Homes," an initiative to improve behavioral health and minimize the use of antipsychotics in institutional settings.
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Alzheimer's Foundation to Host Free Educational Conference
 The Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA) will offer a hands-on opportunity for people to gain an understanding of Alzheimer's disease and practical skills as well as to participate in a host of insightful activities at its free "5 Boroughs Concepts in Care Conference" in New York on June 26. This daylong educational event, which will be held at the Marriott Marquis hotel in Times Square, will feature separate tracks for family caregivers, healthcare professionals people with Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia.
Presentations by top experts will range from an understanding of the disease and tips for daily living to more taboo topics, such as heading off potential violence and how to handle inappropriate sexual behavior. Activities include confidential memory screenings, a display of the AFA Quilt to Remember, and the Virtual Dementia TourŪ, which simulates what it feels like to have dementia.
AFA will also offer free respite care - supervised by professional caregivers - for people with more advanced dementia who are unable to participate in the sessions. Breakfast, lunch and program materials will be provided. For more information or to register, call 866-232-8484.
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News to Use
- The Alzheimer's Disease Task Force Needs Your Senator - AFA is urging its member organizations and other stakeholders to ask their United States Senators to join the bipartisan Congressional Task Force on Alzheimer's Disease. The task force, which is chaired in the Senate by Mark Warner (D-VA) and Susan Collins (R-ME), was instrumental in developing and passing the National Alzheimer's Project Act, Alzheimer's disease research funding for the National Institutes of Health and holding educational briefings for Senate members and their staffs. Ask your senators to contact Marvin Figueroa in Sen. Warner's office or Priscilla Hanley in Sen. Collins' office. Don't know who to contact? Visit www.contactingthecongress.org.
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News Updates
- Alzheimer's Disease Blood Test Could Become a Reality - New research findings from the Mayo Clinic suggest there may soon be a blood test capable of detecting Alzheimer's disease. The study showed marked changes in the cerebrospinal fluid and plasma of participants with cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease versus those who had no cognitive decline or only mild cognitive impairment. Read more...
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Healthy Lifestyle Can Help Stave Off Alzheimer's Disease - A recent study from University of California - Los Angeles (UCLA) and the Gallup organization revealed that people aged 18 to 99 who did not smoke, did regular exercise and followed a healthful eating regimen reported fewer memory concerns than those whose lifestyles were unhealthy. Read more...
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Anesthesia Boosts Risk of Dementia in Older Adults - People aged 65+ who underwent general anesthesia were 35 percent more likely to be diagnosed with dementia later in life, according to research presented at the annual meeting of the European Society of Anesthesiologists. Read more...
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Alzheimer's Drugs May Help Heart Health - In a Swedish study that tracked 7,000 people with Alzheimer's disease for more than three years, participants taking cholinesterase inhibitors for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease had a 38 percent lower risk of a heart attack as well as a 26 percent less chance of death from cardiovascular causes (e.g., stroke) than individuals not taking these drugs. Read more...
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June 6, 2013
Volume 6 Issue 12
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 Odd Fellows Raises Funds
The Grand Lodge Independent Order of Odd Fellows of Maryland, which was established in 1819 and unites 22 lodges and 463 members statewide, has raised more than $5,000 for AFA.
Grand Marshal Arley Humphrey selected AFA as the beneficiary because he had a dear friend who had Alzheimer's disease. Seeing her daily challenges broke his heart. Among the various year-long fundraising activities were a crab feast chaired by Humphrey's grandson, and sales of a pin, designed by Humphrey for his year in office, with the image of a deer and the tagline, "Hunting for Dear Members."
educational teleconference for family and professional caregivers of people with dementia will focus on "Coping in the Face of Disasters." The hour-long session will take place June 13 at 1 p.m. (ET).
The featured speaker, Janelle Christensen, Ph.D., M.P.H., will discuss the importance of adapting disaster plans to the various stages of dementia, strategies to deal with scenarios such as a person's refusal to evacuate, tips for managing stress-induced behaviors, and what to pack in the all-important "go" kit.
Please Note the New Dial-in Number and Guest Identification Code: 877-594-8353; 46692951#
AFA's National Commemorative Candlelighting Weekend of Prayer will take place November 15-17. This annual event offers an opportunity to remember and honor Americans who have been or will be affected by Alzheimer's disease or related illnesses. To host a local candle lighting ceremony, click here.
AFA's annual National Memory Screening Day is slated for November 19, and thousands of sites across the country are expected to offer free, confidential memory screenings and educational materials. To register as a site, click here.
Sign the
Stop Alzheimer's Petition
Speak out now against Alzheimer's disease. Together we can become a chorus of voices echoing through the halls of Washington, DC, speaking for those who are in the shadows.
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The Legacy SocietyAFA'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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