Senate Appropriations Committee Approves Increased Alzheimer's Disease Funding

The Senate Appropriations Committee voted July 11 to advance a fiscal year 2014 spending bill that includes an $84 million increase for Alzheimer's research at the National Institute on Aging, the National Institutes of Health branch primarily responsible for addressing Alzheimer's disease.

In addition, the bill includes $20 million for a new Alzheimer's disease initiative to strengthen dementia-capable long-term services and supports, assist caregivers of individuals with the disease and train healthcare providers on how to recognize and manage Alzheimer's disease signs and symptoms.

The Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA) appreciates the efforts of its member organizations to urge committee members to advance the bill.

AFA Awards 2013 Brodsky Innovation Grant to Phoebe Ministries 

AFA this week announced that Phoebe Ministries, a multi-facility organization based in Allentown, Pa. that provides continuum of care communities and services for senior adults, is the recipient of its 2013 Brodsky Innovation Grant.

The nonprofit group will use the $25,000 award to create a program that engages individuals with dementia in occupational, physical and speech therapies appropriate to their cognitive abilities, interests and needs.

The Phoebe Dementia Rehabilitation Program utilizes standardized cognitive assessment to establish an individual's preserved skills. Then, an interdisciplinary team of physical, occupational and speech therapists and a psychologist establish a customized program of familiar, enjoyable and functionally-based activities based on "life review" information from family members, Montessori-based engagement methods and person-centered care planning - all best practices in dementia care.

AFA awards the Brodsky Innovation Grant annually to one of its nonprofit member organizations for a program or service that improves quality of life and demonstrates innovativeness, greatest need and replication potential.

Medicare Improvement Standard to End

In a proposed settlement of a federal class action lawsuit reached late last year, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) agreed to end its Medicare Improvement Standard, a requirement that beneficiaries must show a likelihood of medical or functional improvement before Medicare would pay for skilled nursing care at home or in a facility, and outpatient therapy services.

Once fully implemented, the change has the potential to greatly enhance the availability of Medicare home health and physical therapy services for individuals with Alzheimer's disease.

AFA to Hold Ninth Annual 'For the Love of George Cocktail Party and Concert'

Brendan James

AFA announced today that its annual "For the Love of George" cocktail party and concert will take place on October 10, from 7:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m., at Providence in New York City, and will feature a live performance by singer/songwriter Brendan James.  

• Advisory Council on Alzheimer's Research, Care and Services to Meet July 19 - The next meeting of the Advisory Council on Alzheimer's Research, Care, and Services, which has been advising on development and implementation of the "National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease," will be held on July 19, from 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.(ET). The meeting will be Webcast live . The council will discuss the "National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease: 2013 Update," global developments related to the brain disorder, and issues related to long-term care financing.  

• Report Issued on Improving Care for Populations Disproportionately Affected by Alzheimer's Disease - The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recently released "Improving Care for Populations Disproportionately Affected by Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias: Report from the Task Force on Specific Populations," as part of its implementation of the "National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease." The report examines the impact of Alzheimer's disease on people with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities, individuals with young-onset dementia and ethnic and racial minorities, and recommends next steps for further implementation of goals.    

• Summer Reading for Caregivers - The Summer 2013 issue of AFA's care ADvantage magazine is now available. Articles include an insightful look at when and to whom to reveal a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease and a first-hand account of how a doctor disclosed his own diagnosis of progressive cognitive impairment. The latest issue also features the winning essay of AFA Teens' college scholarship winner, and offers tips to help navigate vision exams and keep loved ones safe during the summer months.