Legislative Round-up - Summer 2013

Just before the 113th Congress headed into its month-long August recess, members of the House and Senate continued to introduce legislation that will directly impact people with Alzheimer's disease and their family caregivers. Here are a few of the initiatives under consideration:

The Making Investments Now for Dementia (MIND) Act will provide an additional avenue for research funding through United States Alzheimer's Bonds. The revenues generated by the sale of the bonds, much like security bonds, would be directed to the director of the National Institutes of Health solely for research to toward a cure.

The Older Americans Act (OAA) Amendments of 2013 program updates include nutrition, supportive services and caregiver supports.

The Elder Protection and Abuse Prevention Act toughens the federal definitions for elder abuse, neglect and exploitation, streamlining the definitions for elder abuse between the Elder Justice Act and the Older Americans Act (OAA). It also defines financial exploitation and adds victims or alleged victims of abuse and exploitation to a list of conditions eligible for priority for social services under the OAA.

To express support for any of these bills, contact your members of Congress via the Capitol Hill switchboard 1-202-225-3121. Don't know who to contact?  Visit www.contactingthecongress.org.

CJE Senior Life Introduces iPad App for Older Persons with Cognitive Disabilities

CJE Senior Life of Chicago recently unveiled a new iPad app that builds on its established "Art in the Moment" program, a joint venture between CJE Senior Life and the Art Institute of Chicago. The Art in the Moment app displays selected works of art to serve as a conversation piece between caregivers and individuals with Alzheimer's disease, stimulating interaction and encouraging self-expression. It also offers ways for users to engage in art-making activities on their own.

Alzheimer's Foundation of America Awards Family Respite Care Grants 

To help provide family caregivers a bit of relief - physically, mentally and financially AFA recently awarded its inaugural Phyllis and Milton Berg Family Respite Care Grants to three of its nonprofit member organizations: Alzheimer's Disease Association of Kern County, Inc. (ADAKC) Adult Day Care Services, in Bakersfield, Calif.; OPICA Adult Day Care Center, Inc., in Los Angeles; and Senior Services for South Sound - STARS Adult Day Program, in Olympia, Wash.

Each organization will receive $5,000 to provide scholarships to family caregivers to offset or cover the cost of attendance at their adult day programs for loved ones with Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia.

The Phyllis and Milton Berg Family Respite Care Grants were established in honor of the deceased parents of long-time AFA board member, Barry E. Berg. AFA's nonprofit member organizations nationwide can apply for the grants through a bi-annual competitive process; applications are due June 1 and December 1 each year.

• Comments Due on CMS Draft Decision on PET Imaging for Alzheimer's Disease - Last month, the Center for Medicare Services (CMS) released a draft decision memo,  that restricts the use of amyloid PET imaging to two scenarios: (1) to exclude Alzheimer's disease in narrowly defined and clinically difficult differential diagnoses; and (2) to enrich clinical trials seeking better treatments or prevention strategies for Alzheimer's disease. Comments on this memo are due to CMS by close of business August 2.  

• American Geriatrics Society Unveils New Web Site - The American Geriatrics Society recently introduced a new  Web site that provides easy access to annual meeting presentations and public education materials related to seniors, and enables visitors to create "personal libraries" of content specific to their professional interests.

• Care Connection Teleconference Takes an Inside Look at Alzheimer's Disease - Care Connection, AFA's monthly educational teleconference for caregivers, will take place August 8, at 1 p.m. ET. Joseph Potocny, who has Alzheimer's disease, and his wife, Lynn, will candidly share their experience. To participate, call toll-free: 877-594-8353 and use guest identification number: 46692951#

• Long-Term Care Commission Offers Webinar - The federal government's newly formed Long-Term Care Commission is working to create a plan for the establishment, implementation and financing of a comprehensive, coordinated and high-quality system that ensures the availability of long-term services and supports for individuals in need. On August 13, from 2-3 p.m. ET, the commission will be hosting a Webinar to help people learn more about the commission and how they can submit ideas and recommendations for the commission's consideration. Click here to register.