Alzheimer's Foundation of America
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Let Your Voice Be Heard in Washington
People will have several opportunities in the coming weeks to let their voices be heard in Washington, D.C.
First, the Rally for Medical Research is hosting a "Day of Action" on September 18. A broad coalition of research and advocacy organizations, including the Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA), will meet with members of Congress to urge them to invest in medical research at the National Institutes of Health. Individuals are encouraged to contact their U.S. Representatives and Senators by e-mail or Twitter.
In addition, the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) has posted its draft strategic plan for Fiscal Years 2014-2018. This plan, which is updated every four years, outlines HHS' work to address complex and ever-evolving health and human service issues. Comments on the draft plan will be accepted until October 15, 2013.
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National Council on Aging to Hold Falls Prevention Awareness Day
September 22 marks the National Council on Aging's (NCOA) 6th Annual National Falls Prevention Awareness Day. This year's theme, "Preventing Falls-One Step at a Time," seeks to unite professionals, older adults, caregivers, and family members to play a part in raising awareness and preventing falls.
To advance its efforts, the NCOA is offering a free media toolkit to state and local partners of the State Coalitions on Fall Prevention Workgroup. |
News to Use
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Sign Up for National Memory Screening Day - Don't miss out! Now is the time to register your site for AFA's hallmark annual event, National Memory Screening Day (NMSD), which is taking place November 19. Each year on NMSD, organizations across the country, such as Alzheimer's agencies, senior centers, long-term care facilities and hospitals, offer free, confidential memory screenings-administered by qualified healthcare professionals-and educational materials. AFA provides registered sites with a toolkit of educational, marketing and other materials to seamlessly carry out the event.
- Tune into 'PBS NewsHour' Tonight - Tonight's episode of "PBS NewsHour" will feature a piece on the Alzheimer's Poetry Project (APP), an AFA member organization dedicated to facilitating the creativity of people living with Alzheimer's disease and related illnesses. Gary Glazner, founder of the Brooklyn, N.Y.-based program, will explain how and why poetry helps people with dementia. Check local listings for time and channel.
- Free Webcast for Caregivers - On September 26, at 2 p.m. EDT, caregivers across the country can log into a free, national webcast sponsored by Senior Helpers. Guest speakers include TV host Leeza Gibbons and dementia care expert Teepa Snow. Topics range from combating caregiver stress to identifying signs of dementia.
- New Program Aims to Help People Retain Eyesight - In honor of Healthy Aging Month in September, the National Eye Health Education Program of the National Eye Institute and National Institutes of Health is offering resources to help community and health professionals educate adults 50 and older about eye health.
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News Updates
- New Video Game Helps Sharpen Minds of Older Adults - A new, 3D-driving video game that tests both multi-tasking capabilities and cognition has shown promise in helping to evaluate the way the brains of people aged 60 to 85 process information. Participants initially had trouble with the game, but after 12 hours of training during a one-month period, their scores improved significantly and seemed to remain intact six months afterward. Read more...
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September 12, 2013
Volume 6 Issue 18
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Ninth Annual 'For the Love of George Cocktail Party and Concert'
AFA's ninth 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.
Attendees will also enjoy casino-style games, a silent auction, food and cocktails. Ben Aaron, features reporter for NBC-TV's "New York Live" will serve as master of ceremonies.
For tickets, visit TicketWeb
or call AFA at 866-232-8484.
Clella Bay Murray,
West Grove, Pa.
Author Clella Bay Murray, of West Grove, Pa., recently donated proceeds totaling more than $1,000 to AFA from sales of two of her books.
Murray's husband, Richard, an internationally renowned physicist, was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease two years ago. Murray, a genetics researcher by trade, began writing just for fun-and she now turns to it for respite.
"If you are a caregiver, you need to have a focus outside of the caregiving - something to tell you 'this will work out,'" Murray said.
One of Murray's recent books, a fictional children's book, entitled, "Dangerous Journey," is based on her family's covered wagon and foot journey from Vermont to Ohio in 1799. Murray says she will continue to donate all proceeds from her books to the Alzheimer's cause.
AFA's National Commemorative Candle Lighting 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.
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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