Alzheimer's Foundation of America
|
|
|
Final FY14 Budget Includes Unprecedented Alzheimer's Disease Funding
 Congressional leaders this week agreed on a spending plan that will fund Alzheimer's disease research and caregiver services at unprecedented levels. The recommendation calls for increasing funding for Alzheimer's disease research by as much as $80 million at the National Institutes on Aging (NIA), a division of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), putting total federal spending on Alzheimer's disease research at approximately $530 million for FY14. In addition, it calls for $26.55 million in Alzheimer's-specific care services and family support programs, including $4 million to train health professionals on issues related to Alzheimer's disease. In boosting Alzheimer's-related funding, Congressional appropriators noted that the brain disorder "poses a serious threat to the nation's long-term health and economic stability." The appropriations bill passed the House last night and will be voted upon by the Senate this week. "This is a step forward by Congress in recognizing the enormity of Alzheimer's disease and its devastating impact on families. The Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA) is grateful to all stakeholders who contacted their members of Congress urging support of Alzheimer's disease research and services," said Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr., AFA's chief executive officer. "In this time of fiscal restraint, increases in federal spending-however worthy the cause-are rare. We are hopeful that this victory leads to growing momentum for further funding to attack this public health crisis." |
|
Medicare Improvement Standard Abolished
Beneficiaries with chronic conditions such as Alzheimer's disease can no longer be denied Medicare coverage for physical, occupational, and speech-language therapy services solely because their underlying condition will not improve, under a ruling that took effect January 7.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) now has one year to update its policy manual, and roll out a nationwide educational campaign to inform Medicare decision-makers about this change. The ruling is the result of a class action lawsuit, Jimmo v. Sebelius.
|
|
Alzheimer's Foundation and Second Wind Dreams Help Fulfill Dreams for People with Dementia
 | |
A Second Wind Dreamer goes for a spin.
|
AFA and Second Wind Dreams (SWD) are teaming up to help make the dreams of people with Alzheimer's disease or related illnesses a reality. Through "The AFA-SWD Sleeping Dreamers Project," AFA and SWD will award a minimum of two dreams per month for the next year to individuals with dementia, under a grant provided by AFA.
The dreams allow a person to relive a fond experience or satisfy a long-time desire expressed to family or professional caregivers. In the first dreams fulfilled through this collaboration, AFA and SWD helped a longtime jazz drummer relive his glory days of playing the club circuit in Atlanta, and put a Brooklyn, N.Y. woman on the path toward her dream of learning to swim.
Under the project, organizations that are members of both AFA and SWD can apply to fulfill dreams for their clients or community members. Click here for more information.
|
News to Use
- Register Now for AFA's February Support Groups - AFA will introduce two virtual support groups next month. The first is a Skype-based support group specifically geared toward teenagers who have a loved one with Alzheimer's disease or a related illness. The eight-week group will take place Tuesdays from 4-5 p.m. EST, February 18-April 8.
The second is a telephone-based grief and transition support group for widows and widowers whose spouses had
Alzheimer's disease or a related illness. This group begins
February 24, and runs subsequent Mondays from 3-4 p.m.
EST. For more information and to register, call
866-232-8484 or email info@alzfdn.org.
|
News Updates
-
Heavy Drinking in Middle Age May Speed Memory Loss in Men- A new study suggests that middle-aged men who have two and a half drinks (or more than 36 grams) of alcohol per day may speed their memory loss by up to six years later in life. The study found no differences in memory, attention or reasoning skills in men who do not drink, are former drinkers, and are light or moderate drinkers. Read more...
-
Caffeine May Help Enhance Memory -Researchers found that giving people a 200-milligram dose of caffeine afterthey memorized a series of pictures significantly boosted their ability to remember details, compared to people who had been given a placebo. Read more...
|
|
|
|
|
|
January 16, 2014
Volume 7 Issue 3
|
 Alzheimer's Alliance of Smith County
Tyler, Texas
 | |
A volunteer (r.) and client on Wonderful Wednesday.
|
Alzheimer's Alliance of Smith County clients look forward to mid-week! Through the "Wonderful Wednesdays Day Club," the organization's volunteers are paired with clients-aka "best friends"-for the day to learn the person's life story and participate in activities together.
Last week's "Wonderful Wednesday" featured a "Get Fit" theme, focusing on healthy food choices, exercise, socializing, and other tips to help keep the body and soul fit.
Business Societé
Roslyn Heights, N.Y.
Business Societé, a business networking group based in Roslyn Heights, N.Y., will host an event in its "Image of Success Networking Series," on January 21, to benefit AFA.
The evening will feature cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, and a presentation from Norman Wasserman, an event producer, who will share tips on how to create successful fundraisers. AFA's new CEO, Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr., will attend the event, which will be held at Mio Posto Italian restaurant in Hicksville, N.Y.
For tickets and additional information,
click here. 
Save the Date
May 1: "For the Love of George" Cocktail Party & Concert
Nashville, Tenn.
Join AFA at Sambuca in Nashville, Tenn. for a night of awareness and tribute in honor of the millions of individuals with Alzheimer's disease, their families and caregivers. The event includes an open bar, hors d'oeuvres, a silent auction, and a performance by the band, Honor By August.
For information about tickets and sponsorships, call 866-232-8484 or click here.
May 8, 2014 - "5 Boroughs Concepts in Care Conference" AFA's third "5 Boroughs Concepts in Care" conference will be held on May 8 in Manhattan. This free educational conference will include sessions for professional caregivers, family caregivers and individuals with dementia, and memory screenings, as well as an exhibit hall and hands-on activities.
|
|
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.
|
|
