Alzheimer's Foundation of America
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Senate Appropriations Committee Holds Hearing on Economic Impact of Alzheimer's Disease
 The Senate Committee on Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education and Related Agencies held a hearing on Wednesday, that explored the rising cost of Alzheimer's disease on the nation's families and economy. In written testimony, Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr., chief executive officer of the Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA), urged Congress to attack the growing Alzheimer's disease crisis head on and appropriate an additional $500 million in federal funding for Alzheimer's disease research and caregiver services in the FY15 budget. "The status quo is inadequate to meet these growing needs," Fuschillo said. "It is our hope that the policymakers will give thoughtful consideration to our recommendations, which will help advance promising research while strengthening the safety net for [families]." In addition to the funding request, AFA's other recommendations to assist people with dementia and their families included adopting a direct home care coordination model; establishing an adult day services benefit and a palliative care benefit under Medicare; and providing tax credits. |
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Florida High School Senior Named Video Contest Winner
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Alexis Brown, 17, of Jacksonville Fla., likens her great-grandmother's experience with Alzheimer's disease to "being trapped behind glass and screaming to get out, but not knowing quite how..."
Her dramatic depiction of this and other ramifications of the brain disorder recently netted her the top prize in AFA's annual "Teens for Alzheimer's Awareness" video competition.
"I have seen first-hand the progression of the disease and how hard it has been for my great-grandmother," said Brown, who was awarded $500 for her prize-winning video, "Freedom."
"It's a really big deal--forgetting makes the person with the disease anxious, and it's really hard for the family to relate and understand what that person is going through."
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News to Use
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Forest Laboratories to Discontinue NAMENDA Twice-Daily Tablets - Forest Laboratories announced that it will discontinue the twice-daily tablet version of its drug, NAMENDA (memantine HCI), effective August 15. The company will continue to produce its twice-daily NAMENDA oral solution and once-daily NAMENDA XR capsules, both indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease.
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Orthopaedic Groups Kick Off Falls Prevention Campaign - The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) and Orthopaedic Trauma Association (OTA) recently introduced "Home Safety is Bone Safety," a campaign designed to help prevent older adults from falling at home. A free, downloadable guide is also available.
- Grief and Transition Support Group Begins March 31 - Join AFA for a 10-week, telephone-based grief and transition support group for people whose parent, grandparent, sibling, spouse or other loved one has passed as a result of Alzheimer's disease or a related illnesses. This group will be facilitated by one of AFA's licensed social workers. Registration is required and space is limited. For more information, call 866-232-8484 or click here.
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News Update
- Studies In Mice Show Correlation Between Heat-Processed Foods and Alzheimer's Disease, Diabetes - Researchers have found that consumption of advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs)--compounds found in heat-processed foods, such as grilled or broiled meats--cause brain changes similar to Alzheimer's disease and pre-diabetes in mice. Diabetes is a risk factor for the brain disorder. Read more...
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February 27, 2014
Volume 7 Issue 6
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 The Jewish Museum New York, N.Y. For the past three years, the Jewish Museum, located in New York City, has offered a monthly program for individuals with dementia and their caregivers, JM Journeys, that enables participants to make personal connections with original works of art through discussions, art-making, and multi-sensory activities. The program, which is open to the public, is facilitated by Jewish Museum educators in the galleries and art studio.  | |
A recent JM Journeys session
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A Night on the Edge
North Billerica, Mass.
On March 22, Michelle Canning and Rough Edges, an award-winning bluegrass band based in Andover, Mass., will host its third annual concert--"A Night on the Edge"--to raise money for AFA.
The cause is near and dear to Canning--her grandfather, Ken Canning, Sr., had Alzheimer's disease.
This year, the band is asking attendees to submit photos of loved ones affected by the disease. Those images, along with messages, will be projected on-stage while the band performs a song Canning co-wrote, "I'll Take Him Away," as a tribute to her grandfather.
The concert will be held at the Billerica VFW Hall in North Billerica, Mass., at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $10 for adults and $5 for children under 12. Tickets may be purchased in advance or at the door. The band's previous events collectively raised more than $5,000 for AFA.
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 sponsorships, call 866-232-8484 or click here. To purchase tickets, click here.
September 12: "5 Boroughs Concepts in Care" Conference
New York, N.Y.
AFA's third "5 Boroughs Concepts in Care" conference will be held on September 12 at the Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel 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.
For information about sponsorships or exhibiting, call 866-232-8484 or click here.
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Click here to learn the different ways you can give to AFA.
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