Managing Health Conditions May Reduce Alzheimer's Risk

Managing potentially modifiable risk factors such as cardiovascular disease, hypertension and diabetes could lessen the chances of developing Alzheimer's disease and delay its onset, as well as reduce lifetime dementia costs, according to a study funded by the Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation (ADDF) and the Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA).

The study results, published in this month's "Health Affairs," revealed that with cardiovascular diseases, for example, a five percent reduction in prevalence would decrease the risk of dementia by .4 percent and delay its onset by .5 years; and a 10 percent drop in prevalence among Baby Boomers could save an estimated $20 billion in lifetime Medicare costs for dementia, and $17 billion in Medicaid costs.

"While more studies are needed, our research shows that effective management of certain chronic conditions, even when initiated after the age of 65, may significantly prevent or delay the onset, and reduce the overall costs, of Alzheimer's disease," said study co-author Howard Fillit, M.D., ADDF's executive director and chief science officer.

Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr., AFA's chief executive officer, noted that the findings reinforce AFA's messaging about the importance of following a successful aging regimen, including managing chronic health conditions. "As Alzheimer's disease reaches crisis proportions," he said, "it is critical to continue investigating all areas that may reduce risk factors, bolster cognition, extend life, and reduce healthcare costs to families and society."

Study: Assisted Living Communities Remain Cost-Effective 

Join AFA for A Night to Remember in Nashville

Jessica June Rose: "I'll Remind You," featuring Jason Henke

Gather for a night of fun and tribute to people with Alzheimer's disease on May 1 in Nashville when AFA will host "For the Love of George," a concert and cocktail reception. The event features a concert by Honor By August.

In addition, recording artists Jessica June Rose and Jason Henke will lead a candle lighting ceremony to celebrate loved ones who have or had Alzheimer's disease. The duo will perform their heartwarming song "I'll Remind You." The song is available on iTunes, and the artists are donating 25 percent of proceeds from its sale to AFA.

 

Click here to purchase tickets to the event; click here for information on sponsorships.

Coach Pat Summitt Nominated For Congressional Gold Medal   

Coach Pat Summitt

AFA has endorsed federal legislation (H.R. 3036 and S. 1910) that would bestow the Congressional Gold Medal on Pat Summitt, coach emerita of the University of Tennessee's Lady Volunteers basketball team, and an Alzheimer's disease activist. The medal is one of the highest civilian awards in the U.S. 

 

Summit was diagnosed with young-onset Alzheimer's disease in 2011, and since, has used her celebrity to shine a spotlight on the brain disorder. 

 

Read an article about Summit written by her son, Tyler, in the Spring 2012 issue of AFA's care ADvantage magazine.

• Alzheimer's Advisory Council to Hold Meeting on April 29 - The Advisory Council on Alzheimer's Research, Care, and Services, which is advising on implementation of the "National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease," will hold its next meeting on April 29, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EDT at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), in Washington, D.C. This meeting will be webcast live. Public comments and requests to attend in person should be submitted to napa@hhs.gov, with a subject line of "April 29 Meeting Attendance," by April 18.  

• Medicare Introduces New Model for Hospice Care Coverage - Hospice programs that provide palliative care as well as providers administering curative treatments may soon be eligible for Medicare reimbursement. Currently, Medicare beneficiaries are required to forgo curative care in order to receive access to palliative care services offered by hospices. Eligible hospice organizations interested in participating in the new Medicare Choices Model must submit application materials no later than June 19.