Alzheimer's Foundation Awards Grants to Grassroots Organizations

The Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA) recently awarded $50,000 in grants to 10 local groups from coast to coast that provide care and enrichment programs vital to maintaining quality of life for individuals with Alzheimer's disease and for their families.

Five of the grants will help grassroots nonprofit agencies fund programs--from the creative arts to education--aimed at supporting and engaging people with dementia and their caregivers. AFA awarded the other five grants to law enforcement agencies to create or sustain Project Lifesaver search and rescue programs.

"The needs of the dementia population continue to increase in local communities, as the incidence of the disease escalates," said Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr., AFA's chief executive officer. "These organizations are going above and beyond to deliver quality care today and in the future to people affected by this heartbreaking disease."

Report Shows Reduction in Antipsychotic Use in Nursing Homes

The National Partnership to Improve Dementia Care in Nursing Homes, an initiative of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), recently reported that it has achieved its goal to reduce use of antipsychotic medications by 15.1 percent among people with dementia residing for long-stays in nursing homes nationwide.

• National Alzheimer's Plan Advisory Council to Meet 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. The agenda includes updates to the National Plan; an overview of some specific state and city plans; and other updates. The meeting takes place at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in Washington, D.C., from 9:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. EDT and will be streamed live.

• AFA Releases New Infographic for Older Americans Month -  In recognition of Older Americans Month in May, AFA this week released a new infographic offering a glimpse into older Americans and Alzheimer's disease, and the issues facing our nation now and in the coming years.

• Deadline Approaching: Brodsky Innovation Grant - Each year, AFA awards its Brodsky Innovation Grant to an AFA nonprofit member organization in recognition of an innovative service or program that improves the lives of people with Alzheimer's disease and their families. The $25,000 grant is named in honor of Bert E. Brodsky, AFA's founding chairman, and his wife, Muriel, for their generous commitment to AFA and the cause. Submissions for this year's grant must be received by May 15.

     

• Wisconsin Signs Silver Alert into Law - Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker recently signed legislation to create a Silver Alert system in the state. This law enables police to use the Crime Alert Network to quickly disseminate notices statewide when a senior citizen or other vulnerable adult goes missing. It replaces a costly and more limited subscription-based alert system that does not use media blasts or highway signs. 

• Care Connection: Finding Your Niche as a Long-Distance Caregiver - AFA's next Care Connection, a free teleconference for family and professional caregivers, will be held on May 8, from 1-2 p.m. EDT. Guest expert Debbie Drelich, ACSW, LMSW, CMC, founder of New York Elder Care Consultants, LLC, will share strategies  for caregiving across the miles. To join, call 877-594-8353 and use guest ID 46692951#.

• Nominations Sought for U.S. Preventive Services Task Force - The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality is accepting nominations for the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) through May 15. Candidates must demonstrate national leadership in clinical prevention, critical evaluation of research and implementation of evidence-based recommendations in clinical practice. The USPSTF makes evidence-based recommendations regarding clinical preventive services including screenings. Click here for more information or to submit a nomination.