Free Educational Conference on Alzheimer's Disease
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Family Caregivers, Healthcare Pros and People With Alzheimer's Disease Encouraged to Attend
On September 12, the Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA) will host its annual free educational conference, "5 Boroughs Concepts in Care," in New York City. The daylong event will feature separate sessions for family caregivers, healthcare professionals, and individuals with Alzheimer's disease or a related illness.
Presenters include renowned dementia care expert and advocate Teepa Snow, M.S., OTR/L, F.A.O.T.A., who has made it her personal mission to help families and care professionals better understand how it feels to live with the challenges of dementia. In addition, Jose A. Luchsinger, M.D., and associate professor of medicine at New York Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center (CUMC), as well as associate professor of epidemiology at CUMC, will provide a medical update on Alzheimer's disease and related illnesses. Elder law expert Ann Margaret Carrozza will lead a panel on long-term care, and will share updates on Medicaid, VA aid and more.
For individuals with dementia, a variety of therapies, including dance, horticulture and poetry, will be provided. Free, on-site respite care, supervised by qualified health care professionals will be available to people whose loved ones are unable to participate in the sessions.
Breakfast, lunch and conference materials will also be provided. For more information or to register, call 866-232-8484 or e-mail Josie DiChiara.
Learn more
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New Government Brain Health Resource
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Toolkit Highlights Risk Factors and Lifestyle Modifications for Successful Aging
 The Administration for Community Living (ACL) this week released "Brain Health As You Age," a toolkit that provides information and educational materials to help facilitate successful aging.
The kit was compiled by the ACL, The National Institutes of Health(NIH)/National Institute on Aging (NIA), and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The toolkit is comprised of an Educator Guide, a slide presentation, a tip sheet with lifestyle suggestions for older adults and key facts and resources to help keep brains healthy.
This resource fulfills a strategy recommendation from the National Alzheimer's Plan that calls for increased public education on Alzheimer's disease.
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Albert Einstein College of Medicine Hosts Free Online Conference
On August, 20, Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University will host the next of its NeuroSeriesLive events. "New Directions in the Assessment and Management of Patients with Alzheimer's Disease," is a free, online continuing medical education conference that will take place from 12:00-1:00 p.m. EDT. Speakers include Pierre Tariot, M.D., who is a member of AFA's medical and scientific advisory board, and Marwan Sabbagh, M.D. Click here to register.
Free Falls Prevention Webinar
On August 21, the National Council on Aging will host a free webinar
geared toward helping organizations facilitate effective falls prevention programs in their communities. Attendees will learn best practices for falls prevention programming, strategies for recruiting older adult populations and more. The webinar takes place from 1:30-3:00 p.m.
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Study Uncovers Possible New Direction in Alzheimer's Treatment
New research revealed that the brain may function normally even in the absence of the gene apolipoprotein E (APOE). Scientists performed cognitive assessments, brain imaging and cerebrospinal fluid analyses on a man missing the gene and found no indication of neurodegenerative disease. One specific variant of this gene, APOE4, is currently the greatest known genetic risk factor for the most common form of Alzheimer's disease. Though limited, the findings of this study could suggest a new direction for treatment of the brain disorder. Read more.
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Member Spotlight
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Alzheimer's and Dementia Services of Northern Indiana
South Bend, Ind.
Alzheimer's and Dementia Services of Northern Indiana is truly tuned into the needs of its community.
"Family caregivers told us they wanted to learn more about caring for their loved one, but that they just don't have time to attend an educational program--among juggling dinner preparation, researching care facilities and their other responsibilities," said Barb Dzikowski, program director at Alzheimer's and Dementia Services of Northern Indiana.
With that in mind, Dzikowski and team created "Dinner and Dementia," a free educational series for caregivers. Each month, in three of the counties it serves, the organization teams up with a local assisted memory care facility. The facility prepares dinner and offers tours for the families.
Alzheimer's and Dementia Services of Northern Indiana furnishes a guest speaker for each event. Topics have included Alzheimer's disease education, creating a therapeutic environment, how to select a care facility, caregiver health, and handling difficult transitions (e.g., driving, finances, moving to a new home).
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Fundraiser Spotlight
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Joe Malacina
Homer Glen, Ill.
For the ninth straight year, Joe Malacina and his friends, Bill Barrett and Joe Pratl, held a golf outing to raise money for AFA.
All three men's late mothers--Mary Malacina, Mary Barrett and Barbara Pratl--had Alzheimer's disease. The trio decided to host the outing as a way to raise money for the cause in their mothers' memory.
What began as a small group of family and friends has evolved into a golf outing that attracts 30-40 players each year. Local businesses donate prizes. Thus far, the golf outing has raised more than $5,000 for AFA. The outing will celebrate its 10th year next spring.
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Upcoming Events
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November 7-9 - National Commemorative Candle Lighting Weekend of Prayer
AFA's National Commemorative Candle Lighting Weekend of Prayer is an annual event to remember and honor Americans who have been or will be affected by Alzheimer's disease or related illnesses. It is held each November in recognition of National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month.
Learn more
November 18 - National Memory Screening Day On November 18, AFA will host its annual National Memory Screening Day. Free, confidential memory screenings will be administered by qualified health professionals at local sites nationwide, including pharmacies, doctor's offices, libraries, long-term care settings, and houses of worship.
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