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January 29, 2015
News from the Alzheimer's Foundation of America

Advisory Council Discusses Updates to National Alzheimer's Plan


Earlier this week, The Advisory Council on Alzheimer's Research, Care and Services, which guides the implementation of the "National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease," recommended several items for inclusion in the 2015 plan update. The Secretary of Health and Human Services will ultimately decide which, if any, of the recommendations are included in the update.


 

The Council's recommendations include: committing research resources with accountability; encouraging development of dementia friendly communities; including care planning in Medicare coverage; incorporating and promoting palliative care choices; expanding services under the Older Americans' Act to people with early-onset dementia; and establishing a federal panel to suggest innovative financing of long term care services.


Eric Sokol, vice president of public policy at the Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA) presented AFA's recommendations to the Council during the public comment period. Several of AFA's suggested action steps were adopted at the meeting, including increasing engagement and coordination with global partners to combat Alzheimer's disease; supporting partnerships between individual states and the Council; and partnering with state entities to ensure full access to long term care and services to people with dementia. AFA also recommended that the Council expand opportunities for memory screening and to call on Congress to "double down" on funding for federal Alzheimer's disease research.


"Such an investment can change trajectory of this disease and transform patient outcomes," said Charles J. Fuschillo, AFA's president & chief executive officer. "Progress has already been made in several areas of the national Alzheimer's plan and some modest goals have been achieved; however we have a long way to go to reach the ultimate goal of finding a meaningful treatment or cure by 2025. Now is the time to make it happen."


The Council's next meeting is scheduled for April 27. AFA will continue to provide updates on the progress related to the implementation of the national Alzheimer's plan.

Senate HELP Committee Approves Older Americans Act Reauthorization


The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee unanimously approved S. 192, the reauthorization of the Older Americans Act (OAA) of 2015. The bill was introduced by Senators Lamar Alexander (R-TN), Patty Murray (D-WA), Richard Burr (R-NC) and Bernie Sanders (I-VT). It would update and strengthen the current OAA programs including: dementia caregiver training programs, meals on wheels and state grants subsidizing adult day care.  


The bill now goes to the Senate floor for debate and consideration. AFA will continue to follow the progress toward reauthorization of this important legislation and will provide updates as they are available.

Last Chance: AFA Spring Bi-Annual Grants


The application period for AFA's Spring Bi-Annual Grants closes this Sunday, February 1. All applications must be postmarked on or before this date.  

 

AFA's bi-annual grants are open to all AFA member organizations. Click here to learn more.

News to Use
Enter the AFA Teens for Alzheimer's Awareness Scholarship Competition

2013 Winner Jadend Russell-Johnson and her dad, David Perry Johnson
There is still time to enter AFA's Teens for Alzheimer's Awareness college scholarship competition. The competition is open to teens who will enter a four-year accredited college or university within 12 months of the application deadline, February 15.

Prizes of $5,000, $2,500 an $1,000 will be awarded. For more information, please visit the Young Leaders of AFA website.
News Update

Can Over the Counter Drugs Raise Risk of Dementia?

 

A recent study suggests that taking high does of certain over-the-counter drugs, including those found in allergy medicines and sleep aids--or using such drugs long-term--may increase the risk of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease. Read more.

Fundraiser Spotlight

 

The Hillside at Arbour Square

Harleysville, Pa.

 

Recently, the Hillside at Arbour Square, in Harleysville, Pa., held a fundraiser for AFA that blended music, art, food, and wine. The event, entitled "A Time for Art, Music and Compassion," included an exhibition of works from Terry Roth, a local contemporary painter of abstract art, as well as a live musical performance, and refreshments. 

 

Roth also treated attendees to a painting demonstration. The event raised $1,000 for AFA. 

 

Kathie Sweeney, marketing manager at Arbour Square and Terry Roth, artist. 
Save The Date!
Friday, May 15, 2015
Concepts in Care Educational Conference

AFA's annual Concepts in Care Educational Conference will take place Friday, May 15, at the New York Hilton.

As always, the conference is free to attend and will feature three separate "tracks" of study: one for family caregivers, one for professional caregivers and one for individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related illnesses.

Additional details and program agenda will be announced in the coming months.

For more information, or to sponsor or exhibit at the conference, please contact Josie DiChiara at 866-232-8282 or by e-mail.