Register for AFA's Spring 2016 Concepts in Care Educational Conferences
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This year, AFA's Concepts in Care educational conference will visit more cities than ever before. The free event is designed to educate family and professional caregivers and to provide tips and strategies to assist them in their caregiving journey. This spring, our conferences include:
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 April 5, Northport VA Medical Center, Northport, N.Y.--AFA is teaming up with the Northport VA Medical Center (Northport VAMC) to offer Concepts in Care to veterans, their families and the communities of Nassau and Suffolk Counties. The event will include panel discussions on long-term care and estate planning and caring for loved ones with Alzheimer's disease and related illnesses. There will also be a session on preventing caregiver burnout. A lunch and learn will highlight the programs and services of both AFA and Northport VAMC. Click here to register.
- May 5, Nashville, Tenn.--AFA and Mental Health America of Middle Tennessee will jointly present this conference, which will cover a variety of topics including palliative care and clinical trials. A panel of intergenerational caregivers will share their experiences on caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease. The event will also include an exhibit hall. Click here to register.
- May 13, New York City--Sponsored by Eli Lilly and Company, this event will feature noted Alzheimer's researcher Peter Davies, Ph.D. and palliative care expert R. Sean Morrison, M.D. In addition, panels of intergenerational caregivers will discuss their experiences caring for loved ones with Alzheimer's disease. The conference will also offer on-site recreational therapies for individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related illnesses. Click here to register.
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Washington Update:
Proposed Administration Budget Includes Flat Funding For Alzheimer's Disease Research in FY'17
The Obama Administration released its proposed federal budget for fiscal year 2017 (FY'17), which keeps funding for Alzheimer's disease research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) at the same level as last year. In FY'16, federal spending for Alzheimer's disease reached its highest level at approximately $936 million. The FY'17 budget did; however, include a modest $28.4 million increase for senior and caregiver support services provided by the Administration on Community Living (ACL). A lion's share of these funds would increase the Home and Community Based Supports, senior nutritional services (including "Meals on Wheels") and lifespan respite. Specific ACL caregiver programs for Alzheimer's disease did not receive any funding increases.
The Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA) was disappointed that the Administration failed to build upon on the historic 60 percent increase in Alzheimer's disease research funding in FY'16. AFA has called for an additional $1 billion for Alzheimer's disease research in FY'17. Such an increase would put total federal spending for Alzheimer's disease research at close to $2 billion, the amount that a consensus of Alzheimer's disease researchers say is necessary if we are to accomplish the goal of finding a cure-or meaningful treatment of the disease-by 2025 as stated in the national Alzheimer's plan. AFA will now work with Congressional appropriators to ensure we are on the path to increased Alzheimer's disease funding for FY'17.
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Attend Memory Care Forum, Austin, Texas
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J. Wesson Ashford, M.D., Ph.D.
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On February 25 and 26, the Institute for the Advancement of Senior Care and Long Term Living Magazine will host "Memory Care Forum," in Austin, Texas. Designed for healthcare professionals of all levels, the conference will tackle topics such as staffing for dementia care, dementia care without drugs, and financing memory care delivery. AFA is sponsoring the event, which will include a presentation from J.Wesson Ashford, M.D., Ph.D., clinical professor (affiliated) at the Stanford/VA Aging Clinical Research Center, and chairman of AFA's Memory Screening Advisory Board. Additional forums will be held in Philadelphia, Pa. (May 22-24) and La Jolla, Calif. (Sept.22-23). Click here for more information.
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News to Use:
Support For Long-Distance Caregivers is Just a Phone Call Away
On March 2, AFA will kick off a new telephone-based support group specifically for long-distance caregivers. The five-week group will meet on Wednesdays, from 3-4 p.m. EST and will provide a forum for caregivers to express their feelings, get support from peers, and learn strategies that can help make their caregiving role a bit easier. The group will be facilitated by one of AFA's licensed social workers. Space is limited and registration is required. For more information or to register, contact Heather Saposnick at 866-232-8484 x107 or by e-mail.
A Few Slots Remaining: February 29 Professional Training at AFA's New York Headquarters
There are still a few open slots for our Partners in Care in-person training, February 29, at AFA's New York City headquarters. Gleaned from its innovative training DVD, "AFA's Partners in Care: Supporting Individuals Living With Dementia," these in-person workshops can help professionals of all levels to further excel in the field of dementia care. The session takes place from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and cost to attend is $95. Lunch will be provided. In addition, six continuing education contact hours are available for licensed social workers who complete the training and pass the associated exam. Click here for more information or to register.
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We're Here to Help!
Call AFA's National Toll-Free Helpline:
866-232-8484
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News Update
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Study Reveals Which Exercise is Best for the Brain
Recent research in rats suggests distance running may be the best type of exercise for brain health. The study compared running, weight training and high-intensity interval training. Read more.
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News Update
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Scientists Uncover Area of Brain Where Alzheimer's Begins
A new study believes to have identified the region of the brain where Alzheimer's disease begins. The locus coeruleus, suggests the study, is subject to damage decades before people begin to show symptoms of dementia. Read more.
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News Update
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Scientists Uncover Area of Brain Where Alzheimer's Begins
A new study believes to have identified the region of the brain where Alzheimer's disease begins. The locus coeruleus, suggests the study, is subject to damage decades before people begin to show symptoms of dementia. Read more.
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News Update
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Regular Use of Heartburn Medicines in Seniors Linked to Dementia
A new study indicates that elderly people who regularly take proton-pump inhibitors--a specific type of antacid--are 44 percent more likely to develop dementia than those who do not. Read more.
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News Update
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Study Strengthens Possible Link Between Delirium and Antibiotic Use in Hospital Patients
Antibiotics may be linked to a serious disruption in brain function, called delirium, and other brain problems, more than previously thought, according to a "Views and Reviews" article published in the February 17, 2016, online issue of
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Thank you for your support of AFA! |
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