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Senate Appropriations Committee Calls for Increased Alzheimer's Disease Funding in FY 2017 Budget
The Senate Appropriations Committee has approved a federal budget for fiscal year (FY) 2017 which includes a $400 million increase in Alzheimer's disease and related dementia research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The measure also incorporates the Health Outcomes, Planning, and Education (HOPE) for Alzheimer's Act (S. 857), which will provide Medicare coverage for comprehensive care planning services--for both the individual and his/her caregiver--following a dementia diagnosis.
This bill comes on the heels of the historic $350 million increase for Alzheimer's disease research at the NIH in last year's, FY'16 budget. If passed, the funding bill for FY'17 would increase total NIH funding for Alzheimer's disease and related dementia research at $1.39 billion a year.
Yet, there remain hurdles to its passage. Given the high political stakes in November, Congressional observers predict there will be no final agreement on the federal budget for FY'17--which begins on October 1--until after the election, during Congress' "lame duck" session. Until a budget agreement for FY'17 is reached, Congress will likely pass a continuing resolution which will keep funding at current levels.
The Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA) has called for an increase of $1 billion in Alzheimer's research funding for FY'17 along with an additional $40 million in dementia caregiver services and supports. Still, in a statement, AFA's president and chief executive officer, Charles J. Fuschillo Jr., praised the members of the Senate Appropriations Committee saying that, "Increased dollars will enable Alzheimer's research partners to continue and expand much needed efforts in finding a cure ... however, much more needs to be invested if we are to achieve the goal of the National Alzheimer's Plan-to find a cure or meaningful treatment for this devastating illness by 2025." Leading scientists have stated that we need at least $2 billion a year in research funding in order to reach this goal.
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See the White Sox and Make a Difference
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 On June 25, the Chicago White Sox baseball club is teaming up with AFA to host an Alzheimer's Awareness Day. Specially-priced tickets are available to see the Sox take on the Blue Jays at 1:10 p.m. A portion of ticket proceeds will benefit AFA. Click here for more information, or to purchase tickets. Please note, specially-priced tickets must be ordered by June 17.
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Winners of AFA Teens for Alzheimer's Awareness College Scholarship Announced
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"I was completely lost. How does a 10-year-old comprehend that every single memory she shares with her father, the most important man in her life, will no longer be remembered?" asked Tania Kristina Bridges, 17, describing how she felt when she learned her father had been diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's disease. Her winning essay earned her the grand prize--a $5,000 scholarship--in the Alzheimer's Foundation of America's (AFA) annual AFA Teens for Alzheimer's Awareness college scholarship competition. AFA awarded a total of $20,000 in scholarship money this year.
More than 2,500 college-bound seniors entered the competition, which asks teens to describe how Alzheimer's disease has impacted their lives and what they've learned about themselves and their families in the face of this disease. The heartfelt stories shared the emotions, challenges and triumphs of caregiving, whether for a loved one or someone met through volunteering.
AFA awarded a total of 16 scholarships. In addition to Bridges, this year's winners are: tied for the grand prize: Maggie Kennedy, 17, of Bloomington, Ind.; first runner-up, Sarah Elizabeth Bowden, 17, of Tomball, Texas; second runner-up, Jordan Abigail Dunnewind, 18, of Minnetonka, Minn.; third runner-up (tie): Christine Gildea, 17, of Somers, N.Y.; and Kaylee Rose Witte, 17, of Dexter, Mich.; and honorable mentions, Laura Brailsford, 17, of Mandeville, La.; Juliana Casella, 18, Burlington, Mass.; Marina Isabelle Fernandez, 17, of Antelope, Calif.; Ana Julissa Gomez, 18, of Idabel, Okla.; Julia Hohenstein, 18, of Brielle, N.J.; Emily Elise Roberson, 18, of Acworth, Ga.; Barrett Elizabeth Stout, 18, of McKinney, Texas; Christina Troha, 18, of Hanover Park, Ill.; Nancy Catherine Volding, 17, of Richmond, Texas; and Alexandra Mallory Wynn, 17, of Owings Mills, Md.
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Support the Issuance of an Alzheimer's Postage Stamp
There is still time to voice support for the issuance of an Alzheimer's-focused semipostal stamp. The United States Postal Service (USPS) is taking public comments on the issuance of five new semipostal stamps over the next 10 years. Purchase of these stamps allows postal customers to donate to an underlying cause featured on each. Past stamps have raised millions of dollars for diseases such as breast cancer. AFA encourages anyone affected by Alzheimer's disease to submit comments in support of the establishment of an Alzheimer's semipostal stamp to the USPS. Comments may be sent via email, noting "Semipostal Discretionary Program," in the subject line. The comment period is open until July 5.
Webinar: Preparing a Dementia-Capable Workforce
The National Alzheimer's and Dementia Resource Center will present a webinar, entitled, "Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program: Preparing a Dementia Capable Workforce," on June 22, from 3-4 p.m. EDT. The presenters for this webinar are John Morley, M.B., B.Ch. and Erin E. Emery-Tiburcio, Ph.D., A.B.P.P., who are both directors of Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Programs in Missouri and Illinois respectively. Register here.
An Evening of Sips, Sweets and Shopping to Benefit AFA
On June 22, retailer Henri Bendel will host an evening of sips, sweets and shopping at its New York flagship store and its Michigan Avenue store in Chicago, to benefit AFA. Attendees will receive 15 percent off all full-priced purchases and Henri Bendel will donate 10 percent of event proceeds to AFA. The event runs from 6-8 p.m. at the New York store and from 6-9 p.m. at the Chicago store.
Free Webinar: Clinical Opportunities With Older Adults Working with older adults is rich and rewarding, yet stigma has deterred many emerging professionals from working with the aging population. In looking at the growing number of older adults and increased need for people to provide care and services for them, the Alzheimer's Foundation of America will explore clinical opportunities to work with this population and share the benefits of helping ensure meaningful and quality living as we age. There will be two sessions offered - one at 11 a.m. and one at 3 p.m., both EDT. Click here to register.
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Happy Father's Day!
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From our family to yours, we honor all dads--those who have passed, those who are with us and future dads, as well.
Remember that care and support are just a phone call away, via AFA's national toll-free helpline: 866-232-8484.
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Join Us:
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AFA Concepts in Care Educational Conference, Chicago, Ill.
September 29
AFA Concepts in Care Educational Conference
Washington, D.C.
October 26
AFA Concepts in Care Educational Conference
November 11
AFA Concepts in Care Educational Conference
West Palm Beach, Fla.
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Save-the-Date:
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November 3 - AFA Lights the Nation
On November 3, AFA will again light the nation teal for Alzheimer's awareness.
More than 100 landmarks across the country and around the globe will be participating in this important initiative, including New York's Empire State Building, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), the Wrigley Building in Chicago, the Prudential Center in Boston, the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte, the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville, the Fountains at Trafalgar Square in London, England, and the Sichuan Tower in Sichuan, China. AFA is continuing to add sites to this list and will share updates in future e-newsletters. We encourage people to share in the experience at home, as well. Replace outdoor lights with teal bulbs to join us in shining a light on Alzheimer's disease. Together, we can make a difference.
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News Update:
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A team of researchers at Rowan University in New Jersey has developed a blood test that may help identify biomarkers for developing mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Read more.
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Thank you for your support of AFA ! |
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