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contact Carol Steinberg, Executive Vice President, Alzheimer's Foundation of America
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media@alzfdn.org
Alzheimer’s Foundation of America Updates Teleconference for Dementia Caregivers
NEW YORK, NY — To meet the growing needs of the dementia community, the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America has updated its free, educational teleconference service to encourage both family members and professionals caring for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or a related illness to take advantage of its expert presentations and support network.
Called Care Connection, the teleconference will now include presentations about dementia that will interest both family and professional caregivers, and it will be held duringa time that should appeal to both audiences.It links up to 150 caregivers from anywhere in the country for each one-hour session.
Under the new format, AFA will now host Care Connection on the second Thursday of each month at 1 p.m. Eastern Time, beginning August 12. Caregivers can call in toll-free at 877-232-2992; the guest identification number is 271004#. AFA will archive sessions on its Web site at www.alzfdn.org.
On August 12, Eboni Green, RN, Ph.D., executive director of Caregiver Support Services, Omaha, NE, will discuss practical solutions for stressed out caregivers. On September 9, Marianne Terry, LSW, director of the Time Out Adult Day Center-Succasunna & Madison, Family Service of Morris County, Morristown, NJ, will provide activity ideas. And, on October 14, Roy Herndon Smith, Ph.D., coordinator of Community Geriatric Care Management, New York, NY, will outline ways to communicate with individuals as their functions decline. A detailed calendar is available at www.alzfdn.org.
A member of AFA’s social work team will facilitate each session and encourage call-in participants to pose questions to the experts as well as share their own experiences in a supportive environment.
“The needs of both family and professional caregivers are continuing to shift and evolve, but one thing remains clear: education and support are vital. Care Connection provides a valuable resource to help them on their caregiving journey,” said Eric J. Hall, AFA’s president and chief executive officer.
By shifting the service from the evening to the afternoon, family caregivers may be able to more easily participate while their loved ones are attending adult day centers or other respite programs, and organizations may encourage their healthcare employees to participate as a part of job training.
For family caregivers, Care Connection fills a growing need for alternate types of support services, especially for caregivers whose round-the-clock responsibilities prevent them from attending on-site sessions or interacting in person with other caregivers.
By participating in Care Connection, professional caregivers can keep up to date with the latest interventions to help care for clients. For those professionals qualified by AFA’s membership and training division, Dementia Care Professionals of America (DCPA), each session will count as one hour of training toward credits required to renew their DCPA status.
The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America is a national nonprofit organization that focuses on providing optimal care to individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related illnesses, and their families. Its services include a toll-free hot line, counseling by licensed social workers, educational materials, training for healthcare professionals, and a free caregiver magazine. For more information, call toll-free 866-AFA-8484 or visit www.alzfdn.org.Alzheimer’s Foundation of America Releases New DVD on Preventing Falls
NEW YORK, NY — The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) recently released “Preventing Falls: Practical Steps to Reduce Fears and Risks,” the latest DVD in AFA’s “Your Time to Care” series of educational programs for family caregivers, in the hopes of helping caregivers reduce their own risk of falls and prevent their loved ones from falling.
Falls are a very common and life-threatening occurrence and are particularly worrisome for caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease, a brain disorder that primarily affects people older than 65. In fact, according to federal government statistics, o ne out of three individuals over the age of 65 will experience a fall, resulting in 20,000 deaths annually.
“What's really important to know is that a fall is preventable,” said Laura N. Gitlin, Ph.D., one of the experts featured in the DVD and director of the Center for Applied Research on Aging and Health, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia.
With this in mind, “Preventing Falls” provides insight into why dementia intensifies the incidence of falls and offers practical strategies from experts and family caregivers on how to reduce risk factors, including communication techniques, home modifications and lifestyle changes.
Among the caregivers who share their concerns, Judy Earnest provides care for her 85-year-old mother who has Alzheimer’s disease; she is worried that her mother’s gradual loss of coordination and balance will lead to a devastating fall and that that may prompt Earnest to break her promise to keep her mom at home.
“She's never really been steady on her feet, but more so I think is, is her not realizing she can't do all the things she ever did,” said Earnest . “ I just don’t want her to get hurt.”
In the DVD, P. Murali Doraiswamy, M.D., co- author of “The Alzheimer’s Action Plan,” noted that dementia very often affects coordination and balance as it progresses. “Cognitive impairment substantially increases the risk for falls anywhere from about two to eight fold,” he said.
The DVD, which was funded in part with a grant from Novartis Pharmaceuticals, is available on AFA’s E-store at www.alzfdn.org or by calling 866-232-8484. Other topics in the “Your Time to Care” DVD series include wandering and medication management.
Alzheimer’s disease results in loss of memory and other cognitive functions, and is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States. An estimated one to four caregivers care for each person with the disease.
The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America is a national nonprofit organization based in New York City that focuses on providing optimal care to individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related illnesses, and their families, and unites 1,400 member organizations nationwide that provide hands-on programs. AFA’s services include a toll-free hot line with counseling by licensed social workers, a free caregiver magazine, and National Memory Screening Day. For information, call 866-AFA-8484 or visit www.alzfdn.org.Alzheimer’s Foundation of America to Host Educational Conferences in North Carolina
NEW YORK, NY — North Carolina’s older population with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias is on the threshold of a boom: it is expected to increase by 59 percent between now and 2030. Recognizing this, the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) will host free care-focused conferences for family caregivers on August 6 in Charlotte and on August 7 in Raleigh.
During each of AFA’s “Concepts in Care” conferences, P. Murali Doraiswamy, M.D., chief of the Division of Biological Psychiatry at the Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, and the author of “The Alzheimer’s Action Plan,” will provide an understanding of Alzheimer’s disease and the importance of early detection and treatment.
Other experts will offer hands-on strategies to positively address behavioral challenges and activities of daily living. Ann Louise Barrick, Ph.D., director of psychology at Central Regional Hospital, Butner, NC, and author of “Bathing Without a Battle,” will present in Charlotte; and Teepa Snow, a dementia care training specialist and a consulting associate at the Duke University School of Nursing, Durham, will present in Raleigh.
In addition, AFA will offer confidential memory screenings and the Virtual Dementia Tour, an interactive tool developed by Second Wind Dreams that helps people better understand what it feels like to have dementia. These activities will be available free to conference attendees and the general public throughout the day.
The conference also includes breakfast and lunch, as well as respite care for individuals with dementia while their family members attend the conference.
The conference will take place from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on August 6 at the Hilton Charlotte City Center, 222 E. Third St. in Charlotte, and on August 7 at the Hilton North Raleigh/Midtown, 3415 Wake Forest Road in Raleigh. The conference is sponsored by Accera, Inc .
For more information or to register, please call 866-AFA-8484.
Currently, more than 170,000 older adults in North Carolina have Alzheimer's disease or other types of dementia, and the number is projected to rise to more than 288,000 in the next two decades, according to the North Carolina Division of Aging and Adult Services. The progressive brain disorder results in loss of memory and other intellectual function, and is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States.
“Nothing in life can really prepare someone to care for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease. That’s why education is so important,” said Eric J. Hall, AFA’s president and chief executive officer. “By understanding the disease and learning practical care strategies, family members can better meet a person’s individual needs and improve quality of life.”
The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America is a national nonprofit organization headquartered in New York and made up of more than 1,400 member organizations that provide hands-on programs to meet the educational, emotional and practical needs of families. AFA’s services include a toll-free hot line, counseling, educational materials, a free caregiver magazine, and professional training. For information, call 866-AFA-8484 or visit www.alzfdn.org.
Dementia Caregivers Can Connect Weekly via Phone Support Network
NEW YORK, NY — Many caregivers caught up in the day-to-day challenges of caring for an individual with Alzheimer’s disease or related illnesses find it hard, if not impossible, to leave home to attend support groups or workshops to get the answers to their caregiving questions. For them, a viable alternative is Care Connection—a free telephone support service for caregivers of individuals with dementia sponsored by the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) and Ask Dr. Jamie.
The weekly, interactive service is a blend of coaching, presentations by experts and discussion. It links up to 150 caregivers from anywhere in the country for each one-hour session, and is hosted by Jamie Rotnofsky, a psychologist and professional life coach.
Care Connection is held each Thursday night at 9 pm Eastern Time. Caregivers can call in toll-free at 877-232-2992; the guest identification number is 271004#.
Each session addresses medical, social, emotional and practical issues with a dementia specific slant. For example, on June 10, Paulette D. Cranwell, a nurse consultant with TIME OUT Morris View, Morristown, NJ, will discuss ways to decrease hospital admissions. On June 24, G. Allen Power, M.D., will talk about “Dementia Beyond Drugs: Changing the Culture of Care”—the title of his new book.
Care Connection fills a growing need for alternate types of support services, especially for caregivers whose round-the-clock responsibilities prevent them from attending on-site sessions or interacting in person with other caregivers.
“Caregivers need knowledge and support to cope with daily challenges. It’s comforting for them to know that they can get this type of help and peer support without having to leave their living rooms,” said Eric J. Hall, AFA’s president and chief executive officer.
The two organizations opted for a telephone support network versus an Internet chat room, in part to accommodate caregivers who are not computer savvy. Archived sessions, however, are available online.
The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America is a national nonprofit organization that focuses on providing optimal care to individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related illnesses, and their families. Its services include a toll-free hot line, counseling by licensed social workers, educational materials, training for healthcare professionals, and a free caregiver magazine. For more information, call toll-free 866-AFA-8484 or visit www.alzfdn.org.
Ask Dr Jamie is a professional coaching and psychotherapy service that assists individuals and organizations in focusing on doing things differently to achieve real results. Its services include professional education, one-on-one coaching, tele-classes and psychotherapy. For more information, call toll-free 800-927-7930 or visit www.askdrjamie.net.
NEW YORK , NY —With the flu continuing to spread nationwide, imagine adding the virus into the mix when someone is already coping with a chronic illness like Alzheimer’s disease. In an effort to help families manage this situation, the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) today released tips for caregivers of individuals with dementia who believe they or the people they are caring for have the flu.
The strategies take into consideration a person’s diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia, which can pose additional care issues. AFA posted its top 20 flu facts on the caregiving section of its Web site, www.alzfdn.org.
“Families should minimize possible risk of exposure and prepare for the possibility that their loved ones could contract the virus,” said Richard E. Powers, M.D., chairman of AFA’s Medical Advisory Board and chief of the Bureau of Geriatric Psychiatry, Alabama Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation.
“Vigilance and early aggressive treatment for the flu are the best plan of action. Good basic home nursing by the family may reduce the adverse impact,” he said.
While people 65 and older—the age group most affected by Alzheimer’s disease—are the least likely to be infected with 2009 H1N1 flu, those who do become infected are at greater risk of having serious complications from their illness, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) .
Of utmost importance, Powers, who authored the fact sheet, said individuals need to think about both types of flu—seasonal and H1N1.
“Families should not become so fixated on the H1N1 that they ignore the seasonal flu. The seasonal flu can be equally dangerous in some circumstances if the person is not vaccinated,” he advised.
Among the strategies, caregivers should:
In addition, Powers offered this advice to caregivers: “Maintain the same devotion and sense of humor towards this challenge like every other challenge in caring for a person with dementia.”
Caregivers also need to be prepared for other disruptions that may arise—even if they or their loved ones do not get sick themselves. For example, adult day programs or in-home services could be disrupted if professional caregivers get the flu.
Noted Eric J. Hall, AFA’s president and chief executive officer: “Family caregivers would be well-served if they have back-up support systems to deal with the practical and emotional ramifications of situations that arise from the flu, as well as other issues that can come up at any time.”
AFA’s social services team is available to discuss behavioral challenges or other situations and to make referrals to local and national resources; for information, call (toll-free) 866-AFA-8484.
According to the CDC’s latest report, 48 states currently are reporting widespread influenza activity, with the 2009 HINI influenza accounting for almost all of the viruses identified so far. Its Web site, www.cdc.gov, lists specific at-risk groups given priority for the vaccine and the availability of the H1N1 and seasonal flu vaccines.
It is estimated that as many as 4.5 million Americans have Alzheimer’s disease, which causes loss of memory and other intellectual functions. With age the greatest known risk factor, the incidence of the disease doubles every five years between 65 and 95.
The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) is a national nonprofit organization headquartered in New York and made up of more than 1,200 member organizations nationwide that provide hands-on programs to meet the educational, emotional, practical and social needs of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related illnesses, and their families. AFA’s services include a toll-free hot line, counseling, educational materials, a free caregiver magazine and professional training. For information, call (toll-free) 866-AFA-8484 or visit www.alzfdn.org.
Alzheimer’s Foundation of America to Hold National Memory Screening Day During National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month
Actor Hector Elizondo Urges Americans to Get Screened
NEW YORK, NY—As research continues to mount about the effectiveness of memory screenings and the benefits of early detection of memory problems, the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) will hold its 7th annual National Memory Screening Day on November 17.
The event coincides with National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month, observed during November.
More than 2,000 sites across the country will offer free, confidential memory screenings and educational materials about memory concerns, successful aging and local resources. The face-to-face screening, conducted by a qualified healthcare professional, takes about five minutes to administer and consists of a series of questions and/or tasks.
Sites include doctor’s offices, senior centers and assisted living facilities, as well as 1,030 Kmart Pharmacy locations nationwide as part of the chain’s GoldK Day.
To locate a screening site, visit www.nationalmemoryscreening.org or call 866-AFA-8484.
AFA believes memory screenings are appropriate for individuals concerned about memory loss or experiencing warning signs of dementia; whose family and friends have noticed changes in them; who believe they are at risk due to a family history of Alzheimer's disease or a related illness; or who want to see how their memory is now and for future comparisons.
“We must break through the enormous stigma and denial about memory problems that still exist today,” said Eric J. Hall, AFA’s president and chief executive officer. “It’s a message that the nation as a whole and aging baby boomers especially need to heed.”
Actor Hector Elizondo, whose mother had Alzheimer’s disease and who is serving as AFA’s honorary celebrity chairman, is also urging Americans to get screened.
“If you have memory concerns, burying your head in the sand doesn’t help you or your family,” Elizondo said. “Screenings are a great starting point to find out what what’s really going on and can lead to the care you might need—and the support your family might need.”
During National Memory Screening Day, screeners emphasize that the test results do not represent a diagnosis and encourage individuals with below-normal scores as well as those who still have concerns to pursue a full medical exam.
Some memory problems can be readily treated, such as those caused by vitamin deficiencies or thyroid problems. Other member problems might result from causes that are not currently reversible, such as Alzheimer's disease.
Warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease include forgetting people’s names and events, asking repetitive questions, loss of verbal or written skills, and confusion over daily routines.
More than 20 professional and trade groups have signed on as supporters of National Memory Screening Day this year, including the American Academy of Neurology, the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, the American Psychological Association, the National Association of State Units on Aging and the National Council on Aging.
In a report entitled “Memory Matters” released last December, AFA noted that current research supports screening as a “safe, cost-efficient intervention that can reassure the healthy individual, promote successful aging and, when indicated, direct individuals to appropriate clinical resources.”
Sponsors of the 2009 event are Forest Pharmaceuticals, as presenting sponsor; Novartis, silver sponsor; Eisai Inc., Pfizer Inc and Accera, remembrance sponsors; Elan Wyeth, empowerment sponsor; and CogniFit, community sites sponsor.
It is estimated that as many as 4.5 million Americans have Alzheimer’s disease, which causes loss of memory and other intellectual functions. With age the greatest known risk factor, the incidence of the disease doubles every five years between 65 and 95.
The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) is a national nonprofit organization headquartered in New York and made up of more than 1,200 member organizations nationwide that provide hands-on programs to meet the educational, emotional, practical and social needs of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related illnesses, and their families. AFA’s services include a toll-free hot line, counseling, educational materials, a free caregiver magazine and professional training. For information, call (toll-free) 866-AFA-8484 or visit www.alzfdn.org.
Alzheimer’s Foundation of America Applauds Inclusion of Cognitive Screening for Medicare Beneficiaries in Senate Finance Committee Health Reform Proposal
NEW YORK, NY—The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) today applauded Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-MT) and Senator Tom Carper (D-DE), who spearheaded the provision, for including cognitive impairment screening for Medicare beneficiaries in Baucus’ healthcare reform proposal, “America’s Healthy Future Act of 2009.”
AFA had pressed for cognitive screening in light of the escalating incidence of Alzheimer’s disease among aging Americans and mounting evidence that early diagnosis of memory problems is critical to appropriate treatment, behavioral interventions and support services. Early detection of memory problems is one of AFA’s major national initiatives, highlighted by its annual National Memory Screening Day held each November.
“We applaud and thank Senator Carper and Chairman Baucus for their leadership in recognizing the value of cognitive screening and its potential impact on quality of life for older Americans,” said Eric J. Hall, AFA’s president and CEO. “The inclusion of cognitive screenings in Medicare wellness visits will help initiate long overdue and vital discussions about brain health between consumers and healthcare professionals.”
Richard E. Powers, M.D., chairman of AFA’s Medical Advisory Board, said it is noteworthy that the provision for the cognitive screenings, as well as the overall comprehensive health assessment, is framed in the context of disease prevention.
“Being proactive about risk factors and about memory concerns is the only way to attack this public health crisis,” he said. “This is a major step forward toward elevating this issue to the stature deserved by all Americans.”
Baucus’ healthcare proposal, released yesterday as a “Chairman’s Mark,” or recommendation by a committee chair, is scheduled for markup by the Senate Finance Committee on September 22.
The provision for cognitive screening is included in a section on promoting disease prevention and wellness that would give Medicare beneficiaries access to a comprehensive health risk assessment to identify chronic diseases, modifiable risk factors, and emergency or urgent health needs. As part of the annual wellness visit, the proposal states that “optional elements, if appropriate, could include a cognitive impairment screening and administration of or referral for appropriate Medicare-covered immunizations and screening tests, among others.”
All enrolled beneficiaries would be eligible for the wellness visit once every year beginning in 2011, and no co-payment or deductible would apply. Within six months of completing the assessment, Medicare would pay for a visit to a primary care provider to create a personalized prevention plan.
In a report, “Memory Matters,” released last December, AFA underscored the value of memory screenings, noting that current research supports screening as a “safe, cost-efficient intervention that can reassure the healthy individual, promote successful aging and, when indicated, direct individuals to appropriate clinical resources.”
At the time, Hall said the report serves as a “wake up call” to the public and medical professionals, as well as to policymakers.
The proposed inclusion of cognitive screening in the Medicare wellness visit is unfolding as AFA gears up for its National Memory Screening Day on November 17, an annual event that offers free, confidential memory screenings in local communities. Qualified healthcare professionals are expected to administer the non-invasive screenings to tens of thousands of Americans as well as distribute educational materials to countless others at more than 2,000 sites in local communities nationwide.
AFA encourages individuals who are concerned about memory loss, are experiencing warning signs or have a family history of dementia, or want to see how their memory is now and for future comparisons to take advantage of the screenings, which are conducted face-to-face and consist of a series of questions and tasks. The results do not represent a diagnosis, but individuals with below-normal scores or who still have concerns are strongly encouraged to follow up for a full medical examination. For more information, visit www.nationalmemoryscreening.org.
In previous years, surveys of participants in National Memory Screening Day showed that the majority of individuals with memory concerns had not discussed the issue with their physicians despite recent visits.
According to the National Institute on Aging, as many as 4.5 million Americans have Alzheimer’s disease, which causes loss of memory and other intellectual functions. With age the greatest known risk factor, the incidence of the disease doubles every five years between 65 and 95.
The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America is a nonprofit organization based in New York City that focuses on providing optimal care to individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related illnesses, and their families, and unites 1,200 member organizations nationwide that provide hands-on programs. AFA’s services include a toll-free hot line with counseling by licensed social workers, a free caregiver magazine, a National Memory Screening Day initiative and the AFA Quilt to Remember. For information, call 866-AFA-8484 or visit www.alzfdn.org.
Alzheimer’s Foundation of America Lays Out Strategies for Healthy Aging
New Web Site Focuses on Being Proactive, Reducing Risks for Dementia.
NEW YORK, NY — Look at your calendar from the past week: Have you gone for a brisk walk, eaten dark leafy vegetables or toured a museum with a friend?
With growing evidence that these are the types of lifestyle choices that can pay off now and in the future, the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) has introduced a new interactive Web site — www.alzprevention.org — that focuses on being proactive about your mental and physical health. It highlights strategies that help promote healthy aging and may reduce the risk for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. | read more |