Alzheimer's Blogging:

Spread HOPE During World Alzheimer's Month


Throughout this September, the Alzheimer's Association has been observing the inaugural World Alzheimer's Month. What better time to call on Congress to act!

More than 35 million people are living with dementia worldwide, including an estimated 5.4 million Americans. In addition, there are nearly 15 million unpaid dementia caregivers in the United States alone. World Alzheimer's Month is a time to applaud the everyday heroes facing Alzheimer's and fighting to overcome this disease. It's also a time to demand that Congress take action to improve the lives of those living with this disease and their families.

As an advocate, the most immediate way for you to take action is to ask your member of Congress to cosponsor the Health Outcomes, Planning, and Education (HOPE) for Alzheimer's Act (S.738/H.R. 1386). The HOPE for Alzheimer's Act   http://www.kintera.org/site/pp.asp?c=mmKXLbP8E&b=6301189&tr=y&auid=9535129 will increase diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease and will ensure access to information, care and support for newly-diagnosed individuals and for their families. In short, this bill will provide essential support for those facing this devastating, debilitating disease.

Send a message to Congress. Let Congress know that we all have a part in the fight against this disease. Tell Congress to pass the HOPE for Alzheimer's Act.

First Meeting of the Federal Alzheimer's Advisory Council Announced

The first meeting of the Advisory Council on Alzheimer's Research, Care, and Services will be held on Tuesday, September 27, 2011. The Advisory Council was created by the National Alzheimer's Project Act
http://napa.alz.org/?tr=y&auid=953512 (NAPA), which was unanimously passed by Congress last December and signed into law by the President in January. The Council will provide recommendations to the Secretary of Health and Human Services on what should go into a national Alzheimer's plan and how the federal government can do a better job of fighting this devastating disease.

Over the past few months, we've heard from thousands of Americans about what a national Alzheimer's plan should include. People with the disease, their caregivers, and their families and friends have shared their deeply personal and moving experiences as individuals affected by the disease. Whether the comments were provided on the NAPA website, http://napa.alz.org/share-your-feedback?tr=y&auid=9535119
 at one of the in-person listening sessions around the country, or on the Association's nationwide "Tele-town Hall," one thing came through loud and clear: we need a stronger commitment from the federal government to fight this disease and care for those with it. We are truly grateful to all of you who weighed in for your courage and commitment to the cause. We will be providing all submitted comments and thoughts to the Administration and the Advisory Council later this fall.

Robert Egge

Vice President, Public Policy

Alzheimer's Association

Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press An Imprint of James A Rock Pub., Co.
http://www.mariefostino.com/
http://www.mariefostino.blogspot.com/