Alzheimer’s Association and Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) Publish First Guidelines for Brain Amyloid Imaging

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http://www.businessweek.com/news/2013-01-28/insurers-urged-to-cover-brain-imaging-for-alzheimer-s

Only recently has it become possible to create high-quality images of the brain plaques characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease in living people through positron emission tomography (PET). Even so, questions remain about what can be learned from these PET images and which people should have this test.

To provide guidance for physicians, individuals and families affected by Alzheimer’s, and the public, the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) and the Alzheimer’s Association have jointly published the first criteria for the appropriate use of this imaging technology to aid in the diagnosis of people with suspected Alzheimer’s disease.

The criteria describe the circumstances where amyloid imaging could potentially be helpful in the diagnosis of people with cognitive impairment, when considered along with other clinical information. According to the new criteria, appropriate candidates for amyloid PET imaging include:

• Those who complain of persistent or progressive unexplained memory problems or confusion and who demonstrate impairments using standard tests of cognition and memory.
• Individuals meeting tests for possible Alzheimer’s, but who are unusual in their clinical presentation.
• Individuals with progressive dementia and atypically early age of onset (before age 65).

Although there are potential benefits, amyloid PET results do not constitute and are not equivalent to a clinical diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease dementia. Imaging is only one tool among many that clinicians should use judiciously to manage patients, and amyloid PET imaging does not substitute for a careful history and examination. Because both dementia care and amyloid PET technology are in active development, these new appropriate use criteria will require periodic reassessment and updating.

Amyloid imaging is not covered by insurance at this time, and costs for the scan are “out of pocket.” The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has convened a meeting this Wednesday, January 30, to review available evidence and hear public testimony on the use of amyloid PET imaging for the management of dementia and neurodegenerative disease. William Thies, Ph.D., Alzheimer’s Association chief medical and scientific officer, will speak at the CMS meeting and present the new amyloid imaging guidelines. The Alzheimer’s Association recommends that CMS consider coverage for PET amyloid imaging based on the new guidelines.

Alzheimer’s Association Involvement

To develop the new brain amyloid imaging criteria, the Alzheimer’s Association and SNMMI assembled an Amyloid Imaging Taskforce (AIT) consisting of dementia and imaging experts to review the scientific literature and develop consensus recommendations for the clinical use of this promising new technology.

“Our primary goal is to provide healthcare practitioners with the information and options available to provide patients with the best possible diagnosis and care in a cost effective manner,” said Maria Carrillo, Ph.D., Alzheimer’s Association vice president of Medical and Scientific Relations.

The criteria were published online today as an article “in press” by Alzheimer’s & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association.

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http://act.alz.org/site/PageNavigator/FY13_Founders_Society_page.html

Every day we get a little closer to a change in the course of Alzheimer’s disease. Every day we are able to help provide a little more hope and care to those who face its devastating effects. Every day we are extremely grateful to donors who demonstrate their commitment to fighting Alzheimer’s with a bequest or lifetime gift – otherwise known as a planned gift. We recognize these visionary donors as members of our Founders Society.

Members of the Founders Society know that a planned gift to the Alzheimer’s Association is a wonderful way to combine charitable giving goals with estate and financial planning. Today, we invite you to learn more about how to join this incredible legacy and create a future where Alzheimer’s disease is only spoken of in history books.

In addition to knowing that your support will advance our research studies and care and support programs, there are other benefits to being a part of the Founder’s Society:

• News about advances in Alzheimer’s research, prevention, caregiving and advocacy efforts
• Notices of Association events and meetings
• News about advances in Alzheimer’s research, prevention, caregiving and advocacy efforts
• Notices of Association events and meetings

• Timely updates on estate planning and tax changes
• The opportunity to take an active role in awareness and advocacy campaigns
• Subscription to Aspire magazine, a publication that profiles donors taking action in the fight

A planned gift is a unique opportunity to support the fight against Alzheimer’s today, tomorrow and in the years to come.

Leave a legacy. Contact us today to learn more.

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January – Family members can get trained and get certified. Its essentiALZ™.

The Alzheimer’s Association essentiALZ™ training program is a convenient way for individuals to be prepared, demonstrate knowledge and feel confident as a caregiver. The essentiALZ™ program combines HealthCare Interactive CARES^® online dementia care training with an Alzheimer’s Association certification exam for anyone who has contact with people who have Alzheimer’s or related dementias. A new year can bring new perspectives and potential new goals for a caregiver. Whether someone is seeking a certification or recognition of their knowledge of quality dementia care practices, the Alzheimer’s Association can help. Please share this educational resource with your employees who may be caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease.

Please plan ahead to promote these initiatives.

February – Recognizing Black History Month and the African- American Caregiver

During the month of February, the Alzheimer’s Association asks for your help in recognizing Black History Month. African-Americans are twice as likely as their Caucasian counterparts to develop Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s disease is far reaching, affecting both the individual and their caregivers — which is most often family and friends. There are more than 15 million caregivers nationwide and many put the needs of their loved ones with Alzheimer’s before their own. African-Americans in the United States have higher rates of vascular disease and according to a growing body of evidence, risk factors for vascular disease — including diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol — may also be risk factors for Alzheimer’s and stroke-related dementia. Therefore, as a caregiver, managing one’s own health is extremely important. Please share this article with your employees, featuring a link to many tools, including a helpful brochure.

March – The Alzheimer’s Association’s annual Facts and Figures report released

In March, the Alzheimer’s Association will release our annual Facts and Figures publication, representing the most-up-to-date information around Alzheimer’s and revealing the burden Alzheimer’s places on individuals, caregivers, government and the nation’s health care system. We’ll provide you with tools surrounding the findings in the report, including a stock article to share with your employees and the report itself.

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https://act.alz.org/site/Donation2?16900.donation=form1&df_id=16900&JServSessionIdr004=kcdd5frfn1.app208a

Today, more than 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease. Funding for Alzheimer’s care, support and research is vital if we are to keep pace with this devastating epidemic. Because monthly gifts provide such significant support for these efforts, we’ve launched a January Donor Drive to recruit more friends who want to advance our work.

Why should you consider giving monthly?

One donor puts it this way:

“I donate in honor of my mother, who has the most beautiful open, loving spirit despite the challenges of this disease. Giving monthly makes me feel more committed to a solution, and it allows the Alzheimer’s Association to plan for the year ahead and allocate resources to necessary services/programs and research.”

Benefits of giving monthly

• It’s easy. The monthly amount you select is charged to your credit card automatically. You’re free to cancel at any time.
• It’s cost-effective. Your money goes further, because monthly giving reduces the need for regular appeals, saving money spent on printing and paper.
• It makes a difference. Your monthly donation will help us provide much-needed services to the individuals and families who are facing this disease, and advance research studies exploring methods of treatment, prevention and ultimately, a cure.
• It makes a statement. Become a monthly donor this January and you’ll receive an Alzheimer’s Association^® tote bag that shows your support. Use it to carry groceries or anything else, in place of using plastic or paper bags!

Alzheimer’s is the sixth-leading cause of death in the U.S., but there is no way to prevent it, cure it, or slow its progression. Your monthly gift will provide funding we can rely on to advance the fight against Alzheimer’s. It’s a great way to start off the New Year.

Thank you,

Lisa Wettstaedt
National Director

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A New Trend – Vigiling so No One Dies Alone (NODA)

http://blog.csa.us/2012/12/a-new-trend-vigiling-so-no-one-dies.html
Unfortunately, many patients are going to end up dying alone in the hospital, either because they have outlived the rest of their family or because they are private people who don’t have friends or family. I don’t know if you have heard of this, but hospices across the country are providing a wonderful service called No One Dies Alone (NODA). Read this blog post!

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