Record $122 million increase proposed for Alzheimer’s disease in funding bill

The fiscal year 2014 federal budget funding bill released by bipartisan House and Senate negotiators includes the largest funding increase in history dedicated to Alzheimer’s disease and dementia — $122 million for Alzheimer’s research, education, outreach and caregiver support. This achievement was driven by the unrelenting outreach of more than 600,000 Alzheimer’s Association advocates to members of Congress, sharing their personal experiences and explaining the dramatic impact Alzheimer’s is imposing on our nation and economy.

Record $122 million increase proposed for Alzheimer’s disease in funding bill

Negotiations for the fiscal year 2014 federal budget ended last evening with a funding bill that recognizes the critical need to address the Alzheimer’s epidemic facing the nation. The funding bill released by bipartisan House and Senate negotiators included the largest increase in funding dedicated to Alzheimer’s and dementia — $122 million in funding for Alzheimer’s research, education, outreach and caregiver support — in history. This achievement was driven by the unrelenting outreach of more than 600,000 Alzheimer’s Association advocates to members of Congress, sharing their personal experiences and explaining the dramatic impact Alzheimer’s is imposing on our nation and economy.

“By allotting $122 million to Alzheimer’s research, care and support services, President Obama and Congress are acknowledging the magnitude of the Alzheimer’s crisis and need for greater investment,” said Robert Egge, Alzheimer’s Association’s vice president of public policy. “With prevalence numbers projected to triple by 2050, we must increase our efforts if we hope to avoid monumental human and financial costs in the future. This important step is a victory for Alzheimer’s Association advocates and all affected by this terrible disease.”

The funding allocated for Alzheimer’s disease includes a $100 million increase for the National Institute on Aging for Alzheimer’s research, $3.3 million to support the surveillance of Alzheimer’s caregivers, $4 million to train health professionals on issues related to Alzheimer’s disease, $10.5 million to expand the home and community based caregiver services and $4.2 million for outreach activities to raise awareness. Additionally, the National Institutes of Health’s BRAIN Initiative will receive $30 million to support brain research that could impact several diseases, including Alzheimer’s, if passed.

There are currently more than 5 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease, and that number is poised to grow to as many as 16 million by 2050, according the Alzheimer’s Association 2013 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts & Figures report. In addition to the human toll of the disease, care for Alzheimer’s, the country’s most expensive condition, costs the nation $203 billion annually with projections to reach $1.2 trillion by 2050. Yet for every $27,000 Medicare and Medicaid spend on caring for individuals with Alzheimer’s, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) spends only $100 on Alzheimer’s research.

“To meet the goal of the National Alzheimer’s Plan and prevent and effectively treat Alzheimer’s disease by 2025, we will have to continue making investments until we reach levels comparable with the magnitude of crisis,” said Egge. “The Alzheimer’s Association and its advocates look forward to swift approvals and continued work in the year to come.”

The Alzheimer’s Association commends President Obama for his commitment to Alzheimer’s funding in his initial budget request and Congress’ bipartisan dedication to the cause despite unprecedented fiscal challenges. The Association now encourages all parties – House of Representatives, Senate and Obama Administration – to do everything possible to ensure enactment of the funding bill.

Alzheimer’s Association
The Alzheimer’s Association is the world’s leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s. For more information, visit www.alz.org.

Contact: Alzheimer’s Association
Media line: 312.335.4078
Email: media@alz.org

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Alzheimer’s caregivers also need to take care of themselves

As a caregiver for someone with Alzheimer’s, you may find yourself with so many responsibilities that you neglect taking good care of yourself. But the best thing you can do for the person you’re caring for is stay physically and emotionally strong.

As a caregiver, you may find yourself with so many responsibilities that you neglect taking good care of yourself. But the best thing you can do for the person you are caring for is stay physically and emotionally strong. Here’s how:

• See the doctor
• Get moving
• Eat well
• Tips to help you cope

See the doctor

Be sure to visit your physician regularly (at least annually), and listen to what your body is telling you. Any exhaustion, stress, sleeplessness, or changes in appetite or behavior should be taken seriously. Ignoring these symptoms can cause your physical and mental health to decline.

If you are caring for someone in the late-stages of Alzheimer’s, talk to your health care provider about the seasonal flu shot. Being vaccinated protects both you and the person you are caring for.

Get moving

No doubt you know that exercise is an important part of staying healthy — it can help relieve stress, prevent disease and make you feel good. But finding the time to exercise is another story.

Use these tips:

• Take friends and family members up on their offers to help.
  You can get in a good workout in a short amount of time — even a 30 minute break. Use our Care Team Calendar to help coordinate a schedule where you have breaks to exercise and take care of your health.
• Start small.
  While it is recommended that you get 30 minutes of physical activity at least five days a week, even 10 minutes a day can help. Fit in what you can, and work toward a goal.
  Use our Care Team Calendar.Our free online calendar helps coordinate friends, family and neighbors that offer to help with caregiving. Learn more.

• Exercise at home.
  When the person with dementia naps, pull out a yoga mat and stretch, set up a stationary bike, or try exercise tapes.

• Find something you love.
  If you enjoy the activity, it will be easier to make it a habit.

There also are many ways you can be active with the person with dementia. Here are a few ideas:

• Take a walk together outside to enjoy the fresh air
• Go to the mall and take a stroll indoors
• Do seated exercises at home
• Dance together to favorite music
• Garden or do other routine activities that you both enjoy

Eat well

Heart-healthy eating patterns, such as the Mediterranean diet, are good for overall health and may help protect the brain. A Mediterranean diet includes relatively little red meat and emphasizes whole grains, fruits, vegetables, fish, nuts, olive oil and other healthy fats. Try new recipes and involve the person with dementia.

Need ideas on how to go healthy?
Try these resources:

• Nutrition: Tips for Improving Your Health (American Academy of Family Physicians)
• Eat Right Nutrition Tips (Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
• Healthy Breakfast: Quick, Flexible Options to Grab at Home (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research)

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Alzheimer’s researchers seek better prevention with early detection

Scientists are hoping to stave off Alzheimer’s disease by treating people before they show a single symptom. Researchers are looking at risk signs, lifestyle factors and alternative therapies to help keep brains healthy.

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Face the facts: It’s time to take action against Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States. One in three seniors dies with Alzheimer’s or another dementia. In 2013, Alzheimer’s cost the nation $203 billion; this number is expected to rise to $1.2 trillion by 2050. Join Alzheimer’s advocates from across the country in Washington, D.C., at the 2014 Alzheimer’s Association Advocacy Forum, as we urge Congress to make Alzheimer’s disease a national priority.

Alzheimer’s disease is an epidemic. More than 5 million people in the United States have Alzheimer’s, the nation’s sixth-leading cause of death; by 2050, that number could rise to 13.8 million. And over 15 million family members and friends currently care for someone with the disease.

People like you.

Help us make a difference by joining the faces of Alzheimer’s at the 2014 Alzheimer’s Association Advocacy Forum. Come to Washington, D.C., as we put a spotlight on the disease and compel our policymakers to engage in the fight.

Face the facts: It’s time to take action against Alzheimer’s.

Online registration for the 2014 Forum is open here.

Letter from 2014 Forum Chair

Fellow Alzheimer’s Advocates:

When I was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2009, I decided that I wasn’t going to sit back and let this disease go unchallenged. I was going to make a difference, and advocacy is one of the ways I’ve chosen to do so. To raise awareness, I share my story at Walk events, Town Hall meetings, support groups and at every other opportunity I can.

I am honored to be chair of the 2014 Alzheimer’s Association Advocacy Forum. This will be our 26th meeting, and once again we’re planning a seminal event. We’ll hear speakers from across party lines who will share the best practices of advocacy and insider views of the political landscape in Washington, D.C.

This is your opportunity to network with people from across the country. And on the Forum’s final day, you’ll be able to put all you have learned into practice as we storm Capitol Hill in a purple tide and convey to Congress the urgent need to change the trajectory of this disease.

I know you understand that Alzheimer’s is devastating for millions of people who have it or who provide care for someone. You also understand that only through our effective advocacy will our leaders in Washington be motivated to take action.

Please join me in being a voice in Washington for those who otherwise wouldn’t be heard. You, too, can make adifference.
I look forward to meeting you in April.

Scott Russell
Chair, 2014 Alzheimer’s Association Advocacy Forum
National Board Member, Alzheimer’s Association

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Our Virtual Library can help answer your questions about Alzheimer’s

Check out the Alzheimer’s Association Green-Field Library’s Virtual Library, where you’ll have access to the nation’s largest library and resource center specifically devoted to increasing knowledge about the clinical, scientific and social aspects of Alzheimer’s. We’re here to help you get answers to your questions and to dig deeply into topics that are important to you.

Welcome to the Virtual Library

The Green-Field Library, located at the national office of the Alzheimer’s Association in Chicago, IL, is the nation’s largest library and resource center devoted to increasing knowledge about Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.

Search our Collection

Find materials in the Green-Field Library collection by searching our Online Catalog. Once you find what you need, learn how to borrow from us.

Resources Chosen by Experts

The library produces comprehensive resource lists on frequently requested topics, including our Jumpstarters and a selection of the best websites related to Alzheimer’s disease. Download Free Alzheimer Vidoes about science, memory loss, and care. Resources are chosen by our expert library staff. New for 2014 are three Jumpstarters: Cognitive Stimulation, Diverse Populations, and Research Update. Watch for updated editions of Activities and Dementia and Activities

> View the Resources List

Available DVDs to Check Out

The Green-Field Library has many DVDs covering topics like how to care for someone in the middle to late stage of Alzheimer’s, activities of daily living, and Alzheimer’s disease dos and don’ts. DVDs can be requested by choosing one of the three options on the How to Borrow page.

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