Summitt and son Tyler receive Shriver Profiles in Dignity Award

The Alzheimer’s Association honored University of Tennessee Women’s Basketball Head Coach Emeritus Pat Summitt, diagnosed with younger-onset Alzheimer’s last year, and her son Tyler with its Sargent and Eunice Shriver Profiles in Dignity Award at the Alzheimer’s Association National Alzheimer’s Dinner. Former First lady of California Maria Shriver, whose father Sargent Shriver passed away from Alzheimer’s, presented the award.
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http://www.alz.org/petition/overview.asp?type=homepage_petition

To the President of the United States

A PETITION FOR A STRONG NATIONAL ALZHEIMER’S PLAN

Families Facing Alzheimer’s Disease Can’t Wait

We, the undersigned, call on the President to issue a strong National Alzheimer’s Plan to help the millions of Americans now affected by Alzheimer’s disease, and the many millions more at risk.

Alzheimer’s won’t wait.

Today, more than 5 million Americans are facing the challenges of Alzheimer’s. This number could rise to 16 million by 2050 if we do not act.

Right now, nearly 15 million Americans serve as caregivers, and this is projected to soar to 45 million in that same timeframe.

The cost of inaction is too high. Alzheimer’s will cost the nation $200 billion this year. This will rise to $1 trillion by 2050, bankrupting families and our health care system.

Alzheimer’s is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States and the only one among the top 10 without a way to cure, prevent or even slow its progression.

We urge the President to take the next bold step forward in the fight against Alzheimer’s, fulfilling the promise of the National Alzheimer’s Project Act passed unanimously by Congress more than a year ago. Now is the time to create a world without Alzheimer’s.

Families won’t forget.

April is National Volunteer Month and the Alzheimer’s Association wants to thank all those who have taken action through volunteering this month. The Alzheimer’s Association is always looking for new volunteers – contact your local chapter and learn about the ways you can get involved with the cause in your community.

Please plan ahead for these initiatives.

May – Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month

Recently, the Alzheimer’s Association launched a new website with content in traditional Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese and Japanese. The site offers international and Asian American users basic information about Alzheimer’s, the warning signs of the disease, resources for caregivers and planning tools organized in an easy-to-use and culturally-appropriate design. Share the website with your employees using this stock article.

June – National Safety Month

Safety is important for everyone, but individuals with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers need to take particular precautions when it comes to creating and living in a safe environment. During National Safety Month, you can help by sharing Alzheimer’s-related safety tips with your employees. Share this article detailing the steps individuals can take to make their home a safer place for a person living with Alzheimer’s.

In addition, many Americans plan their summer vacations in June; those traveling with an individual who has Alzheimer’s should take additional precautions. Share this article about traveling safely with a loved one who has Alzheimer’s.

Sincerely,

Angela Geiger
Chief Strategy Officer
Alzheimer’s Association

Alzheimer’s has affected our Celebrity Champions

For the last 20 years, the Alzheimer’s Association’s annual A Night At Sardi’s has generated more than $20 million to support important Alzheimer’s research. At this year’s event, some of our celebrity Champions shared how Alzheimer’s has affected their lives.
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The Longest Day™ honors people with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers

Join us for a new nationwide event to honor the passion, dedication and strength displayed by people with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers every day. On June 20, the longest day of the year, participants across the Northern Hemisphere will push their limits in a sunrise-to-sunset relay to raise awareness and funds for the fight against Alzheimer’s.
Register today for The Longest Day >>