AFA Seeking "Tough Mudders" to Help Familie
s Affected
by Alzheimer's
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The Alzheimer's Foundation of America is seeking "Tough Mudders" to join Team AFA and take the Tough Mudder Challenge to help support AFA's programs and services for individuals living with Alzheimer's disease and their caregivers.
Tough Mudder is a challenge which tests participants' physical and mental endurance with 20 different obstacles, 500,000 gallons of mud, and 40 tons of ice. AFA is a charity partner with Tough Mudder and is sponsoring teams at events are held throughout the country.
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AFA Urges U.S. Prevention Services Task Force to Increase Access to Memory Screenings
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AFA recently urged the United States Prevention Services Task Force (
UPSTF) to increase access to memory screenings for cognitive impairment in older adults. USPSTF recommendations are often used by third party payers to determine whether they will cover a particular therapy or service.
In comments to the task force, AFA noted that cognitive screenings can lead to early and accurate diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. When diagnosed earlier in the progression of the disease, people have more cognitive functions intact and can provide input into their care throughout the progression of the disease. In addition, early and accurate diagnosis helps people with Alzheimer's disease and their families plan for the short- and long-term, including the ability to:
- take advantage of support services;
- inform family members, friends, and caregivers of their diagnosis;
- make living arrangements;
- address financial and legal matters;
- adopt healthy lifestyles (i.e., proper diet, mental activity, physical exercise);
- develop care teams and other support networks;
- take advantage of clinical trials; and
- express end of life wishes.
AFA called on USPSTF to recognize the importance of memory screenings and support efforts to increase access by recommending cognitive screenings to private insurers. AFA is committed to increasing access and utilization of cognitive screenings, not only to help detect memory issues but to also promote overall brain health.
AFA Applauds Defense Department for Covering Care Management Services for Veterans
The Department of Defense (DoD) announced that TRICARE will now join the Medicare program by covering care management planning to support those with Alzheimer's disease and their family caregivers. TRICARE, administered by DoD, serves 9.5 million active duty service members, National Guard and Reserve members, retirees, family members and survivors.
AFA believes that access to care management plans lead to better outcomes and lowers care costs by increasing efficiencies and employing a person-centered, team-based approach to care. AFA applauds the DoD for its actions and thanks its Congressional partners for advocating for the measure.
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AFA to Light the World Teal on November 8th
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AFA's Light the World campaign will once again shine a spotlight on Alzheimer's this November as part of Alzheimer's awareness month. Landmarks across the country and around the world will be turning teal on November 8th to help raise awareness about Alzheimer's disease and show support for the millions of people living with the disease. Click here to learn more.
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Have a Question?
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AFA's national toll-free helpline is here for you! Staffed by licensed social workers, the helpline is open Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m.-9 p.m. ET, and Saturdays, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. ET.
Call the helpline at 866-232-8484 or connect with one of our social workers over the Internet by visiting www.alzfdn.org.
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AFA Cuts the Ribbon on its New Education and Resource Center
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AFA recently celebrated the grand opening of its new Education and Resource Center. Care partners from different local organizations joined AFA's staff in cutting the ribbon on the new center.
The Center enables AFA to expand its space so that it can meet the growing demand for the services which the organization provides. It also provides the opportunity to enhance its training, education and support programs for professional caregivers and the general public. The programs and services offered in the Center will help people gain a better understanding of dementia, learn effective communication strategies, and help develop relationships with the individuals in their care in order to foster more meaningful living.
Call AFA at 866-232-8484 or visit www.alzfdn.org for more information about upcoming training and community programs.
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AFA's Educating America Tour Coming to 6 States This Fall
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The Alzheimer's Foundation of America is continuing its 2017 national Educating America Tour with six more stops in the next two months.
The free Alzheimer's educational conferences are aimed at helping people be proactive about brain health and memory concerns.
Each "Concepts in Care" Educational conference is free and open to individuals living with Alzheimer's, their families, professional caregivers and the general public.
Participants will learn from leading dementia and caregiving experts about topics such as clinical trials and research, access to healthcare, transitioning from home to a residential care setting, safeguarding the home environment, long-term care, and perceptions of aging. Free memory screenings are also provided at each conference.
Register for any of the upcoming events by clicking the links below.
October 19 - Chicago, IL October 26 - Boston, MA
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Nominations Being Accepted for 2017 Dementia Care Professional of the Year
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AFA is now accepting nominations for its 2017 Dementia Care Professional of the Year.
Now in its 10th year, the program recognizes hardworking professionals who go above and beyond to help those individuals impacted by Alzheimer's disease.
Past winners have included doctors, support group facilitators, and program and executive directors of Alzheimer's centers. Nominees are chosen by peers/colleagues, employers, clients or clients' families.
To learn more about the eligibility criteria or to submit a nomination, please
click here.
The deadline to submit nominations is October 15.
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