Press Releases

*November is National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month*

(October 8, 2020)— If you need to explain to a young child how Alzheimer’s is affecting a family member, the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America has published a new picture book to help: Dancing with Granddad: An Alzheimer’s Story for Children and Their Families (Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, October 2020; ages 5 to 8, $12.95), by Linda Bozzo and illustrated by Mudassir M. Abid, available at the AFA e-store at shop.alzfdn.org or by calling 866-232-8484. All book proceeds go toward AFA programs, services, and research for treatment and a cure.

“With more than 5.8 million people in the U.S. living with Alzheimer’s today nearly every American family is affected by this disease or knows someone who is,” says Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr., AFA President and CEO. “When a family member is diagnosed, everyone is impacted, including our children—and we believe it’s never too early to start talking about it when someone you love is concerned.”  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that the number of people living with Alzheimer’s could grow to 14 million by 2060.

“Young children, in particular, may sense that something is amiss when a family member has Alzheimer’s, but not be able to understand the subtle changes that are occurring early on in the progression of the disease,” says Jennifer Reeder, LCSW, AFA’s Director of Educational & Social Services. “The best time to talk to children about Alzheimer’s or any dementia-related illness is as soon as you can. This conversation is about nurturing and maintaining the bonds between the family members while also helping to eliminate the fear of the unknown for the child, educating them in an age-appropriate way, teaching them how to be compassionate, and learning new ways to communicate.”

Dancing with Granddad takes young readers on an age-appropriate learning journey with Nia, a 7-year-old girl, whose grandfather has Alzheimer’s and will need to move to a new home where he will be safer. Readers also learn that while he is changing, the love that Nia and her grandfather have never will.

The book gently introduces Granddad’s behavior changes (such as retelling stories, wandering, and confusion) while sharing the constant of the wonderful relationship between Nia and Granddad and her loving parents who are caring for him.

The book also includes a message from AFA about how to introduce a conversation with children about Alzheimer’s disease.

ADVANCE PRAISE

“All members of our families can love better when we understand our ailments, especially Alzheimer’s.”

Dr. Mehmet Oz, The Dr. Oz Show

“Both children and adults will connect with the tender relationship between Nia and her Granddad as they use this special book to begin or continue the often challenging conversations about Alzheimer’s.”

Dale V. Atkins, Ph.D., Psychologist

“This book is a wonderful way to start a conversation about Alzheimer’s disease with the child in your life.  It is particularly important that we include children in the conversation.”

Jennifer Bauer, Executive Director of the Alzheimer’s and Dementia Alliance of Wisconsin, Time for Us Camp

“Dancing with Granddad is a story of family like mine and likely yours. Much like Nia’s grandfather, my grandmother, Maria Luisa Florin, lived with Alzheimer’s disease and was very special to me.”

Luisa Echevarria, Board of Directors, Alzheimer’s Foundation of America

Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States, and the only one in the top ten without a cure or reversible treatment.  More than 5.8 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease right now, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that number could grow to 14 million by 2060.

(September 14, 2020)— The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) is providing free virtual memory screenings in Spanish every Monday and Wednesday from 10 am to 4 pm (ET) and every Friday from 10 am to 2 pm (ET).   Appointments can be scheduled by calling AFA at 866-232-8484.  Screenings are also available in English as well.

The screenings, which are conducted one-on-one through secure videoconference in real-time, are open to everyone: there are no minimum age or insurance requirements.  All that’s needed is a computer, smart phone, tablet or other device with a webcam and internet capability.

“Language should not be a barrier when it comes to obtaining essential services,” said Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr., AFA’s president & CEO.  “Memory screenings should be an important part of everyone’s health and wellness routine. We want to make them as accessible as possible.”

Memory screenings are simple, quick and noninvasive, and consist of a series of questions to gauge memory, language, thinking skills and other intellectual functions.  The memory screening takes approximately 10-15 minutes and is confidential.  Memory screenings are an important part of health and wellness and are similar to other routine health screenings, such as those for blood pressure, cholesterol and skin checks.

Results are not a diagnosis, but a memory screening can suggest if someone should see a physician for a full evaluation. Oftentimes, memory problems can be caused by treatable or curable conditions, such as a vitamin deficiency or thyroid problem. If the memory problems are the result of something such as Alzheimer’s disease, early detection can enable the person to begin medications sooner, participate in a clinical trial and take a more active role in developing their care plan.

Alzheimer’s disease affects individuals of all races and ethnicities, but Latinos are at a greater risk for developing it.  The National Institute on Aging (NIA) states that, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data, Latinos will face the largest increase in Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias cases of any racial/ethnic group in the United States, with the number of Latinos age 65 and older expected to nearly quadruple by 2060.  The NIA states that, in addition to age, certain other factors may put some Latinos at increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, including higher prevalence of conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, and depression.

For more information about memory screenings, Alzheimer’s disease or support services available to help families affected by Alzheimer’s, visit AFA’s website at alzfdn.org.

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New Three-Year Study to Examine Role of Neuroimmune Interactions and Alzheimer’s Disease

(August 11, 2020)–The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America has awarded $518,391 in research grant funding to the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard and One Mind, partners on a three-year study to examine the role of the brain’s immune cells in the onset and progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Scientists believe that gaining a better understanding of immune cells and inflammatory processes in the brain could be key to understanding Alzheimer’s mechanisms. Despite decades of Alzheimer’s research, clinical failures have persisted particularly in the context of a focus on amyloid plaques, abnormal levels of a naturally occurring protein that clump together and destroy connections between neurons.

Studies conducted at the Broad Institute and elsewhere have identified a new insight: The onset and progression of the disease appears to be driven by the brain’s resident immune cells, the microglia. Research is showing how, with increasing age and specific genetic influences, microglia respond to amyloid-beta peptides in a particular way that causes inflammation. In turn, researchers hypothesize that this triggers microglia to inappropriately remove synapses in the brain. The excessive loss of synapses results in dementia.

“We already know that amyloid beta peptides deposited in amyloid plaques play an important role in Alzheimer’s disease,” said Beth Stevens, PhD, an Institute Member at the Broad Institute, an Associate Professor at Harvard Medical School, a Research Associate in Neurology at Boston Children’s Hospital, and a leading scientist in this new understanding of Alzheimer’s. “Emerging genetic evidence from the common later-onset form of Alzheimer’s disease points to failures in how the microglia handle and remove these toxic amyloid peptides. These findings suggest that therapeutic interventions targeting microglia and other immune cells could be a way to combat Alzheimer’s, but this research is still in its infancy.”

“We are excited by this team’s innovative approach to Alzheimer’s disease,” said Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr., AFA President and CEO. “We understand there is much work to be done in the area of immunity and inflammatory processes of the brain and inspired by Dr. Beth Stevens and her team’s game plan that could lead to identifying biomarkers for early detection and guide treatment. Lack of progress for a cure demands new strategies to understand this devastating disease. It’s a major growing threat to families worldwide.”

“The breakthrough discovery Dr. Stevens made of the connection between microglia and brain illness, including Alzheimer’s and schizophrenia, is critical to the development of new approaches to prevention and early detection,” said Brandon Staglin, One Mind President. “As an organization dedicated to brain health, we are excited about the innovation and potential of the research being done by Dr. Stevens and her lab at the Broad Institute and are grateful to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America for providing this critical support.”

The Broad Institute will leverage new single-cell RNA sequencing tools that allow deep characterization of individual microglia and immune cells. This could lead to new biological insight and inform the identification of biomarkers used for early detection and monitoring of progression and therapies.

The key partner on this study is One Mind, a lived-experience-led brain health nonprofit, which is accelerating discoveries by funding and convening scientists in collaborative research for breakthroughs that patients can use.

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About the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard

The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard was launched in 2004 to empower this generation of creative scientists to transform medicine. The Broad Institute seeks to describe the molecular components of life and their connections; discover the molecular basis of major human diseases; develop effective new approaches to diagnostics and therapeutics; and disseminate discoveries, tools, methods, and data openly to the entire scientific community. For further information, go to  http://www.broadinstitute.org.

 

About One Mind

Launched in 1995 by Shari and Garen Staglin as their means to “run toward the problem” of their son’s schizophrenia diagnosis, One Mind is today a leading international mental health nonprofit that heals lives through brain research, working from science to patients to society. By convening the brightest minds in brain science and advocacy around a collective vision of “Healthy Brains for All,” One Mind is advancing a three-pronged program strategy of accelerating discoveries, improving services and transforming societal culture. Through such achievements as enrolling over 10,000 patients in innovative clinical studies and the One Mind at Work initiative that has brought supportive workplace mental health practices to over 5.5 million employees, One Mind is creating a world where all facing brain health challenges can build healthy, productive lives. Brandon Staglin, whose own experiences triggered the creation of the nonprofit, now serves as its President, exemplifying the change One Mind seeks in its disruptive research and workplace initiatives.

 

About Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA)

The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide support, services and education to individuals, families and caregivers affected by Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias nationwide, and fund research for better treatment and a cure. Its services include a National Toll-Free Helpline (866-232-8484) staffed by licensed social workers, the National Memory Screening Program, educational conferences and materials, and “AFA Partners in Care” dementia care training for healthcare professionals. For more information about AFA, call 866-232-8484, visit alzfdn.org, follow us on , Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn. AFA has earned Charity Navigator’s top 4-star rating for six consecutive years.

Alzheimer’s Foundation of America now Offering Free Virtual Memory Screenings Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday

 

(August 10, 2020)— The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) announced that it is expanding its virtual memory screening offerings to accommodate the high demand for the service.  Screenings will now be offered every Monday and Wednesday from 10 am to 4 pm (ET) and every Friday from 10 am to 2 pm (ET).  Appointments can be scheduled by calling AFA at 866-232-8484.

AFA started providing virtual memory screenings through its National Memory Screening Program on July 8^th.  Screenings are conducted one-on-one through secure videoconference technology in real-time.  The program is free and open to everyone: there are no minimum age or insurance requirements.  All that’s needed is a phone, computer, tablet or any other device with a webcam and Internet capability.  Hundreds of people have already been screened.

“The response to our virtual memory screenings has been tremendous,” said Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr., AFA’s President & CEO.  “Memory screenings are an important part of a good health and wellness routine for everyone.  At a time when many families are still at home due to COVID-19, this program allows individuals to get screened without having to travel anywhere.  We’re excited to see so many people taking advantage of this program and look forward to serving even more through our expanded schedule.”

Memory screenings are simple, quick and noninvasive, and consist of a series of questions to gauge memory, language, thinking skills and other intellectual functions.  The memory screening takes approximately 10-15 minutes and is confidential.  Memory screenings are similar to other routine health screenings, such as those for blood pressure, cholesterol and skin checks.

 

Results are not a diagnosis, but a memory screening can suggest if someone should see a physician for a full evaluation. Early detection is important because it can enable the person to begin medications sooner, participate in a clinical trial and take a more active role in developing their care plan. 

 

Anyone wishing to get a free memory screening should call AFA at 866-232-8484 to schedule an appointment.  Appointments are required and scheduled on a first-come, first served basis.

 

For more information about memory screenings, Alzheimer’s disease or support services available to help families affected by Alzheimer’s, visit AFA’s website at alzfdn.org or call AFA’s Helpline at 866-232-8484. 

High School Seniors Shared Their Experiences with Alzheimer’s for National Teens for Alzheimer’s Awareness College Scholarship Essay Competition

(July 17, 2020)— The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America recently awarded more than $41,000 in college scholarships to 59 high school students from across the country who were chosen as winners in AFA’s annual Teens for Alzheimer’s Awareness College Scholarship Essay Contest.  AFA has awarded nearly $300,000 in college scholarships since the competition began in 2008.

Approximately 2,000 students entered the competition, which asks high school seniors to describe how Alzheimer’s disease has impacted their lives and what they have learned about themselves and their families in the face of this disease. The heartfelt stories detailed the emotions, challenges and lessons learned for caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s, volunteering or working at a care setting or raising Alzheimer’s awareness in their community.

“Each winner shared profound personal experiences about how Alzheimer’s affected their lives, and the courage, love and optimism they brought to their situation was extraordinarily moving.  Their eagerness to make a difference in the world and help those affected by Alzheimer’s disease is truly inspiring,” said Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr., AFA’s president and chief executive officer.  “We congratulate these amazing students on earning these college scholarships and thank all the participants in this year’s contest for telling their stories.”

The 2020 AFA Teens for Alzheimer’s Awareness College Scholarship Essay Contest Winners are:

First Place ($5,000):

• Pilar Elaine Carson- Bend, OR

Second Place ($2,500):

• Emma Civello- Southampton, MA

Third Place ($1,500):

• Connor Bramhall- Wilmington, DE

Runners-Up ($1,000)

• Jessie Carlisle- Anchorage, AK
• Abella Glorfield- Santa Cruz, CA
• Sierra Madden- Harrisville, RI
• Benjamin McGowan- New Egypt, NJ
• Ashley McRae- Bolingbrook, IL
• Ayush Noori- Issaquah, WA
• Alejandra Paige- Geneseo, NY

Runners-Up ($750)

• Mairead Burke – Downers Grove, IL
• Morgan Douglas – Brighton, IL
• Olivia Green – Cary, IL
• Rebekah Harry – Chicago, IL
• Johanna Hartke – Marion, IA
• Molly McCormick – Dexter, MI
• Travis Nolan – Richardson, TX
• Diana Parker – Dresden, TN
• Faith Selenske – Fort Collins, CO
• Heba Shaikh – Chantilly, VA
• Sharhana Shrestha – Elkhorn, NE
• Serene Thompkins – Newark, DE
• Annabella Wiles – Lawrence, KS
• Lauren Woolley – Easton, PA

Runners-Up ($500)

• Halla Brill – Corning, NY
• Jordan Burke – Cincinnati, OH
• Jurgis Daugela – Bloomington, MN
• Emelia Keim – Moscow, ID
• Paige Magee – Monroe Township, NJ
• Julia Papp – Downers Grove, IL
• Maddie Putnam – Decorah, IA
• Alexandra Schultz – Berthoud, CO
• John Soeder – Mentor, OH
• Camden Sutherland – Fayetteville, GA
• Georgia Turpin – Harrodsburg, KY
• Sydney Vickery – Walhalla, SC
• Sophia Zalewski – Piedmont, CA

Honorable Mention ($400)

• Grace Bradley – Lisle, IL
• Hannah Caudill – Keller, TX
• Sydney Crowley – Tewksbury, MA
• Christopher D’Accordo – Brooklyn, NY
• Malik Fountain – Olympia Fields, IL
• Patrick Hart – Alexandria, VA
• Emma Hassfurther – Ferdinand, IL
• Clara-Rosa Hertzog – Milton, DE
• Adalynn Joy – Meeker, CO
• Grace Kellerman – Poway, CA
• Emilee Magill – North Prairie, WI
• Luke Makshanoff – San Clemente, CA
• Bailee Marez – Yorktown, TX
• Tawni Parrish – Reno, NV
• Matthew Pearson – Boynton Beach, FL
• Isaac Petrella – Clarence, NY
• Samantha Senger – Minot, ND
• Paige Sheridan – Quakertown, PA
• Jacob Slocum – Springwater, NY
• Madeleine Smith – Tampa, FL
• Faith Taylor – Bear, DE
• Baylee Wojcik – Windber, PA

For more information about the Teens for Alzheimer’s Awareness College Scholarship Essay Contest and other AFA programs and services, or to make a donation in support of them, please visit alzfdn.org or call 866-232-8484.

(July 9, 2020): The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) is expanding the hours of its Helpline starting this Saturday, July 11^th.  The new hours will be 9 am to 9 pm (ET) on weekdays and 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (ET) on weekends.

Families affected by dementia-related illnesses such as Alzheimer’s disease, individuals living with Alzheimer’s or a related dementia, professional caregivers, and anyone who has questions about brain health can connect with a licensed social worker through the AFA Helpline by:

• Calling 866-232-8484
• Visiting AFA’s website, alzfdn.org, and clicking on the blue and white chat icon in the lower right hand corner
• Sending a text message to 646-586-5283

The web chat and text message features can serve people in more than 90 different languages.

“Having a place to turn for answers, support or even just a sympathetic ear to listen is so important when you’re dealing with Alzheimer’s disease,” said Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr., AFA’s President and CEO. “In the constantly changing world we’re living in right now, families affected by Alzheimer’s disease need help now more than ever. Expanding our helpline hours is another way we can serve them in their time of need.”

AFA’s Helpline is staffed entirely by licensed social workers trained in dementia care who can answer questions, provide support and connect callers with a variety of services in their community, no matter where in the United States they live.

To learn more about the AFA Helpline or other services provided by AFA, visit alzfdn.org or call 866-232-8484.

Individuals Encouraged to Make an Appointment to Get a Free, Confidential Memory Screening Through Secure Video Conference

NEW YORK (June 29, 2020)— The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) announced that it will be providing free, confidential memory screenings digitally through its National Memory Screening Program every Monday and Wednesday from 10 am to 4 pm (ET) starting July 8^th.  Screenings will be conducted one-on-one through secure videoconference in real-time.  Appointments can be made by calling AFA at 866-232-8484.  The free program is open to everyone: there are no minimum age or insurance requirements.

“Memory screenings are an important part of a good health and wellness routine.  We want to make sure that individuals can obtain them from the safety and comfort of their own homes,” said Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr., AFA’s president & CEO.  “Being proactive about your brain health is critically important, which is why we encourage everyone to take advantage of this free service.”

Memory screenings are simple, quick and noninvasive, and consist of a series of questions to gauge memory, language, thinking skills and other intellectual functions.  The memory screening takes approximately 10-15 minutes and is confidential.  Memory screenings are an important part of health and wellness and are similar to other routine health screenings, such as those for blood pressure, cholesterol and skin checks.

Results are not a diagnosis, but a memory screening can suggest if someone should see a physician for a full evaluation. Oftentimes, memory problems can be caused by treatable or curable conditions, such as a vitamin deficiency or thyroid problem. If the memory problems are the result of something such as Alzheimer’s disease, early detection can enable the person to begin medications sooner, participate in a clinical trial and take a more active role in developing their care plan.

Individuals wishing to get a free memory screening should call AFA at 866-232-8484 to schedule an appointment.  A computer, smartphone or tablet containing a webcam is needed to participate in the program.  Appointments are required and scheduled on a first-come, first served basis.

For more information about memory screenings, Alzheimer’s disease or support services available to help families affected by Alzheimer’s, visit AFA’s website at alzfdn.org or call AFA’s Helpline at 866-232-8484.

As states around the country open up after months of prolonged isolation due to COVID-19, the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) is providing tips to families affected by Alzheimer’s disease about how to protect their loved ones during the reopening process.

“Months of prolonged isolation understandably are making all of us eager to get out and about, but it’s important to remember that even though things are starting to reopen, COVID-19 has not disappeared,” said Allison B. Reiss, MD, a member of AFA’s Medical, Scientific and Memory Screening Advisory Board, Head of the Inflammation Laboratory at NYU Winthrop Hospital’s Biomedical Research Institute, and Associate Professor of Medicine at NYU Long Island School of Medicine. “Individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia-related illnesses have memory impairments that affect their ability to remember things like hand washing, social distancing or wearing a mask. Because of this, family caregivers will need to continue taking steps to keep their loved one as safe and healthy as possible.”

AFA recommends the following measures:

Reinforce preventive steps:  Continuing protocols recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to help protect against the virus, such as washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating and after blowing the nose, is vital.  Because Alzheimer’s impacts memory, someone living with it may need to be repeatedly reminded and helped with these procedures.  Steps caregivers can take to encourage handwashing include:

• • Explain what to do slowly, step by step.
  • Use a fragranced soap, such as lavender, to improve the person’s sensory experience.
  • Speak in a soothing tone.

Spend time outdoors (safely). Walking, exercising or even just being out in the yard are all good for the body (as long as you practice appropriate social distancing and wear masks when around others). Sunlight is also a great source of vitamin D, which can help strengthen the body’s immune system.

Watch what you eat. Maintain a balanced, nutritious diet with fewer processed, high-salt or high-sugar foods. Good hydration is also important, as is adequate vitamin D and C, both of which may help boost immunity.

Limit exposure. Avoid taking the person to grocery stores, restaurants or other large public gatherings. Because COVID-19 is spread when individuals are in close proximity with one another, your risk of contracting coronavirus increases as you are around more people. Limit the number of outside visitors who come into your home to lessen the chances of exposure.  Many doctors are utilizing telemedicine and video visits to see patients. This is another good option to avoid having to travel to in-person care sites.  These visits can be done with a family member or proxy present.

Families who have questions about caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease can speak with a licensed social worker, seven days a week, through AFA’s Helpline.  Connect with the Helpline by:

• Calling 866-232-8484
• Visiting alzfdn.org and clicking on the blue and white chat icon in the corner of the page
• Sending a text message to 646-586-5283