In the News
Find articles and reports that can be helpful for you and those you care for…
Researchers at LI hospital on quest to find Alzheimer’s cause, treatments
Feb 19, 2022
Researchers at NYU Langone Hospital-Long Island in Mineola are examining genetic information in brain cells to find the cause of Alzheimer’s disease, with the goal of then reprogramming those cells to behave like healthy ones. Dr. Allison Reiss, who heads the research team, is confident that if a genetic cause is found, treatments can be developed to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s or prevent it entirely.
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Guide to Government Resources
Volume 16, Number 3
Government exists to serve people; and fortunately for families affected by Alzheimer’s disease, a multitude of governmental programs exist that are designed to help you. Understanding the differences and intersections of federal, state, and local programs can be tricky though, but it becomes easier with some background knowledge. Following is information about some of these programs, the services they provide, and how to connect with them.
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Caregiving Trends – Millennials As Caregivers
Volume 16, Number 3
The vast majority of individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias are receiving in-home care— nearly 80 percent, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). What might be surprising is just how many millennials are engaged in the caregiving.
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Guardianship & Conservatorships
Volume 16, Number 3
Guardianships have been a trending topic in the news lately. Pop singer Britney Spears is the latest high-profile example, but many other people across the country are subjected to guardianship proceedings. So, how does this happen?
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Breaking the Stalemate
Volume 16, Number 3
Persuading a loved one to do something they don’t want to do—go on a diet, exercise, or give up smoking or alcohol—is often challenging under normal circumstances. When the person is living with dementia and the issues in question relate to things which impact independence, quality of life or dignity, it can be even more challenging and emotionally trying.
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Before I Forget…Let Me Tell You that I Do Forget
Volume 16, Number 3
For the past three years I’ve been living with a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease; and during this time, here is what I’ve learned about the disease and about myself: I was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2018. But from the very first day I decided to stay positive.
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$1M grant will help Manhasset research center advance Alzheimer’s treatments
Jan 16, 2022
The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America has provided a grant of close to $1 million for a study related to developing new treatments for behaviors associated with dementia — including hallucinations, delusions and aggression — that will be conducted at the Litwin-Zucker Research Center in Manhasset.
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Make 2022 Your Year for a Free Memory Screening
Jan 2, 2022
Routine health screenings are important, including for our brains. Here’s why everyone should make getting a memory screening a New Year’s resolution for 2022
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Alzheimer’s Gifts: Wisdom from President Ronald Reagan’s Daughter
Volume 16, Number 3
When U.S. President Ronald Reagan died June 5, 2004, after living a decade with Alzheimer’s disease, daughter Patti Davis thought for a brief time that she was “finished” with Alzheimer’s. She quickly realized, “How could I possibly be?”
This year, she published a new book, Floating in the Deep End: How Caregivers Can See Beyond Alzheimer’s. The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America spent some time with Davis contemplating what she’s learned and wants others to know, nearly 20 years later.
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The Course of Alzheimer’s Disease
Volume 16, Number 2
Memory loss and trouble with language and communication—such as difficulty finding words, concentrating, or following a conversation—are common early signs. As the disease progresses, confusion, reading and writing problems, and difficulties managing finances are expected, followed by loss of basic motor skills and self-care abilities in the later stages, unfortunately.
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How to Make Meaningful Moments
Volume 16, Number 2
Just because a loved one has Alzheimer’s disease, it doesn’t mean that you can’t create meaningful moments together with them. This article explains ways to create and maximize meaningful moments with a loved one.
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The Ombudsman-An Advocate for Families
Volume 16, Number 2
Advocating for a loved one can sometimes be difficult. Many people are reluctant to “make waves” or create conflict especially with a health care setting because they fear negatively affecting their loved one’s quality of care. That’s where a Long-Term Care Ombudsman-someone who advocates for the health, safety and rights of individuals in long-term care facilities-can be helpful.
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Managing Alzheimer’s Impact on Finances
Volume 16, Number 2
As Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia-related illnesses progress, many facets of daily living become more difficult. That includes managing finances. Here are ways to help someone retain the feeling of independence while still protecting their finances.
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Avoiding Supplement Scams
Volume 16, Number 2
“If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.” Watch for these warning signs about “dietary supplements” that scam families affected by dementia by making false promises.
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The Emotional Rollercoaster of Dementia
Volume 16, Number 2
Caring for a family member with dementia can be like riding a rollercoaster—lots of emotional highs and lows. These tips with help you navigate the wide range of emotions caregivers experience over the course of the journey.
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Alzheimer’s Deaths Spike During COVID Pandemic: Study
October 17, 2021
Alzheimer’s-related deaths increased by more than 16% during the COVID pandemic, compared to the average number over the last five years. The New York Daily News explains the challenges facing families affected by Alzheimer’s relating to COVID-19 and resources available to help caregivers.
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Creating a Long-Term Care Team
Volume 16, Number 1
Having a care team—even an informal one—is beneficial in the long run. Here are steps to know about building an effective team.
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See Inside the Dementia-Friendly Home Created by the Alzheimer’s Foundation
August 13, 2021
A specially created studio in AFA’s headquarters is designed to model ways to help people with dementia feel reassured, calmer, confident or safer.
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Changing Places
Volume 16, Number 1
When is the “right” time to move a family member to a care community? This article explains the factors families should consider.
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5 Common Misconceptions About Dementia
Volume 16, Number 1
Although Alzheimer’s and dementia are more common than ever before, many misconceptions still exist. This article details five of the most common myths and stereotypes followed by the truth.
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Why Can’t My Loved One See That They Need Help?
Volume 16, Number 1
It seems obvious to others when a loved one needs help. Why would a loved one not only refuse help but refuse to recognize that help is even needed? Or that there are self-care steps they need to take? One possibility is a medical condition called anosognosia, where individuals genuinely cannot recognize their own impairment. This article describes anosognosia and tips to help someone experiencing it.
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Take a Tour of This Dementia-Friendly Home Aiming to Help People With Alzheimer’s
July 16, 2021
Family caregivers often struggle with the idea of leaving their loved one with dementia home alone for safety reasons, yet want to help them preserve their independence to the greatest practical extent. This Today story explores a new “dementia-friendly” model apartment which shows caregivers how to make a home safer for someone with dementia.
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Latinos Have Greater Risk of Developing Alzheimer’s, But Less Likely to Get Help
July 10, 2021
Latinos are 50% more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease than non-Latino whites, yet they are far less likely to seek treatment or help. PBS Chicago explores why Latinos may be more susceptible to Alzheimer’s and steps they can take.
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Technology And Innovative Ideas At Center Of Alzheimer’s Foundation Of America’s New Dementia-Friendly Apartment
June 2, 2021
Virtually every aspect of a residence can play a role in the safety and quality of life for someone living with Alzheimer’s disease. This CBS New York story highlights steps families can take to make a home safer and more dementia-friendly.
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Some war veterans are at higher risk for dementia. They and their families can learn more
May 30, 2021
Veterans may be at a higher risk for dementia based on their military experiences. A column in the Miami Herald discusses how veterans can, and should, be proactive about their brain health.
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What Kids With Aging Parents Should Know About Dementia
April 20, 2021
After Mark and Donnie Wahlberg announced the death of their mother, Alma, who suffered from dementia, experts want to help people with aging parents learn to spot early signs of the disease. This Good Morning America story highlights the warning signs of dementia and how to get a free memory screening.
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6 Steps to Reduce Caregiver Stress
April 4, 2021
Finding ways to manage and reduce stress is of paramount importance for every Alzheimer’s caregiver. Untreated stress can lead to physical, mental and emotional caregiver burnout. As part of National Stress Awareness Month (April), this article provides six steps caregivers can take to manage and reduce stress.
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Foundation Awards Grant to NYU Langone to Conduct Innovative Alzheimer’s Research
March 3, 2021
New efforts to expand Alzheimer’s research are under way on Long Island, and it’ll be utilizing a different approach than some others, using a $250,000 grant from the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America.
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Don’t Overlook Alzheimer’s Affect on Eyesight
Volume 15, Number 4
Alzheimer’s impact on eyesight is a change that may be overlooked–changes that are different from normal changes in vision due to aging. This article explains impairments caregivers should watch for and ways they can help.
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Combatting Dementia Among Veterans
Volume 15, Number 4
Increased risk of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) make memory screenings even more important for veterans. This article details why.
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COVID Vaccine Advised for Alzheimer’s Patients, Their Caregivers
January 26, 2021
Individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and their family caregivers are urged to get the COVID-19 vaccination as soon as they are able to do so, according to AFA’s Medical, Scientific and Memory Screening Advisory Board. This article explains why.
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Pandemic Isolation Detrimental to Those with Alzheimer’s
January 23, 2021
Staying active and engaged, both mentally and physically, during the COVID-19 pandemic is critically important for individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and their family caregivers. This story highlights how people can utilize free, daily therapeutic and activity programming for free through the AFA Teal Room.
