The Alzheimer’s Association will soon be opening registration for the 2017 Advocacy Forum, and we would like to invite you to join us. The Alzheimer’s Association’s Advocacy Forum is a unique opportunity for Alzheimer’s advocates from across the country to gather in Washington, D.C. to directly appeal to their members of Congress about Alzheimer’s disease. Caregivers, persons with the disease, and those that have lost a loved one to Alzheimer’s receive training and embark on Capitol Hill to tell their story and ask for policy change to support our vision of a world without Alzheimer’s. In 2016, over 1,100 people from across the country (24 from Michigan) participated in this event.
Participants of past Forums have raved about this event as an empowering experience. After the Forum advocates feel charged up and ready to tell their story and make change happen. The helpless feeling that often accompanies Alzheimer’s for many is changed into a feeling of power and an opportunity to improve the lives of others.
The Alzheimer’s Association’s Advocacy Forum is also highly impactful for Members of Congress. In our experience, legislators listen intently when their constituents travel to our nation’s capitol to speak with them.
Alzheimer’s is a triple threat, with soaring prevalence, lack of treatment and enormous costs that no one can afford. If we’re going to address this triple threat, action must be taken by all levels of the government. Attending the Advocacy Forum is one way to take action, and we’d love to have you join us!
About the Alzheimer’s Association’s Advocacy Forum
The 2017 Alzheimer’s Association’s Advocacy Forum will take place March 27-29, 2017 at the Marriott Wardman Park, Washington, D. C. To register and for event details like schedule, location, travel, and more, visit http://www.alz.org/forum or contact Lindsay Brieschke at lbrieschke@alz.org
Everyone who has a brain is at risk to develop Alzheimer’s. We’re asking people around the world to take the Purple Pledge to help spread Alzheimer’s awareness during Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month (ABAM). This June, share the facts about Alzheimer’s with someone you know, become an Alzheimer’s advocate, register for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, or change your Facebook banner in honor of ABAM. Find out more ways to take action by visiting this link. Don’t just hope for a cure…help us find one!
Clinical trials are essential to advancing Alzheimer’s disease research at a time when Alzheimer’s is reaching epidemic proportions.Through clinical studies conducted over the last 20 years, scientists have made tremendous strides in understanding how Alzheimer’s affects the brain. It is only through clinical studies that we will develop and test promising new strategies for treatment, prevention, diagnosis, and ultimately a cure for Alzheimer’s disease.
Today, the greatest obstacles to developing the next generation of Alzheimer’s treatments is recruiting and retaining clinical trial participants.
Exploring clinical trial options by yourself can be a steep mountain to climb. Alzheimer’s Association TrialMatch helps simplify the process by presenting clinical trial information in an easy to understand format. In addition, we have staff that are happily waiting to answer your call, and guide you through the process.
Don’t just hope for a cure. Help us find one. Join the millions that are using TrialMatch, and discover the path to tomorrow’s treatments, today.
Want to get started? Visit http://www.alz.org/trialmatch or call 800-272-3900. Watch the video clip below to see the program in action.
During Black History Month, we celebrate some of our nation’s greatest achievements and honor remarkable, inspirational individuals from all walks of life. This February, spread Alzheimer’s awareness in your effort to recognize Black History Month.
Did you know…
Although whites make up the great majority of the over 5 million Americans with Alzheimer’s disease, available research shows that African Americans are at a higher risk. In fact, African Americans are about two times more likely than white Americans to have Alzheimer’s and other dementias.
Although the rate of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia in African Americans is higher than whites, they are less likely than whites to have a diagnosis of the condition.
When they are diagnosed, African Americans are typically diagnosed in the later stages of the disease, when they are more cognitively and physically impaired — and therefore need more medical care.
Genetic factors do not appear to account for the greater prevalence of — or greater risk for developing — Alzheimer’s disease. Better management of chronic health conditions, such as hypertension and diabetes, may play an important role in controlling one’s risk.
Do your part by sharing the facts about Alzheimer’s disease. Find everything in the 2014 Facts and Figures report or check out this webpage about African Americans and Alzheimer’s disease.
There is a critical need for African American clinical trial participants. Join a study today through the Alzheimer’s Association TrialMatch program and help move research forward tomorrow. Don’t just hope for a cure. Help us find one!
Julianne Moore portrays a woman living with Younger-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease in the newly released film Still Alice (based on a best-selling novel written by Lisa Genova). The movie provides a frank and open portrayal of the devastating effects of the disease. Moore’s character, Alice, represents a terrifying reality that more than 5 million Americans can relate to. Women in particular are largely impacted by this disease as they sit at epicenter of the Alzheimer’s crisis. In fact, women are more likely to develop the disease and are more likely to be a caregiver for someone living with memory loss during their lifetime.
Still Alice is released in theatres January 16th. Check out the trailer below or learn more about the women behind Still Alice by clicking here.
Watch this video to learn more about what researchers are doing on a global level to help win the fight against Alzheimer’s disease. Check out the full 2013-2014 Alzheimer’s Disease Progress Report here.
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