Alzheimer's Foundation of America Elects New Chairman
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Jeffrey Greener, Esq.
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The Alzheimer's Foundation of America's (AFA) board of trustees recently elected Jeffrey Greener, Esq., of Great Neck, NY as its new chairman. The appointment comes at a time when AFA is growing rapidly to meet the care-related needs of an increasing number of families affected by Alzheimer's disease and related illnesses, and when the nation is focusing unprecedented attention on the brain disorder. Greener, who is a partner at Rivkin Radler LLP., Uniondale, NY, has served as a member of AFA's board since the organization was founded. AFA celebrated its 10th anniversary last month. "It has been gratifying to be a part of this outstanding organization and to have watched the Alzheimer's Foundation achieve so many successes over the years," Greener said. In announcing Greener's appointment, Eric J. Hall, AFA's founding president and chief executive officer, said, "We are honored that Jeffrey Greener will be leading our organization at a critical juncture when more families than ever are relying on us to meet their needs. He shares the Alzheimer's Foundation of America's philosophy to 'go above and beyond,' and with his expertise and commitment, our momentum will continue to build." Greener succeeds Bert Brodsky, who was AFA's founding chairman and led the board for the past 10 years. Brodsky, chairman and CEO of Sandata, Inc., Port Washington, NY, will continue to serve as a trustee. "Words can't express our heartfelt appreciation to Bert Brodsky for his exemplary leadership and significant contributions. There is no doubt that his tremendous passion for the cause and his business acumen have been a powerful force in helping the Alzheimer's Foundation of America become what it is today," Hall said. |
Researchers Debate Ethics of Paying Research Volunteers
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A panel of research professionals recently called into question the ethics of paying volunteers for research studies, with most agreeing that it is coercion or undue inducement when money prompts participation, according to the first national study on this issue.
Coercion is in violation of federal regulations for the protection of human subjects, known as the Common Rule.
In the online survey of 610 research ethics professionals and Institutional Review Board (IRB) members, 61 percent were somewhat, moderately or very concerned that payment of any amount might influence a participant's decision or behaviors regarding research participation. They agreed that the higher the payment, the greater the concern.
Additionally, the majority of researchers believed that substantial payment could compromise a participant's ability to think clearly about study risks and benefits; lead individuals to enroll in a trial that they otherwise would not enroll in; and would cause them to remain in one despite a desire to withdraw.
Most panelists felt that it was acceptable to reimburse expenses, and many thought it was okay to offer monetary compensation for time and convenience.
The authors raised a concern that people may not volunteer without payment, and recommended that policy and educational efforts be undertaken to clarify when payment practices actually constitute coercion and undue influence. The Hastings Center, a bioethnics research institution in Garrison, NY, conducted the study.
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Alzheimer's Foundation to Host Free Caregiving Conference in New York
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AFA will host a free "5 Boroughs Concepts in Care Conference" for family caregivers, healthcare professionals and individuals with Alzheimer's disease on May 18 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel-Times Square in New York City.
At the care-focused educational conference, top experts will provide medical updates and hands-on strategies for everyday challenges. The presenters will include Teepa Snow, a renowned dementia care expert who presents practical coping and communication tips in an easy-to-understand manner.
The conference will also include interactive activities: an exhibit hall; a display of heartfelt quilt panels from the AFA Quilt to Remember that pay tribute to individuals with dementia; confidential memory screenings administered by healthcare professionals; and the Virtual Dementia Tour, an initiative of Second Wind Dreams that simulates what it would feel like to have dementia. Respite care, breakfast and lunch will also be provided.
The healthcare professional track is sponsored by Avanir Pharmaceuticals. For more information and to register, call 866-AFA-8484.
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News to Use:
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- The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is encouraging the public to comment on its "Draft National Plan To Address Alzheimer's Disease." The plan, which was released last week, addresses the central and critical needs of caregivers, professionals and researchers.
It includes calls for: public-private collaborations; conducting national education and outreach initiatives and resources to educate and support all segments of the dementia population, including those with young-onset, ethnic populations and those in crisis situations; increasing enrollment in clinical trials, with an eye on ethnic representation; speeding up the process of bringing pharmacological treatments to market; improving training of healthcare professionals and the direct-care workforce; and education efforts related to early detection.
Send your comments by March 30 to napa@hhs.gov. All comments will be shared with the Advisory Council on Alzheimer's Research, Care and Services, which is advising HHS on the historic national plan.
- Don't miss the second Webinar with renowned dementia care expert Teepa Snow in a series presented by AFA and Senior Helpers and hosted by the American Society on Aging. Tune in on Tuesday, April 17 at 2 p.m. (ET) to hear Snow discuss "Dementia Care: Keys to Effective Communication." Healthcare professionals can earn free CEUs. Click here for more information and to register for the one-hour Webinar.
- EyeCare America, a public service program of the Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, provides eye exams year-round at no out-of-pocket cost to individuals 65 and older through 7,000 volunteer ophthalmologists across the United States. Visit www.eyecareamerica.com, to determine eligibility for a free exam.
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News Update
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- Individuals with lower omega-3 in blood perform worse on memory tests... Researchers found that individuals without dementia who had lower levels of omega-3 fatty acids in their red blood cells had smaller brain volumes and performed worse on tests evaluating visual memory, executive function and abstract thinking. Omega-3 is found in fish. Researchers said they did not know how much fish must be consumed in order to reach certain omega-3 levels. The study is part of a larger so-called Framingham Study that involves 1,575 participants with an average age of 67. Read More...
- Key protein may play a role in memory loss... According to new research that involved mice, a protein known as histone deacetylase 2 may block genes that are crucial to memory, and reversing its buildup could protect against memory loss. The researchers note that it could take up to 10 years before this research is tested in humans. Read More...
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If you have a question or concern that you would like to discuss with a social worker, please write info@alzfdn.org or call (toll-free) 866-AFA-8484.
� 2012 Alzheimer's Foundation of America
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Check Out New E-Store Items
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AFA recently stocked its e-Store with several new items that meet caregivers' practical and emotional needs: heartfelt hardcover books and DVDs from Legacy Keepers, and a groundbreaking locator device manufactured by Breadcrumb. AFA and Legacy Keepers have teamed up to help turn personal life stories and memories into timeless heirlooms that can be treasured forever. Legacy Keepers' nationwide network of personal historians work with individuals and family members to compile the information needed to succinctly capture a personal legacy. These stories are then compiled and preserved as a professionally-edited Legacy Book or high-definition DVD. Another new product, the Breadcrumbs BC300, offers a solution to one of the biggest sources of stress for caregivers: wandering. This breakthrough system developed by AFA and Breadcrumb consists of the GPS locator device-the smallest and most affordable locator on the market today-and a customer-friendly, 'round-the-clock monitoring system. The technology sets up a "virtual fence" around someone's home or other location and alerts experts at the customer care center and up to five designated people if the person wearing the device wanders outside of the geographic space, as well as pinpoints whereabouts on an Internet-connected computer or smartphone anytime.
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Offer Free Memory Screenings in Your Community
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Offer free, confidential memory screenings in your community year-round through AFA's Community Memory Screening initiative. This is a great service to individuals in the community with memory concerns or who want to check their memory now and for future comparison, and is an ideal way to educate clients and community members about Alzheimer's disease and your organization. Visit www.nationalmemoryscreening.org to learn more and to register as a site.
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AFA recently announced the formation of a Legacy Society, which offers special recognition to individuals who have included AFA in their wills or estate plans. Information about AFA's new Legacy Society is available at
www.alzfdn.org or by contacting AFA at 866.232.8484
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Want to support AFA on a regular basis? Donors can now make recurring monthly donations to AFA. A recurring monthly donation is a charge that is automatically deducted from your credit card each month. You may cancel at any time. To make convenient, automatic monthly donations, or a one-time donation, click here. |
Our Mission |
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Our mission is "to provide optimal care and services to individuals confronting dementia, and to their caregivers and families--through member organizations dedicated to improving quality of life."
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Contact Us |
To obtain more information about AFA, visit us at www.alzfdn.org or call us toll-free at 866-AFA-8484. |
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