AFA Update: Congress acts, grants awarded, and more!

AFA E-Newsletter July 18, 2018

Senate Appropriations Committee Approves Funding Increase for Alzheimer’s Disease Research

The Senate Appropriations Committee approved a package that would increase funding for Alzheimer’s disease research by $425 million, a tremendous step for those living with dementia-related illnesses and their family caregivers.

If passed by the full Senate and House and signed into law by the President, this would put overall funding for Alzheimer’s disease research at approximately $2.25 billion for FY 2019, finally bringing federal investment in Alzheimer’s research to the level the National Plan to Address Alzheimer’s Disease says is needed to find a better treatment or cure for Alzheimer’s by 2025. The Senate action comes on the heels of House Appropriations Subcommittee approval of $401 million in additional resources for Alzheimer’s research at NIH.

Click here to read AFA's full statement

Alzheimer’s Foundation of America Awards $115,000 in Grants to Fund Respite Care Services for Families Affected by Alzheimer’s

AFA recently awarded $115,000 in grant funding to 23 AFA member organizations in 15 states to support respite care services for families affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia-related illnesses. These non-profit organizations received $5,000 each as part of AFA’s Phyllis and Milton Berg Bi-Annual Respite Grant program.

View the organizations which received grant funds here.

Member Spotlight

Thelma's Place Wins AFA's 2018 Anne and Irving Brodsky Innovation Grant

Thelma’s Place is a non-profit care center that provides families with a place they can take a rest from care-giving. The Oregon-based organization provides respite service in an environment that is built on the core values of love and hope.

Executive Director Ellen Coburn said, "When our founder learned that there were over 80,000 people in Oregon living with Alzheimer's he set to work to provide services and support for families caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's or other dementias in their homes, outreaching to rural and underserved communities. Thelma's Place understands the needs of the family members living day in and day out with someone with Alzheimer's and we believe it’s essential to have assistance from our organization as we provide needed respite along with compassion, reliable support, and opportunities to restore balance - all improving the overall quality of life for both caregivers and the participants."

A longtime AFA member organization, Thelma’s Place is the national winner of AFA's 2018 Anne and Irving Brodsky Innovation Grant. The $25,000 award will fund their Intergenerational Sensory Garden – The Garden of Life, an enriching, educational environment designed for both individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and pre-school aged children. It provides opportunities for interaction, cognitive stimulation and enjoyment in a safe, home-like environment.

AFA in the News!

Family Caregivers Exchange Tips, Share Stories To Ease Alzheimer's Losses

AFA was part of a National Public Radio (NPR) story which highlighted the importance of supporting family caregivers, provided caregiver tips and stories from family caregivers about their experiences.

Read the full NPR article on tips for caregivers here!

AFA Launches New Public Service Video

AFA recently launched a new public service video called, "Change the Alzheimer's Story." The video is currently being played on 6,300 screens in New York City, Chicago, Boston, Miami and San Francisco, as well as on the Internet.

Click here to watch!

View Our Event Calendar for Upcoming Programs

AFA continues to host a wide variety of community programming. Whether it's educational webinars, community classes, therapeutic programs or professional trainings, you can learn more about our upcoming calendar of events by clicking below.

Click here to view AFA's upcoming events!

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