News on Alzheimer's

Alzheimer's Association Greater New Jersey Chapter

Seeks Volunteers 

There are currently over 185,000 people living with Alzheimer's in New Jersey, and most of us have been affected by the disease in some way. The Alzheimer's Association provides support, education, and resources to those with the disease and their caregivers. Our goal is to educate and raise awareness so that people know how to protect their brain health, get diagnosed and into treatment early, and learn more about how to provide care in a compassionate way, all while receiving ample support on their journey. Volunteers can be community educators, delivering educational programs in the community, or support group facilitators. All programs are available in-person or online.

If you're interested in joining a fantastic group of dedicated volunteers, please reach out to Sara Gorman, Program Director, segorman@alz.org or 732-475-0944 ext. 8862. 

US POINTER Trial Shows Promise

The Alzheimer's Association U.S. Study to Protect Brain Health Through Lifestyle Intervention to Reduce Risk (U.S. POINTER) is a two-year clinical trial to evaluate whether lifestyle interventions that simultaneously target many risk factors protect cognitive function in older adults who are at increased risk for cognitive decline. U.S. POINTER is the first large-scale, randomized controlled clinical trial to demonstrate that an accessible and sustainable healthy lifestyle intervention — a combination of diet, exercise, heart health, and cognitive challenge and social engagement — can protect cognitive function in diverse populations in communities across the United States.

Read the full story here: POINTER

Study Strengthens Link Between Shingles Vaccine and Lower Dementia Ris

Additionally, a new study out of Wales strengthens the link between the shingles vaccine and lower dementia risk. Evidence is mounting that the shingles vaccine may provide an unexpected benefit by lessening the risk of dementia. See details STUDY

Stockton University Hosts

2026 Mid-Atlantic Intergenerational Conference

Call for Proposals

SCOSA is hosting the 2026 Mid-Atlantic Intergenerational Conference next June and has a call for proposals due September 18, 2025.

For details, see: STOCKTON

Download the flyer here: Flyer

Libraries as Invaluable Resources for Older Adults

Wednesday, September 10th, 10:30am - 12:30pm

Leonia Public Library, 227 Fort Lee Rd, Leonia

The next in-person AFNJ Alliance event will focus on local public libraries as age friendly partners.

Libraries are trusted, familiar spaces that offer invaluable resources—serving as gateways to lifelong learning, civic engagement & social connection. NJAAW's 2024 Survey of Older Adults reinforced this, finding that older adults are more likely to visit, trust, and engage with their library than with senior centers or other organizations. Leonia Public Library exemplifies this through robust programs for older adults.

Lunch and networking will follow official presentations.

Registration required - click here: RSVP

Save the date for our virtual meeting in October with the Alzheimer's Association Greater NJ Chapter on Thursday, October 23rd at 10am. Register here: AFNJ Virtual

Redesigning Work for Longevity: Supporting Older Workers and Working Caregivers

Thursday, September 4, 2pm

As our population ages, the workplace needs to change and adapt. What can aging advocates, policymakers, and employers do to meet these new demands?

Katy Terveer, a Senior Advisor at Age Wave, a consulting firm focused on improving the lives of older adults, will share how we can convince companies of the opportunity in front of them to improve their talent strategy and retain their employees by redesigning the workplace for longevity.

Based on two articles she co-authored for the Harvard Business Review, she’ll share research about what older workers and working caregivers want and need, policies for keeping both in the workforce, and highlight some best practices from around the globe.

This session will challenge traditional assumptions and showcase how longevity-smart workplaces aren’t just ethical—they’re strategic. 

Register here

Deep Dive Series:

Preparing for Aging

One of the most important strategies for aging well is to have a plan. 

We are all familiar with financial planning, but life planning and organization are equally important to ensure that you, your family, and your loved ones know what you want and where all your important information is. 

Join NJAAW for a virtual series, “Preparing for Aging” on consecutive Thursdays, September 18, 25 and October 2, 1-2pm.

1. September 18th: Speak for Yourself: Planning Ahead for the Care You Want, Katie Bishaha, NJ HCQI
2. September 25: Organizing Your Life for Your Next of Kin, Diane Vitillo, MS, Home Heart Beats, LLC
3. October 2: Understanding Solo Agers, Adrian Allotey, You Are Not Alone Elder Care, Shana Siegel, Norris McLaughlin, P.A and Carl Archer, Archer Law Office

Register for all 3 sessions Registration

Download the flyer here: Flyer

NJ Hearing Aid Programs

Hearing loss is more than a matter of increasing volume. Studies show that hearing loss increases loneliness, isolation and can mimic signs of dementia. In one recent study, The Direct and Indirect Effects of Hearing Loss on Loneliness in Older Adults, authors found “direct and indirect pathways through which hearing loss contributes to loneliness in older adults. Poor hearing exacerbates functional limitations, depression, and cognitive decline, all of which can further increase the risk of loneliness.” See study details here: Article

Fortunately, New Jersey has two programs to help residents afford hearing aids!

1. The Hearing Aid Assistance to the Aged and Disabled (HAAAD) program offers reimbursement for the purchase of hearing aids, for eligible residents age 65+.
2. The New Jersey Hearing Aid Project offers free refurbished hearing aids for individuals that meet program eligibility.

Details for both programs can be found here: brochure

You can also see details at https://nj.gov/humanservices/ddhh/services/hearingaid/haaad/

Or by calling 1-800-792-9745.

NJ Property Tax Relief Programs

Filing Deadline October 31

The portal for applying for the ANCHOR, Senior Freeze and NJ STAY property tax relief programs is open and accepting applications.

What's new this year?

• Eligible seniors and disabled residents only need to fill out one application, the PAS-1, to apply for all 3 programs.
• Calculations and eligibility, or the "look back" are based on the 2024 tax year
• You do not need to calculate reimbursement amounts - the system will compute that for you from your base year

The new income standards are

• ANCHOR - Homeowners making up to $250,000 annually, tenants making up to $150,000 annually 
• Senior Freeze - Homeowners aged 65 + and disabled homeowners making up to $168,268 last year and $163,050 in 2023, who have owned and lived in their home since Dec. 31, 2020 or earlier, and who still owned and lived in that home on Dec. 31, 2024 
• Stay NJ - Homeowners aged 65+ who have owned and lived in their home for the full 12 months of 2024 and have an annual income below $500,000. The Stay NJ program will reimburse applicants for 50% of their 2024 property tax bills, maximum benefit of $6,500, and is slated to begin payments in early 2026

Community and local governments will be hosting free events to help residents participate in these Property Tax Relief programs. Event dates, locations, and additional details will be posted here as they become Property Tax Relief Events