National call center facilitates finding help for Alzheimers disease

plaque formation in Alzheimers disease[/caption]

Editor and HHS:---More and more people are diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease with families and caregivers needing information and support.  A call center is among the resources for those who need advice and direction, and this is at the national level, designed to meet the needs of the many.

Kathy Greenlee, administrator of the Administration for Community Living, part of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), has granted the Alzheimer’s Association up to $985,135 per year over five years to continue providing a 24-hour phone line for people with Alzheimer’s disease and those who care for them. The information line made possible by this grant provides expert advice, care consultation, counseling and referrals to services that maximize independence and well-being at the national and local levels to callers from 56 states and territories, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

In announcing the award, ACL Administrator Kathy Greenlee said, “The National Alzheimer's Call Center exists to support the millions of older adults and their family members across the country who are affected by Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia. With the ready assistance that the National Call Center provides, individuals and families can get the support they need to face the challenges associated with dementia and caring for a family member with dementia. Just knowing that others are facing the same issues and finding local help is a huge relief when facing these challenges.”

Through the grant, the Alzheimer’s Association supports and maintains a national network of organizations, effectively linking about 290,000 callers each year to local organizations that provide information on local resources, including such vital programs as respite care, community-based services, support groups and clinical trials participation opportunities. The National Call Center also coordinates with federal initiatives, such as http://www.alzheimers.gov, and makes appropriate referrals to other federally-funded resources, such as the Eldercare Locator.

For the many people who need this resource information, having a call center is a welcome addition to the resources available, given the complexity of the disease and the growing numbers of people diagnosed with Alzheimers Disease and needing help.

Alzheimer’s patients and their caregivers vulnerable in disasteraftermath

[caption id="attachment_5418" align="alignright" width="286" caption="PET scan of brain of Alzheimer's patient"][/caption]

Carol Forsloff - SPRINGFIELD, Mass., While many folks wonder how survivors of disasters are able to cope with the devastation brought by the kind of storms that have hit the United States this year, the otherwise vulnerable, such as Alzheimer’s patients, face increased risk in the aftermath of serious weather emergencies.

It is easy to forget the needs of people  like those with Alzhemier’s disease as there are so many problems that occur in the hours after a major storm, however the Alzheimer’s Association in a recent press release reminds us that the consequences to folks with memory problems can be overwhelming for patients and caregivers

"In an emergency, people with Alzheimer's may become separated from caregivers who are familiar with their condition and unique needs," said James Wessler, President/CEO of The Alzheimer's Association, MA/NH Chapter. "Families dealing with Alzheimer's disease face increased stress due to the disruption in their lives, and in some instances, people may find themselves in the role of caregiver for the first time and may not know how to care for someone with Alzheimer's."

Like other states, Massachusetts has a large population of Alzheimer’s patients, most of whom are taken care of at home.  When a disaster occurs,  there is overwhelming stress and confusion among the victim, which can cause those with memory difficulties to become even more anxious than usual and to have feelings that can lead to agitation and wandering behaviors.

Planning for emergencies is an important variable in the care of Alzheimer’s patients according to the  Alzheimer's Association.   The group recommends key supplies, documents and important information be immediately at hand, including doctor and emergency service contacts.  Those in need of special attention should be registered with MedicAlert + Safe Return.  The latter group returns individuals who wander off or have a medical emergency.  Additional tips can be found through the Red Cross website.

"Although the threat of tornados in Massachusetts may be comparatively small, the events of this week remind us that disaster can strike at any time," said Wessler.  "Our thoughts are with all of those families impacted by the storm, and we are working to help people with Alzheimer's, their families and caregivers who have been affected by this disaster."