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Alzheimer's, Dementia & Mental Health
Caregivers of Alzheimer's Patients Offered New 'How
To' Kit
 November is National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness
Month
November
29, 2006 -- The Alliance for Aging Research has partnered with the
National Family Caregivers Association to develop a new resource to
educate family caregivers on how to care for themselves while caring for
a loved one with Alzheimer's.
The resource kit is funded by a grant from
MetLife Foundation and includes a leader's guide and DVD to assist
community groups in hosting workshops for family caregivers.
"We are pleased to support this program which
provides important tools that focus on meeting the needs of caregivers,
who often find themselves overwhelmed by the demands of caring for a
loved one with Alzheimer's disease," said Sibyl Jacobson, President,
MetLife Foundation.
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Alzheimer's, Dementia & Mental Health |
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November is National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness
Month. Alzheimer's disease is a progressive brain disorder that
gradually destroys a person's memory and ability to learn, reason, make
judgments, communicate and carry out daily activities. As Alzheimer's
progresses, individuals may experience changes in personality and
behavior. In the late stages of the disease, individuals need help with
basic functions such as dressing, personal hygiene and eating.
Alzheimer's disease advances at widely different rates and the length of
the illness may vary from three to 20 years. According to the
Alzheimer's Association, one in 10 people over age 65 and nearly half of
those over age 85 have the disease.
"Age is the greatest risk factor for Alzheimer's
disease, and as the baby boom generation ages the number of Americans
with Alzheimer's will soar," said Daniel Perry, executive director of
the Alliance. "The vast majority of Alzheimer's patients are cared for
at home by family members, and it is very important that we provide
family caregivers with tools and resources to cope with this disease."
Currently there is no cure for Alzheimer's disease.
However, treatments are available that help improve the quality of life
for someone with Alzheimer's. One important treatment is supportive care
that helps individuals and their families come to terms with the
diagnosis, obtain information and advice about treatment options, and
maximize quality of life through the course of the illness.
The video features three generations of one family
coping with the care of a loved one who suffers from the disease. Caring
for a person with Alzheimer's disease can bring physical and emotional
demands that are exhausting. The video looks at the causes, signs and
health implications of family caregiver stress, and suggests ways for
caregivers to care for themselves.
To order a copy of the toolkit, "Alzheimer's
Disease: Helping Yourself Help a Loved One," contact the Alliance for
Aging Research at 202-293-2856.
To learn more about the burden of chronic disease
and the promise of innovation, access the Alliance's new online almanac,
The Silver Book, at
http://www.silverbook.org/.
Editor's Notes:
MetLife Foundation was established in 1976 by
MetLife to carry on its long-standing tradition of corporate
contributions and community involvement. The Foundation has been
involved in a variety of aging-related initiatives addressing issues of
caregiving, intergenerational activities, mental fitness and civic
engagement. Since 1986, the Foundation has supported research on
Alzheimer's disease through its Awards for Medical Research program and
has contributed more than $10 million to efforts to find a cure. More
information about the Foundation is available at
http://www.metlife.org/
Founded in 1986, the Alliance for Aging Research
is a nonprofit, independent organization dedicated to improving the
health and independence of aging Americans through public and private
funding of medical research and geriatric education. The Alliance
combines the interests of top scientists, public officials, business
executives and foundation leaders to promote a greater national
investment in research and new technologies that will prepare our nation
for the coming senior boom, and improve the quality of life for today's
older generation. More information about the Alliance is available at
http://www.agingresearch.org/
Founded in 1993, The National Family Caregivers
Association (NFCA) is a grassroots organization created to educate,
support, empower, and speak up for the more than 50 million Americans
who care for a loved one with a chronic illness or disability. NFCA
reach across the boundaries of different diagnoses, relationships and
life stages to address the common needs and concerns of all family
caregivers. For more information visit
http://www.nfcacares.org/
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