USA2 SPOTIGHT

A November 9, 2018 Boston Globe article interviewed Neuroscientist and bestselling Author of “Still Alice,” Lisa Genova, about her favorite books. “Still Alice” was adapted into the feature film starring Julianne Moore as a Harvard professor diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. “I was always interested in the human stories that go along with brain disorders and diseases,” said Genova. She notes “On Pluto: Inside the Mind of Alzheimer’s,” by UsAgainstAlzheimer’s Advocate Greg O’Brien, is “phenomenal.”

(ICYMI) An October 31, 2018 Psychology Today blog post by Author and UsAgainstAlzheimer’s Advocate Greg O’Brien reflected on his personal experiences with retired U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, in the wake of her announcement that she has dementia. The two go all the way back to the 1970’s when O’Brien was a rookie reporter at the Arizona Republic in Phoenix - his first court assignment covering a case with O’Connor on the bench. The two subsequently became good friends. O’Brien writes, “While blessed with an impressive mind, Justice O’Connor has always led with her heart, finding just the right balance between the two. And now, in her public battle against Alzheimer’s, on behalf of her family and collectively for all of us, she again inspires from the heart, and this mentor to a nation will keep asking questions, keep asking questions until she gets the answers.”

(ICYMI) A November 5, 2017 UsAgainstAlzheimer's blog post by UsA2 Advocate Karen Garner spoke about the reality of getting her husband, Jim, a retired Air Force Senior Master Sergeant who has Alzheimer’s disease, financial assistance for his condition. Garner writes, “Because Jim was diagnosed after he retired and it was concluded his condition was not military related, he did not qualify for long-term care assistance or companion care in our home. He was still able to receive his medical benefits through TriCare and eventually Medicare after he had been disabled for two years. But his medical insurance did not cover the assistance we needed to keep him safe and cared for. We also earned too much for assistance through the Veterans Administration, which tends to have stricter guidelines than Medicaid.” She chronicles her family's story in her blog, "Missing Jim: Confessions of an Alzheimer's Wife." 

VETERANS SPOTLIGHT

(ICYMI) An October 25, 2018 AARP article spotlighted the VA’s Aid and Attendance (A&A) program, which provides financial assistance for family caregivers of elderly veterans. According to the article, “The government estimates that hundreds of thousands of people whose incomes are low enough to qualify for VA pensions haven’t applied, and many of them could be eligible for extra caregiving-related payments through A&A. “It’s an entitlement that can improve their lives, and they’re not taking advantage of it. That’s disturbing,’’ says Kevin Friel, deputy director of pension and fiduciary service at the VA.”

MUST READS

A November 9, 2018 The New York Times article looked at changing attitudes around dementia after Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor’s announced her own diagnosis, likely Alzheimer’s disease. Overcoming stigma around dementia is a major barrier to early diagnosis and increased support for family caregivers. According to the article, “Dementia care is a long haul. Understanding the disease and its prognosis allows time to assemble a health care team, to mobilize family, to seek legal and financial advice. Early diagnosis can benefit research, too, which increasingly focuses on people in the beginning stages of disease. That requires diagnosed participants willing to enroll in clinical trials.”

MUST WATCH

The Dementia Action Alliance partnered with PBS on the new documentary, “Revolutionizing Dementia Care,” about how people living with dementia can live full and meaningful lives, focused on abilities not disabilities, and person-centered practices. The film shares personal experiences of individuals living with dementia, and takes the viewer inside memory care communities across the country. The documentary will air nationwide on November 15th at 9:00pm (EST) via livestream. Click here to join the Facebook group. 

CAREGIVING CORNER

MemoryWell announced the launch of their new news platform, “MemoryWell News for the Ages,” dedicated to the needs and interests of more than 43 million American family caregivers. The platform fills a need for resources and information for family caregivers, who often shoulder steep responsibilities with little advance notice or preparation. In partnership with EMD Serono's Embracing Carers Initiative.