February 28, 2014

Today's Top Alzheimer's News

Seth Rogen calls out absent senators on Twitter, the UK is on the verge of a dementia care revolution, and the importance of putting a human face on the impact of Alzheimer's (read more).  

Must reads

  • A February 27, 2014 CBS News article reported that Seth Rogen called out Senators that didn't attend his testimony before a Senate Committee on Appropriations about the rising costs of Alzheimer's disease on Americans. Rogen tweeted, "Not sure why only two senators were at the hearing. Very symbolic of how the Government views Alzheimer's. Seems to be a low priority." A list of all the Senators that missed Rogen's testimony here. 
  • A February 27, 2014 The Telegraph (UK) article reported that "Health Secretary [Jeremy Hunt] says Britain's elderly will witness a revolution in dementia care, with those suspected of suffering from the condition given a diagnosis within six weeks, rather than six months." According to the article, "The Health Secretary announced a new ambition for the NHS, stating that by March next year those with suspected dementia should receive a diagnosis within six weeks, rather than six months as is currently the case in parts of the country. In an interview with The Telegraph, he announced a number of pledges to reduce waiting times for diagnosis, and plans to work with businesses to train staff to spot signs of the disease, reduce stigma and help the most vulnerable."
  • A February 27, 2014 Kansas City Star opinion piece called this week's Congressional testimony on the economic and personal cost of Alzheimer's "a positive first step toward an eventual cure." According to the article, "If members of Congress hear from enough Americans, their family members and researchers who are desperate to find a cause and finally a cure for the mind-robbing disease, then they are more likely to increase the funding to make a breakthrough possible…The disease cost the United States about $203 billion last year, and of that $142 billion came from Medicare and Medicaid. If members of Congress hear from enough people who put a compelling human face on this growing problem, they are more likely to increase the funding for research."