AFA quarterly magazine features President Obama as guest columnist

Oct 8 2010

President Obama is featured as a guest columnist in the latest issue of the Alzheimer's Foundation of America's (AFA) quarterly magazine for caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related illnesses, care ADvantage. In his column, he outlines important provisions in the Affordable Care Act that are relevant to the Alzheimer's community, such as health insurance, drug coverage and long-term care.

"Taken together," President Obama said, "these initiatives represent a major step forward in supporting people with Alzheimer's disease and those who care for them."

The article's publication comes as AFA embarks on a new campaign to focus the nation's attention on the urgency of care for the escalating number of families affected by Alzheimer's disease. The campaign features an inaugural "Together for Care" telethon that will air on December 4.

Eric J. Hall, AFA's president and chief executive officer, said the foundation is honored and privileged that President Obama penned a piece for the magazine.  

"We are appreciative of the President's desire to inform families affected by Alzheimer's disease about these issues of monumental importance," Hall said.

As noted by President Obama, advances in the Affordable Care Act include: requiring new health insurance plans to cover preventive services; reducing out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs for Medicare beneficiaries; creating a long-term care insurance program that includes home health care; and providing more training for long-term care employees.

These issues are hitting home with an increasing number of Americans. Currently, an estimated 5.1 million Americans have Alzheimer's disease, but the aging population, including the oldest baby boomers who turn 65 next year, is projected to fuel what some experts have dubbed a "silver tsunami." Advanced age is the greatest known risk factor for the brain disorder, which results in loss of memory and other intellectual function and is now the sixth leading cause of death.

The fall 2010 care ADvantage also features articles that address everyday challenges related to Alzheimer's disease, including ways to resolve sleep issues, and balancing work and caregiving.      

Each issue of care ADvantage presents articles written by top experts that offer valuable information about a wide range of timely topics, from the medical and practical to the emotional and inspirational. With approximately one million readers nationwide, it is distributed free to caregivers, Alzheimer's-related facilities and organizations, and doctors' offices.

SOURCE Alzheimer's Foundation of America