Greetings From The Executive Director

Transcription

1 Connecticut Chapter Newsletter Summer/Fall 2008 For our donors, advocates, and friends Greetings, Greetings From The Executive Director INSIDE THIS EDITION I hope you had an enjoyable summer and took some time to relax and be reinvigorated. We at the Connecticut Chapter of the Alzheimer s Association have been extremely busy, effecting numerous changes since my last message to you. We have an entirely new management team including: Nancy Leonard, Sr. Director of Program and Constituent Relations, Christianne Kovel, Senior Director of Public Policy and Communications, James Vumbaco, Chief Financial Officer, and Howard Bloom, Director of Development. With these additions, our staff brings a wealth of experience in their disciplines as well as unparalleled commitment to our mission. Our incredible Staff and Board, together, will make its mark - in helping to conquer Alzheimer s. The April 2008 Clinical Symposium and Education Conference brought a wealth of knowledge and sharing of best practices to the dementia community. Our Medical Scientific Advisory Committee, dedicated to working with researchers in the field of dementia, invited Dr. Ronald Peterson, Director of the Mayo Clinic at the Alzheimer s Disease Research Center, to present Mild Cognitive Impairment: Current Research and Clinical Implications to clinicians and providers at this year s Clinical Symposium. Increased funding for Alzheimer s Research is a top priority, for our advocacy efforts, recognizing the rapidly growing numbers of individuals affected by this disease. Beginning in July of this year, we embarked on a cooperative fund-raising program with our national office. The goal of this partnership is to raise more resources to advance our mission. Donations not specifically contributed for a Connecticut program, or service, will be shared with the national organization to underwrite important projects. However, our donors will still be able to restrict their contributions to Connecticut, if they choose to do so. In addition to our staff transformation, we have also redesigned the look and layout of our newsletter. We hope you like these changes and welcome your comments and feedback. I hope you will join us at one of our four Fall Memory Walks on October 4 th in Enfield, and October 5 th in Hartford, New Haven and Norwalk. This is an opportunity to help us raise awareness and revenue for what we believe is the most important cause facing the nation, the eradication of Alzheimer s Disease. Please join us in October to help make this disease history. Best Wishes, Trish From the Board Chair Programs & Constituent Relations....3 From the Regions Memory Walk Community In Action For Alzheimer s Legislative Summary Support Group Listing Latest Research RFP Education Conference

2 2 CT Chapter Newsletter Summer/Fall 2008 From The Board Chair This summer has brought both disappointment and renewed cause for hope in the search for a cure for Alzheimer s Disease. A drug that had shown early promise in halting the formation of destructive amyloid plaques in the brain has proven ineffective in combating the disease. However, other experimental drugs that work on different protein tangles seem to be effective in reducing symptoms of mental decline. Medical researchers remain optimistic that they are closing in on remedies that will arrest or even reverse the progress of this terrible disease. The timing of a breakthrough could not be more critical. This year the first wave of Baby Boomers hits 62, making them eligible for Social Security. In the coming decade, they will begin moving into the age of maximum susceptibility to the disease. The Alzheimer s Association estimates that 10 million Baby Boomers will eventually develop Alzheimer s disease if a cure or effective treatments is not found. Another four million will develop other dementias. So what are we doing about it? Our national organization recently approved a strategic plan with goals in five areas: Building Awareness Public awareness of the disease and of our organization are surprisingly low, given the magnitude of the problem. People often don t know where to turn when they need help, and they certainly won t turn to us if they don t know we exist. Advancing Care & Support The plan calls for more emphasis on early detection, better quality of care, and standardized services across the continuum of care. Advancing Research Our national association is funding medical research in targeted areas, especially in the area of early detection. Public Advocacy Achieving our mission will require that we mobilize grassroots support for more public funding of medical research at the federal level and better programs at the state level to support Alzheimer s patients and their families. Increased Revenues Our organization must significantly increase its fundraising capability at both the national and local levels to achieve its strategic goals and to fulfill its mission. Currently, our state board is involved in a process to adapt the plan to our situation here. Our emphasis will be less on research, which is mostly funded at the national level, and more on providing support to Alzheimer s patients and their families in Connecticut. We estimate there are nearly 70,000 people in Connecticut with Alzheimer s disease, most of whom are cared for at home. Patients and family members are our primary constituency, along with the healthcare community. We reach out to them every way we can through support groups, training programs and our 24-hour Helpline. Until a cure is found, our aim is to be the go-to resource for Alzheimer s care in Connecticut, even as we work with our national organization toward a world without Alzheimer s disease. Board of Directors OFFICERS: Eric Rennie (Chair) Richard Fisher, Esq. (Vice Chair) Dr. Daniel Wollman (Treasurer) Carol L. Schaffer, JD, RN, MSN, MBA (Secretary) Christopher E. Rupp (Immediate Past Chair) DIRECTORS: Carol F. Lenz, MA Carole Edelman, APRN, BC, CMC Christine I. Andrew, Esq. Craig Johnson, MBA George B. Bickford, Esq. Attorney Jay Kearns Jennifer Keyes-Smith, BS Julia Bronder Karen M. Kuhl, BA Maureen Mauro, CLTC Mike Marinaccio Patty Gibbs Rosaida Morales Rosario Serafin Mendez- Mendez, PhD V I S I T U S O N L I N E : W W W. A L Z. O R G / C T

3 Summer/Fall 2008 CT Chapter Newsletter Program & Constituent Relations Update It has been my pleasure to work with a talented and committed group of staff since joining the Chapter in December We have reorganized the program department and added 2 new staff members who are assisting us with our volunteer recruitment, Helpline, and Memory Walk efforts. We have been busy creating an addition of new programs, as well as strengthening our existing program offering. Please visit our website www. alz.org/ct to see our current list of Education Programs for the fall or contact Stacy Chavis in our Norwich office at Our Education Conference held in April 2008 had record attendance of over 700 people, reinforcing that there is a growing need for information and education on Alzheimer s disease throughout the state. Special thanks to the Education Conference Committee for their hard work and dedication which made our conference such a success! We are currently planning for our 2009 Conference on March 31, 2009, at the Crowne Plaza in Cromwell, and have our request for proposals on page 15 of this newsletter. I encourage you to submit a proposal, or pass along the information to anyone who may be interested in presenting at our conference. The collaborative efforts between the Association, Connecticut Area Agencies on Aging, and the Department of Social Services Aging Services Division resulted in a very successful marketing and outreach campaign to raise awareness about the Connecticut Statewide Respite Program. This program provides much needed relief for the caregivers in our state who are faced with the enormous task of caring for an individual who has Alzheimer s disease or a related dementia, and I am grateful for our ongoing partnering efforts. The program department, in collaboration with Memory Walk committees around the state has been very busy getting ready for our fall Memory Walks. Our two new spring Memory Walks in New Milford and Waterford in May 2008 had great participation and raised over $85,000. We thank the Memory Walk Committee Members, Volunteers and Staff who spent countless hours making sure that both events were a success! Please do not hesitate to contact our office regarding our programs. We welcome visitors to the Chapter, please stop by! Nancy V. Leonard, LCSW Senior Director of Programs and Constituent Relations Statewide Respite Program The Statewide Respite Care Program is a program designed to offer short-term respite, in the form of direct services for the individual with Alzheimer s disease and related dementias, to provide relief to stressed caregivers and their families. This Program is a partnership between the Aging Services Division of DSS, the Alzheimer s Association Connecticut Chapter, and the Five Connecticut Area Agencies on Aging. To receive information on this program, as well as available support groups, individuals may call the Alzheimer s Association at (860) To apply for the Program, individuals may call their local Area Agency on Aging at A Care Manager will then determine eligibility, schedule a family consult, design a short-term care plan, and set up services for the individual with Alzheimer s disease. For information about our fall education programs please contact Stacy Chavis in our Norwich office at or stacy.chavis@alz.org H O U R H E L P L I N E :

4 CT Chapter Newsletter Summer/Fall 2008 Eastern Region Highlights By Stacy Batty-Chavis Eastern Regional Program Coordinator After five dedicated years of service to the Connecticut Chapter, Regional Director Rose Levine moved on to a new and exciting opportunity in Geriatric Case management. I would like to extend a special thank you to Rose for her help and assistance over the past several years. The presence of the Connecticut Chapter remains strong in the Eastern area of the state, with many dedicated volunteers and organizations supporting our mission. Eastern Federal Bank Foundation has generously awarded the Alzheimer s Association a $1,000 grant to be used for the couples group held at the Ledyard Senior Center monthly. Focus Club is a social support group that enables caregivers and their loved ones the opportunity to meet other families facing similar issues, and gives them a few hours to enjoy a good meal, entertainment, and friends in a safe environment. Thank you to Marge Lathrop and the Ledyard Senior Center for donating the space for our gathering. On Friday April 11 th over forty Caregivers attended a caregiver retreat at Creamery Brook Retirement Village in Brooklyn CT. This event was created in collaboration with Day Kimball Hospital Center for Healthy Aging, Day Kimball HomeMakers, Creamery Brook Retirement Village, Pierce Memorial Baptist Home s Adult Day Center, and the Alzheimer s Association CT Chapter. Caregivers were provided a day of pampering with lunch and learning along with a taste of Holistic Health methods. The Alzheimer s Association would like to thank Senior Resources for their continued partnership and support in the medical equipment donation program. Through our combined efforts, we have been able to obtain, store and place medical equipment such as wheelchairs to those individuals who may not be able to have the costs covered. If you have equipment that is in good condition and would like to donate it, contact Betty Koski at or myself at Thank you to John Clark who has raised over $12,000 to date in the 2008 Ride for Alzheimer s. This year, John s ride took place from Portsmouth N.H, to Washington D.C. Additionally, John and his wife Donna are wonderful volunteers at our monthly support group, providing transportation to couples who would otherwise have no other way of attending. John also leads off the Waterford Memory Walk each year on his bicycle and we are honored to have him as part of the team! Our May 3 rd, Memory Walk at Harkness Memorial State Park in Waterford was a huge success! Over 200 walkers raised $24,000. Thank you to Chairs Judy Danao and Rose Levine, and honorary chair Dr. Muhammed Quershi as well as committee members and volunteers. I am excited to be a part of our next Memory Walk which will take place in the Fall 2009-Details to come! If you need more information about any of the programs and services that the Alzheimer s Association offers, please contact me in the Norwich office at or by at stacy.chavis@alz.org th th October 4 & 5, 2008 See Page 9 for registration form V I S I T U S O N L I N E : W W W. A L Z. O R G / C T

5 Summer/Fall 2008 CT Chapter Newsletter Fairfield County Regional Highlights By Ana Nelson Southwest Regional Director Fairfield County continues to be very supportive of the mission of the Alzheimer s Association. I am excited about our energized program department and the number of volunteers who help with our efforts in my region. Highlights of activities and events from Fairfield County include the following: Wellness in the Community A Community Outreach Education Program: This is a collaborative project between myself and Diane Fekete, Marketing Coordinator of Connecticut In- Home Assistance. This is an educational program on Who Will Pay for In-Home Care and Memory Loss What is Normal? This program has fostered new partnerships with community agencies and religious organizations. Latino Community Outreach efforts: Alzheimer s disease awareness and brain health promotion programs were held at the Norwalk Senior Center South, and at Sunset Shores Adult Day Care Center of Stratford. Champions Campaign launched with the Don Axleroad art exhibit at the Carriage Barn promising treatments by Dr. Stephen Jones, Director of Greenwich Hospital s Center for Healthy Aging; and legislative successes at the state level by Julia Bronder, board member and former public policy committee chair. This event was the launching of the Alzheimer s Association Champions Campaign, and raised awareness and recruited volunteers for the Connecticut Chapter. Presentation with Patricia Clark on Overview of Alzheimer s Disease and Research given to attendees of the Connecticut Assisted Living conference in March. Memory Walk Committee Co-chairs Expand Their Committee Base: Co-chairs Cliff and Valerie Juleson have organized two active Memory Walk committees in Fairfield County. In addition, Val has found a creative way of displaying the Tribute flags. The flags will be sold with a device adapted to be mounted on the exterior of a vehicle. Val s wish is to have people fly the flags during the month of September (Sept. 21 is World Alzheimer s Day) to increase awareness about the disease and the association while raising funds. To purchase tribute flags and become a champion for our mission please call: United Way s Late Life Issues Conference: Politics of Aging on June 9 th. This event was well attended and I was honored to be on the planning committee. Partnership with South Western Area Agency on Aging (SWAAA) to promote Connecticut Statewide Respite Care Program-Additional funds for marketing and outreach provided numerous opportunities for collaboration and outreach to increase awareness of the Respite Program. If you are interested in working with me to support our efforts in Fairfield County, please contact me in our Norwalk office at or by at ana. nelson@alz.org This special program featured Donald Axleroad s art; a presentation on Alzheimer s disease and H O U R H E L P L I N E :

6 CT Chapter Newsletter Summer/Fall 2008 North Central Regional Highlights By Patty O Brian North Central Regional Director It has been a great privilege for me to join the Connecticut Chapter in April after years of volunteering on various committees for the organization. I am excited to work with many new contacts, as well as with professionals whom I have worked with for years in the community. Activities in the North Central Region include the following: Memory Walk Kickoff and Planning meetings for Hartford and for our new walk site this year in Enfield. Special thank you to the committee members for their enthusiasm and flexibility. We look forward to seeing everyone at our Enfield Walk on the Town Green on October 4 th and at our new location in Hartford at Goodwin Park on October 5 th. Presentation for Life and Casualty Bankers who held Forget me Not days on May 16 th and 17 th which raised $1100 for the Chapter. Appeared as a guest on the West Hartford Public Access television show For Health, For Life hosted by Pamela Atwood of Hebrew Health Care on the topic of Tips for Caregivers. The show aired 3-5 times in June. Participation at a successful caregiver luncheon attended by 25 people at Kimberly Hall on May 22 nd sponsored by the Alzheimer s Association and the North Central Area Agency on Aging (NCAAA). Led the Maintain Your Brain presentation at the Middletown Senior Center on May 23 rd. First time presentation for the Commission of the Deaf and Hearing Impaired on June 23 rd, in collaboration with the NCAAA. Supported Sarah Steinberg, the Kingswood- Oxford student who led a Casual for a Cause day at her school in May, in conjunction with her Bat Mitzvah to raise funds and awareness for Alzheimer s disease. $744 was generated from this event, and the donations were made to honor Sarah s grandfather. I am happy to give presentations to any interested community group. Please contact me at the office in Kensington at or by at patty.obrian@alz.org Northwestern Regional Highlights By Carolyn DeRocco Northwestern Regional Director I am grateful to be a part of this community which has been so generous in their efforts supporting our programs and services, particularly our first Spring Memory Walk in New Milford on May 3rd. Save the date for our next walk on May 2, 2009 on the New Milford Town Green! Other events in the region include the following: Alzheimer s Association partners with the New Milford Community Health and Wellness Center by offering office space available in the New Milford Senior Center to provide information and referrals to members in the community. Maintain Your Brain presentation given to the Altrusa Woman s Club at Marino s restaurant in Torrington on March 26th. Alzheimer s Association participates in the YMCA s 13 th Annual in the Company of Woman Luncheon on April 1, 2008 with Keynote speaker Anna Deavere Smith. Memory Walk in New Milford on May 3 rd raising over $65,000 and having over 350 participants. Thirty teams came out to walk. Guest speakers included New Milford Mayor Patricia Murphy, Congressman Christopher Murphy, Honorary Chair Dr. Frolkis from New Milford Hospital and actress Linda Dano. V I S I T U S O N L I N E : W W W. A L Z. O R G / C T

7 Summer/Fall 2008 CT Chapter Newsletter Waterbury Hospital hosts Alzheimer s Bingo Game on May 15: People in the community were informed about the Alzheimer s Association while playing a bingo game of facts and figures. Eleanor Curren donates $2,000 from profits made from her year long Shepaug High School Senior project. A reception honoring Eleanor was held on July 1 at the New Milford Health and Wellness Center. The Village of East Farms held their 2 nd annual Classic Car Show to benefit the Alzheimer s Association on June 7 th. This event was co sponsored by the Village of East Farms and Elder Care Attorney Julia M. Brown. Over $1,000 was donated to the Association. There was a live broadcast by WATR 1320-AM, raffles, food, prizes, and many wonderful vendors. Walmart in New Milford awards the Alzheimer s Association a $1,000 grant. Bob Beucler accepted the check on behalf of the Association, and was photographed for The Spectrum newspaper. Bob is on the Memory Walk Committee and a representative from Genworth Financial. Mellisa Morin and the staff at Valerie Manor in Torrington held a Meadow of Memories walk in November 2007 and raised $2,575 for the Connecticut Chapter. If you would like to become more involved in our efforts, please contact me in our Waterbury office at or in our New Milford office at or by at carolyn.derocco@alz.org South Central Regional Highlights By Maria Tomasetti South Central Regional Director for Helpline to increase staff availability to callers who need information. Other highlights from my region include the following: Family Support Group Presentations: The Hearth at Gardenside in Branford on April 28 th ; and Brighton Gardens of Woodbridge on April 30th. Community Presentations: Forgetting: What s Normal, What s Not. Coachman Square at Woodbridge May 22 nd Outreach to children (grades 1 through 8) presentations on May 28 th at Saint Ann School, Milford. Age-appropriate presentations to help young people to understand Alzheimer s disease and other forms of dementia... and how they can help. Family Caregiver Course, hosted by the Orange Senior Center was held on May 27 th and consecutive Tuesdays in June. Speakers included: Richard A. Marottoli, MD, MPH; Phyllis F. Boynton, RN, MPH; Christine I. Andrew, Esq. and Maria Tomasetti. The course was well attended. Enthusiastic and growing New Haven Memory Walk Committee, led by Dianne Davis and Charlie Mendlestein. Memory Walk Kick-Off Party held on Thursday, July 24 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Coachman Square at Woodbridge. Alzheimer s Association day on July 8 th at Lenny and Joe s Fish Tale in Madison-Magical Charity Carousel donates proceeds raised from tickets sold to benefit the Connecticut Chapter. If you need any additional information about our programs, or about the Connecticut Statewide Respite Program, please contact me in the Hamden office at or by at maria.tomasetti@alz.org The South Central area continues to have strong support for programs and events of the Connecticut Chapter. Over the past several months, I have been working with Nancy Leonard to provide training to our program staff H O U R H E L P L I N E :

8 8 CT Chapter Newsletter Summer/Fall 2008 Saturday, October 4th ENFIELD-Town Green Sunday, October 5th HARTFORD-Goodwin Park New Location! NEW HAVEN-Lighthouse Point Park NORWALK-Calf Pasture Beach Register at or call Walk as an individual, Form a Team, Participate as a Virtual Walker

9 Summer/Fall 2008 CT Chapter Newsletter Registration Form You can also register online at (Preferred) Visit our website to print the Walker/Team Member Contribution Form or call for more information. Walk location Team name I am a team captain team member individual My goal is to raise $ to help end Alzheimer s disease. (The recommended minimum goal is $200.) All participants who raise $100 will receive a Memory Walk T-shirt. First name Last name Address City State Zip Phone (Day) Phone (Evening) address Company name Job title Yes, my company has a matching gifts program. Please help the Alzheimer s Association better serve our community by completing the following: Gender Male Female Age Choose one African-American/Black American Indian/Alaskan Native Asian Caucasian/White Hispanic/Latino Pacific Islander Other T-shirt size Medium Large X-Large XX-Large How did you hear about us? Chapter mailing Web site Family Friend Past participant Work colleague TV/radio/print ads Other Please choose the closest affiliation you have to Alzheimer s disease: I have/had a family member with Alzheimer s disease I am a caregiver for someone with Alzheimer s disease I have a friend with Alzheimer s disease I have been diagnosed with Alzheimer s disease I do not know anyone with Alzheimer s disease I am interested in information about: Joining the Memory Walk steering committee Advocating for people affected by Alzheimer s Other volunteer opportunities with the Alzheimer s Association Including the Alzheimer s Association in my will, trust or estate plan More information about Alzheimer s disease Other Enclosed is my personal donation of: $200 $100 $50 $25 Other To make a credit card donation, please go online: (Click on the Memory Walk Link) Please donate the value of any of my fund-raising prizes back to the Alzheimer s Association. Yes No Assumption of Risk, Release and Permission In consideration of being allowed to participate in Memory Walk, I hereby expressly assume all risks of personal injury, death or property loss arising in any way out of my participation. I represent that I am physically fit and able to participate in this event. I hereby release and agree not to sue Alzheimer s Association, its chapters, their respective officers, directors, volunteers, employees, sponsors and agents, from or in connection with any and all liability and claims arising out of my participation in this event. I grant full permission to the organizers of this event to use and publish my name and image as a participant in photographs, video or other recordings. Signature (parent or guardian s signature, if walker is under 18 years of age) Date

10 10 CT Chapter Newsletter Summer/Fall 2008 Community In Action For Alzheimer s Sunset Shores Adult Day Center has been hosting an Annual Pasta/Bingo Dinner for the past 15 years, providing a fun gathering which raises funds for the Chapter. This annual event has raised thousands of dollars for the Alzheimer s Association CT Chapter. Pictured from left to right: Suzanne Kachmar, Linda Gilbert, Susan Secondi LPN, Robert Secondi Marjorie K. Miner, resident of Whitney Center in Hamden wrote a book titled For the Alzheimer s Caretaker:Helpful Hints based on her personal experiences caring for her husband Walter. Marjorie has sold her books at our Education Conference at the Chapter Table and at Whitney Center, participating in a recent book signing. She has raised over $600 for the Association thus far. Eleanor Curren, a 2008 Shepaug High School graduate in Washington Connecticut with part of her senior project. She created a note card business to honor her grandmother who was diagnosed with Alzheimer s disease and raised over $2000 for the Connecticut Chapter. Pictured from left to right: Sarah Steinberg, Alex Lewis, and Cassie Latorre For her Bat Mitzvah project, Kingswood-Oxford student Sarah Steinberg organized a Casual for a Cause day on May 22nd at the school in West Hartford. Participants were asked to bring a $2.00 donation to dress casually for the day. $744 was raised with this project. Sarah selected the Alzheimer s Association Connecticut Chapter as her charity as her grandfather has Alzheimer s disease, and she expressed that she wanted to help the organization as she has been affected personally. North Central Regional Director Patty O Brian and Wade Jenson, Partner at Hoops and Jensen Law Firm in Groton pose and smile during their annual 4th of July celebration. Each year, Hoops and Jensen donates half of the proceeds of their Independence Day Celebration to the Alzheimer s Association. V I S I T U S O N L I N E : W W W. A L Z. O R G / C T

11 Summer/Fall 2008 CT Chapter Newsletter Legislative Summary - CT Chapter Priorities Connecticut General Assembly The Legislative Session began on Wednesday February 6, 2008 and ended on May 7, 2008 Alzheimer s Respite Care Line Item Retains Funding The Respite Care Funding increase of $1 million dollars advocated by the Alzheimer s Association was not acted upon due to the decision between the Administration and legislative leadership not to act on the budget. This was as a result of the projected deficits that were realized before the end of the 2008 session. The line item for Respite Care will remain as passed in the 2007 session at $2,292,388 for FY 07 and FY 08 reflecting a $1 million increase passed in the biennial budget during the 2007 season. A bill to increase the annual yearly allocation amount allowed to individuals receiving respite services was not acted upon before the end of the legislative session. Alzheimer s Facility and Service Disclosure Requirements Expanded As of October 1, 2007, any facility or program advertising promoting or offering Alzheimer s or dementia care must comply with training and disclosure requirements. Any facility or program that advertises or operates or offers or provides a unit or service specifically for Alzheimer s or dementia patients is required to provide the services disclosure information before contract. The annual training hours for dementia care for all licensed and registered direct care providers in skilled nursing facilities will be increased from 3 to 8 hours annually effective October 1st, a plan to establish a similar home and community-based services (HCBS) project for adults who may not meet the MFP institutionalization requirement. Principally those who may not meet the requirement of at least a 6 month stay in a nursing home. This provision in the bill is commonly referred to as MFP2. This project would afford a broad array of services to Alzheimer and dementia patients in their home or community. Finally, the bill establishes a separate, non-lapsing general fund account to hold the enhanced federal matching funds the state receives for MFP. It specifies the uses of funds in the account and requires a report on expenditures from it. Criminal Background Checks This legislation did not move forward this year. A coalition of interested organizations including the Alzheimer s Association, Connecticut Chapter is already being brought together with an eye on the next session. Special thanks to the volunteers and members of the Public Policy Committee for their grassroots efforts during the session. For more information on any of these areas or to become involved in our Advocacy efforts, please contact Christy Kovel at or christianne.kovel@alz.org Money Follows the Person - (MFP) This bill increases, from 700 to 5,000, the number of individuals who can be served under the state s plan for participating in the federal demonstration program. MFP is a five-year program that permits states to move individuals out of nursing homes or other institutional settings and into less-restrictive, community-based settings. This new law requires the Department of Social Services (DSS) commissioner to submit an application to the federal government for the demonstration. The application was filed as the legislative session drew to a close. Money Follows the Person 2 (MFP2) The bill also requires the DSS commissioner to develop H O U R H E L P L I N E :

12 12 CT Chapter Newsletter Summer/Fall 2008 Affiliated Support Groups Throughout Connecticut The Alzheimer s Association maintains affiliated support groups at no charge to families. All facilitators are volunteers who are offered training and support from the Alzheimer s Association, Connecticut Chapter. The group is for caregivers only unless otherwise noted. Please be sure to call the contact listed to verify meeting days, locations and times before attending the support group. We make every effort to keep this list up-to-date, but some listings may be incorrect because production of the Newsletter takes nearly three months, and we are not always notified of a change. If you have any problem contacting a support group leader, please contact the Chapter. For more information call the 24/7 Helpline Avon: Sandi Hart Bethlehem: Edie Hardwick Branford: Linda Abbagnaro Bristol: Karen Cornell Canaan: Marsha Harvey Cheshire: Susan Laude Colchester: Karen Gattison Danbury: Evy Brescia Neena Finch Eastford: Bev Lindemann East Lyme: Deb Kozisek East Hartford: Gina Kastrup East Haven: Brenda Lopez Enfield: Stacy Thurston Sue Bernstein/Paula Vaicekauskas Fairfield: Donna Lange Courtney Luttrell Glastonbury: Kevin Horan Becky Sullivan Greenwich: Jane Kramer Peg Drenckhahn Roni Lang Sherry Dey Groton: Deb Kozisek Hamden: Pat Kenny Blanche Agostinelli Lidia Ayala Suzanne Tyghtek Tiffant Burnham Maria Tomasetti Hartford: Kendra Bland Howard Dickstein Kent: Anne Runquist Ledyard -Social model group for couples: Stacy Chavis Litchfield: Nancy Aquilar/Carol Lenz Madison: Diane Fisher Manchester: Roberta Bell Claire Rathbun Mansfield: Patricia Hope Meriden: Ron Bowen Middletown: Kathleen Kaliscak Carrie Hopkins/Brenda Lopez Pat Liliedahl Milford: Erena Fitzgerald Monroe: Barbara Yeager Montville: Judy Danao Moodus: Candice Nero Naugatuck: Deborah Hennessy New Britain: Kathy Mulrooney New Canaan: Sarah Ruggiero New Haven: Tracy Gilbert Theresa Hofmeister New Milford: Cindy LaCour Carolyn DeRocco Newington: Sarah Merlini Norwalk: Jean Northup Sally Harding Doris McKee Norwich: Amy Merchant Jane Davis Old Saybrook: Molly DeWeese Pawcatuck/Stonington: Karen Hawthorne Plainville: Bette Smith V I S I T U S O N L I N E : W W W. A L Z. O R G / C T

13 Summer/Fall 2008 CT Chapter Newsletter 13 Plantsville: Jennifer D Eugenio Irena Delahunty Jennifer Doty/Lori Spencer Putnam: Kathy Demers Ridgefield: Megan Carriere Terri Ramsey Rocky Hill: Carol Sheltra Judy Telesmanick Jody Moroni Donna Fuoco Shelton: Mike Hetsko Simsbury: Diane Thurston Southbury: Debby Horowitz Joyce Weber/Barbara Anderson Wes Bard/ Edie Hardwick Southington: Jennifer Doty Amy Borkowski South Windsor: Stafford Springs: Jennifer Kulas Stamford: Amy Hollander Stratford: Barbara Jarmon Beth Paris Sue Secondi/Carol Crimi Tolland: Marylou Geraghty Torrington: Karen Cornell Susan Patrick Trumbull: Carol Pines Robin Gajek Jennifer Gillis Gail Ondy Unionville: Gail Yaffee Wallingford: Beverly Bryda Gail Kallinich Theresa Mowry Waterbury: Sara D Uva Laura Fasanelli Joyce Evan Waterbury: Zakiyyah Lateef Waterford: Judy Danao West Hartford: Michelle Pandolfi Pam Atwood Ruthan Wein Willimantic: Diane Prue Wilton: Eleanore T. Mikesh Windsor: Peg Dagsher Kate Bartelmo Wolcott: Caroline Martin Woodbridge: Laura Hendricks Nominations for the 2008 Excellence in Caregiving Luncheon awards are now being accepted. The Alzheimer s Association CT Chapter is happy to announce that we will be honoring those who give so much to care for a loved one diagnosed with dementia. We will recognize their unselfish commitment with a very special luncheon for their exemplary Caregiving. Please consider nominating a caregiver by contacting your Regional Director to request an application form and guidelines. Sponsorship opportunities are available for this worthwhile event. Join us in wishing John Clark well on his Ride for Alzheimer s. His itinerary will take him from Portsmouth, New Hampshire to Washington D.C. beginning August 16th and ending August 26th. Since 1999, John has cycled over 13,000 miles crosscountry and raised over $130,000 dollars in an effort to support the Association s efforts for caregiver support, educational programs, awareness and research. His goal for this year s ride is to raise $20,000 for the Alzheimer s Association. To more daily website, make a donation, learn about the ride or view journals, visit John s com or write him at P.O. Box 574, Gales Ferry, CT H O U R H E L P L I N E :

14 14 CT Chapter Newsletter Summer/Fall 2008 Latest Research International Conference on Alzheimer s Disease (ICAD 2008) July 26-31, 2008 Chicago, Illinois Diverse Approaches to Alzheimers therapies continue to show Progress at ICAD - Plus, Taking Antidementia Drugs Extends Lifespan Three Years in Alzheimer s - CHICAGO, July 30, 2008 Results from clinical trials of three potential Alzheimer s therapies raise hope for new and better treatments of the disease, according to data reported at the 2008 Alzheimer s Association International Conference on Alzheimer s Disease (ICAD 2008) in Chicago. A related study showed that taking antidementia drugs appears to have a positive impact on extending lifespan in those with Alzheimer s. These reports included: Eighteen-month data from an open-label extension of a pivotal trial of Dimebon (Medivation) in mild to moderate Alzheimer's. Nine-month data from an interim analysis of the first U.S. Phase II trial of intravenous immunoglobulin, or IVIg (Baxter), in Alzheimer s. Results of a Phase II study of a monoclonal antibody (LY , Lilly) in mild to moderate Alzheimer s. Research suggesting that persistent antidementia drug use increases survival in people with Alzheimer's. Therapies targeting amyloid in Alzheimer s disease must continue to be thoroughly tested, said William Thies, PhD, Alzheimer s Association vice president for Medical and Scientific Relations. At the same time, we know that Alzheimer s is a complex disease and that better treatments and preventions will likely also be complex, so we must investigate every promising drug target looking eventually towards the possibility of a multi-strategy approach. While currently approved treatment options for Alzheimer s offer some relief of symptoms, they do not change the underlying course of the disease. It is widely hoped that the next generation of therapies will be disease modifying, that is, they will slow or stop the brain cell death and loss of function caused by Alzheimer s. The International Conference on Alzheimer s Disease brought together 5,000 researchers from 60 countries, and was the largest gathering of international leaders in Alzheimer s research and care ever convened. To learn more about news releases from the conference, log on to the national website at Classifying Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer s Disease The Olin Neuropsychiatry Research Center at the Institute of Living/Hartford Hospital is enrolling healthy older adults and individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or probable Alzheimer s disease (AD) in a new research study. The study will compare different diagnostic tests to determine which method best classifies these individuals. Qualifying participants (60-85 years of age) will come in on 1 or 2 days to complete clinical interviews, cognitive testing, a neurological exam, laboratory testing (saliva sample), and brain imaging studies (MRI and PET). To qualify, you must have a relative or close friend who can accompany you for approximately 1 hour on one of the study days. Participants will be compensated $20 an hour. Please contact Melina Griss Ph.D. at (860) or (860) or mgriss@harthosp.org V I S I T U S O N L I N E : W W W. A L Z. O R G / C T

15 Summer/Fall 2008 CT Chapter Newsletter Statewide Education Conference Call for Presenters-Application Form Deadline: October 15, 2008 CONNECTICUT CHAPTER Please use the format below to submit your presentation for inclusion at the 2009 Alzheimer s Association Connecticut Chapter Education Conference March 31, 2009 at the Crowne Plaza, Cromwell, CT. If you are able to design two separate presentations that address the same topic, one geared to families and one geared to professionals, we would use one presentation for a morning breakout session, and one for an afternoon session. Past evaluations indicated a desire for more advanced presentations for practitioners. Hence, you may also design two separate presentations on the same topic, one geared for a beginning practitioner, another designed for the advanced practitioner. Submit your program(s), each on one page, typewritten and double-spaced. Be sure to include: Purpose and reason for the presentation Level of presentation (family caregiver; beginner or advanced professional) Type of Program: Lecture, Hands-on Workshop, etc. Learning objectives (at least five) Content of the presentation Please select a Presentation Focus from the list below that best describes your program. If you are submitting for more than one Presentation Focus, submit a separate page for each. Submissions will be rated according to their innovativeness and application to persons who are caregivers to those with Alzheimer disease. The Committee will also have to consider the overall need for a balanced program for the Conference as a whole when selecting programs. Please send a one-page paragraph biographical statement for each of the program presenters. All applications for presentations must be received by October 15, Decisions and notifications for participation at the conference will be made by December. 1. Title of Presentation: 2. Target Audience Family Beginner Professional Advanced Professional 3. Presentation Focus (Check One) Quality of life throughout the continuum of care Education/Training Program (i.e. Alzheimer s 101, Legal Issues, Behaviors, Alternative Therapies) Managing Challenging Behaviors (i.e. Non-pharmacological approaches) Counseling/Support (i.e. Innovative Support Group Models, Palliative Care, End of Life Issues, Hospice) Clinical/Research (i.e. Medications, Genetics, Assessment, Diagnosis, Brain Imaging Techniques) Social Models (i.e. Recreation Therapy, Creative Arts, Adult Day Centers) Interventions for specific populations (i.e. Down syndrome, Dual Diagnoses, Early Onset, Early Stage, Related Disorders, Cultural Diversity, Children, Grandchildren, Veterans etc.) Hot Topics (i.e. Regulatory Issues, Driving, Sexuality, Vision deficits, Home Safety, Wandering) Family Caregiver Topics (i.e. Family Dynamics, Transitions, Stress Management, Creative Community Based Techniques, Resources, Building a Dementia Capable Team) Other topic (Please indicate): Presenter(s): Address: City/St/Zip: Organization: Phone: Preferred submission via to stacy.chavis@alz.org, fax to or send completed form via mail to: Education Conference 2009, Alzheimer s Association, 279 New Britain Road Ste 5, Kensington, CT Prior to Submitting the Application please remember to include the following: One page, typewritten program description Applicant Contact Information One-page, typewritten paragraph biographical statement for each program presenter(s) H O U R H E L P L I N E :

16 $ Please HELP! MAILING COSTS ARE UP!! let us a copy of our Newsletter to you! This helps us save money for the Programs and Services we offer. Please provide us with your: Full Name Mailing Address Phone Number Address your response to CTnewsletter@alz.org Support Our Success: The Alzheimer s Association, Connecticut Chapter depends upon philanthropic support to carry out its important mission. Your generosity enables us to sustain our excellence in programs and services, and to be the go-to resource for Alzheimer s care in Connecticut. Opportunities for giving include: Checks Credit Card Tree of Life Transfer of Appreciated Stock Planned Giving Matching Gifts Payroll Deductions Corporate Giving Volunteering If you have questions, please contact Howard Bloom, Director of Development at or by howard.bloom@alz.org or visit our website PLEASE DON T TOSS THIS NEWSLETTER! We encourage you to recycle newsletters to a friend, doctor s office, house of worship, or a club - and let us know if you wish to be removed from our mailing list. Connecticut Chapter 279 New Britain Road, Suite 5 Kensington, CT Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Hartford, CT Permit No.623 We are fighting on your behalf 24/7 to everyone a reason to hope. Phone: Fax: /7 Helpline: