News Highlights
Alzheimer State Plan Legislation Rapidly Moving through the Florida Legislature
With so much attention on redrawing state and congressional lines in the Florida Legislature, one little-known bill that will make a significant impact on individuals with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers, is flying through the legislative process.
With legislators wearing purple ties and purple scarves on the day the bill is heard in committee, House Bill 473 by Representative Matt Hudson and Senate Bill 682 by Senator Garrett Richter creates a Purple Ribbon Task Force that will develop a comprehensive state plan to address the growing needs of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers. The Task Force will submit the plan to the Speaker, President and Governor by August 1, 2013.
With more than 520,000 Floridians with Alzheimer’s disease, this population is expected to triple with the retirement of the baby boomers. Therefore, Florida needs to be prepared and develop a strategic plan and implement policies that will help assist individuals and family caregivers coping with Alzheimer’s disease or other memory impairments
Thirty states have developed or in the process of developing a state plan. And just recently, Congress approved a national plan.
Alzheimer's Association Mourns the Passing of Dan Wheldon
 The Alzheimer’s Association - Florida Gulf Coast Chapter staff, volunteers and constituents were sad to learn of the tragic passing of IndyCar driver, Dan Wheldon, following a crash at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
Dan was a true champion in every sense including for the Alzheimer’s cause. Earlier this year Dan announced his alliance with the Alzheimer’s Association at the Indianapolis 500 where he won the race for the second time in his career. His mother is living with Alzheimer’s disease and he was determined to raise awareness for the cause and educate people about the importance of early diagnosis.
When the City of St. Petersburg approached Dan about hosting an Indy 500 victory celebration for him in May, Dan agreed on the stipulation that the event be an opportunity to raise Alzheimer’s awareness and funds for the Alzheimer’s Association - Florida Gulf Coast Chapter. In September, Dan, his family and friends formed a team and participated in the St. Petersburg Walk to End Alzheimer’s.
The Alzheimer’s Association has been honored to work with Dan and his team. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his wife Susie, his two sons, Sebastian and Oliver, his parents, Susie and Clive, his siblings, teammates and the entire racing community.
Dan's family has requested that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Alzheimer's Association or the Dan Wheldon Foundation. To leave a tribute message on Facebook or to make a memorial donation to the Alzheimer's Association for Dan please click here. To make a memorial donation to the Dan Wheldon Foundation visit DanWheldonFoundation.com.
Selby Foundation Drives The Alzheimer's Association's Mission Forward
 Through a grant provided by the Selby Foundation, the Alzheimer's Association has been able to purchase a KIA Sedona to help Chapter staff fulfill our mission. "With a service region of over 15,000 square miles, an estimated 187,000 people living with Alheimer's disease and the rising costs of fuel the support of the Selby Foundation has had a significant impact on our ability to provide more effective and efficient services", said Gloria Smith, President and CEO of the Florida Gulf Coast Chapter. This vehicle will reduce the burden placed on Chapter staff to utilize their our vehicles for agency business and the need to rent trucks and vans to transport materials. The Alzheimer's Association greatly appreciates the support of the Selby Foundation in our efforts to meet the needs of those impacted by Alzheimer's disease.
 Alzheimer's Association 2011 Alzheimer's Disease Facts & Figures Report The Alzheimer’s Association Facts and Figures report details the growing prevalence and escalating impact of Alzheimer’s and dementia on individuals, caregivers, families, government and the nation’s healthcare system. Click here to view the report and video.
The Florida Department of Elder Affairs 2010 Florida County Profiles estimate that the number of people living with Alzheimer's disease in Florida is 523,463. Of that total, the Department estimates that there are 196,678 living in the 17 counties served by the Florida Gulf Coast Chapter. That is an increase of 20,832 statewide 7,646 Chapterwide over their 2009 Florida Profile.
State of Florida Department of Elder Affairs, 2010 Elder Statistics
SNN: Alzheimer's Association Memory Walk
Alzheimer's Association - Florida Gulf Coast Chapter's Memory Walk raises money to fight Alzheimer's disease.
National Needs Silver Alert System
Charlotte Sun & Weekly Herald, April 13, 2009
Last year, the governor created a statewide Silver Alert Act to locate lost or missing persons with Alzheimer's or other memory impairments. Six out of 10 people with Alzheimer's will wander from their homes or facilities. Full Article
Experts say most patients will try to wander away - It is believed that a 75-year-old woman found dead along side of Interstate 75 Friday might have wandered off from a relative's home in Ruskin because she was in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease. Full story.
|
