ALZ Media Insider is an exclusive email for news media to assist with story ideas, resources, statistics and spokespersons related to the United States' 6th leading cause of death.
Headlines in this issue:
Although an Alzheimer’s diagnosis is devastating, many living with the disease say early diagnosis has enabled them to reprioritize their lives and focus on the things most important to them.
“Learning I had Alzheimer’s was painful,” said Mary Tarbell, 66, a member of the Alzheimer’s Association’s Early-Stage Advisory Group (ESAG), which is composed of people in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease. “But getting an early diagnosis has given me the chance to make informed decisions about the future with my family. My husband and I are using this time to plan some vacations and do the things we want to do while we still can.”
In wake of his younger-onset Alzheimer’s diagnosis at age 54, ESAG member Phil Gutis did something he said was 12 years in the making – he married his long-time partner Tim.
“The diagnosis changed my feelings about marriage,” Gutis said. “I knew there was going to be important medical, financial and life decisions that needed to be made and I wanted someone who I loved and trusted to be part of that. Despite the tough road ahead, Tim agreed to marry me and has been amazing in supporting me through the ups and downs of this oh-so-scary journey.”
During Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month in June, the Alzheimer’s Association is highlighting the importance and benefits of early diagnosis. We can connect media with these and other individuals living with the disease to share their stories about the importance of early diagnosis and steps individuals and families can take following a diagnosis to live their best lives.
- Expert Interview: Mary Tarbell, Phil Gutis and others living with Alzheimer’s.
- Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month Media Asset:
- 10 Steps to Take Following an Alzheimer’s Diagnosis
A recent nationwide poll conducted by Alzheimer’s Impact Movement (AIM) and Morning Consult indicates Alzheimer’s disease is a significant issue for American voters in the 2018 mid-term elections.
The AIM poll found that Alzheimer’s disease directly impacts 37.8 million voters who have or are currently providing care to someone with Alzheimer’s. In addition, it found that 4 in 5 voters support increasing federal research funding for Alzheimer’s disease. While Democrats were viewed by voters as the more effective party on this issue, 3 in 5 voters are unsure which party deserves more credit. By an overwhelming 8-1 margin, voters say they are more likely to vote for a candidate who makes fighting Alzheimer’s disease a campaign priority.
One of the most striking results from the poll was voters’ attitude toward Alzheimer’s impact on their personal retirement. When compared to other major diseases, like cancer and heart disease, voters believe Alzheimer’s poses the greatest risk to their retirement. Voters over 45 were most concerned about the disease’s impact on their retirement. However, surprisingly, Millennials, the largest generation in the country nation, already understand that Alzheimer’s poses the greatest risk to their retirement compared to other conditions. View the complete poll here (PDF).
- Expert Interview: Robert Egge, chief public policy officer, Alzheimer’s Association.
Interested writers and reporters can register for the Alzheimer's Association International Conference (AAIC) 2018, convening in Chicago from July 22-26.
AAIC is the world’s premier forum for the reporting and discussion of groundbreaking new research and information on the cause, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. It offers breaking news and opportunities to connect with the leading researchers from academia and industry.
Daily news briefings will spotlight landmark new findings and emerging trends in the field. This year’s scientific program features nine plenary sessions delivered by leading experts and more than 100 scientific sessions covering:
- Therapeutics, including drug, lifestyle and combination interventions
- Epidemiology, risk factors and prevention
- Public health and psychosocial factors
- Diagnosis and prognosis
- Basic and translational science
Reporters and writers interested in attending and/or covering AAIC should register now using the above link to ensure receipt of advance, embargoed news materials. News media can track conference proceedings, including breaking news, via the AAIC Virtual Pressroom.
Media Contact
Mike Lynch
Media phone line: 312-335-4078
Email: media@alz.org