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:

2019 Alzheimer’s Facts and Figures Report Releases March 5

The Alzheimer's Association will release its 2019 Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures report on Tuesday, March 5. This annual report provides that latest national and state-specific statistics and trends in Alzheimer's disease, including prevalence, incidence, mortality, costs of care and impact on caregivers. An accompanying special report this year examines awareness, attitudes and utilization of cognitive assessments among seniors and primary care physicians.

The report is embargoed for 12:01 a.m. ET, Tuesday, March 5. If you have any interest in covering the new data and special report focused on cognitive assessment, please contact the media team at media@alz.org or 312.335.4078.

Most Common Questions to Alzheimer’s Association Helpline Revealed

The Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline takes more than 300,000 calls annually from Alzheimer's and other dementia caregivers as well as individuals living with the disease. Staffed by specialists and master's level clinicians 365 days a year, the Alzheimer's Association Helpline is often a life line to caregivers in crisis.

While Helpline calls can run the gamut, Ruth Drew, director, Information and Support Services, Alzheimer’s Association, says these five inquiries are the most common:

  • How to access resources like support groups and education programs.
  • Information on care options including respite care funding and community resources.
  • General information on the disease and how to get a diagnosis.
  • Emotional support to deal with the stress of caregiving.
  • Tips on caregiving challenges and person-centered care.

"Caring for someone with Alzheimer's can be an around the clock job," says Drew. "We are there to answer calls whenever people need to talk. We receive a wide range of calls, from caregivers looking for referral to resources, to someone whose parent didn't recognize them for the first time and they need someone to talk to."

The Alzheimer's Association Caregiving website provides robust information and resources for reporters covering caregiving. In addition, the Association can connect media with experts and family caregivers.

Talking about Driving and Alzheimer’s

Prince Philip's recent decision to surrender his driver's license following a December car accident, highlights a difficult decision confronting many seniors, especially individuals living with early-stage Alzheimer's and other dementias — when to stop driving.

Losing the independence driving provides can be upsetting. The Alzheimer's Association offers several resources to help families navigate this often difficult discussion, including a four-part video series that examines common scenarios.

"It is important to acknowledge a person's feelings and preserve his or her independence, while ensuring the person's safety and the safety of others," says Monica Moreno, senior director of Care and Support for the Alzheimer's Association. "Having conversations early before there is a crisis and providing alternative options of transportation can help facilitate a more productive conversation."

The Alzheimer's Association offers tips on its website to help guide conversations about driving and safety, including:

  • Initiate a dialogue to express your concerns
  • Stress the positive and offer alternatives
  • Be prepared to address resistance
  • Appeal to the person's sense of responsibility
  • Seek help from the person's physician

The Alzheimer's Association can connect media reporting on this important story with these and other resources as well as Association experts and family caregivers who have navigated this difficult conversation.

Media Contact
Mike Lynch
Media phone line: 312-335-4078
Email: media@alz.org