Alzheimer's Association Long Island Announces Release of Latest Report on Alzheimer's Disease

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Alzheimer's Association Long Island announced the release of the most recent report about Alzheimer's disease.

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Alzheimer's Association Long Island announced the release of the most recent report about Alzheimer's disease. "Alzheimer's from the Frontlines: Challenges a National Alzheimer's Plan Must Address" provides a look into the unrelenting challenges brought on by this disease by offering insights and perspectives from individuals across the country who participated in the Alzheimer's Association's public input process. The Association and over 70 of its chapters hosted 132 input sessions throughout the country to discuss the obstacles this disease forces on millions of American families each year. The release of the report coincides with the month of November being National Alzheimer's Awareness Month.

Over the course of this national public input process, several key challenges emerged repeatedly in discussions. These obstacles included increasing awareness of the impact of Alzheimer's, fostering an environment that offers more effective treatments faster, providing better care throughout the disease process and ensuring better support today for caregivers.

During the month of August, Alzheimer's Association Long Island hosted three public input sessions to solicit views, comments and perspectives from stakeholders in the Alzheimer's community to assist in the development of a successful National Alzheimer's Plan.

Currently the sixth-leading cause of death, there is currently no means to prevent, cure or even slow down the progression of Alzheimer's disease. There are an estimated 5.4 million Americans living with Alzheimer's and, according to this report, nearly 16 million Americans will have the disease by 2050. Of that number, 414,000 reside in New York State and 60,000 are from Long Island.

In response to this rapidly growing problem, Alzheimer's Association Long Island has further demonstrated its commitment to raise funding for Alzheimer's research and provide support for those affected by this disease. The organization hosted its 2011 Walk to End Alzheimer's on September 10 and its inaugural East End Walk to End Alzheimer's on October 1.

"As Americans continue to live longer, this devastating disease will affect more people each year," says Mary Ann Malack-Ragona, Executive Director/CEO, Alzheimer's Association Long Island. "Our goal is to raise funds for crucial research and provide additional resources to ease the emotional and financial toll on those caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's."

The full text of the Alzheimer's Association's "Alzheimer's from the Frontlines: Challenges a National Alzheimer's Plan Must Address" report can be viewed at www.alz.org/napa. For more information about Alzheimer's Association Long Island, please contact Mary Ann Malack-Ragona, Executive Director/CEO at (631) 820-8068 or visit www.alz.org/longisland.

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About Alzheimer's Association

The Alzheimer's Association is the world's leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer's care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer's. For more information, visit www.alz.org.