Non-federal members named to U.S. Department of Health & Human Services advisory council on Alzheimer’s, Ft. Lauderdale Home Health Care Agency "A Family Member HomeCare" Notes

On August 23, 2011, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced 12 individuals to serve on the Advisory Council on Alzheimer’s Research, Care, and Services. The 12 non-federal members are Alzheimer's disease patient advocates, caregivers, health care providers and others with Alzheimer's disease-related expertise who will advise the Secretary on federal programs that impact people with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.

“We are pleased to have this group of experts and advocates assisting HHS in developing a national plan for Alzheimer’s disease," said Secretary Sebelius. "We received an overwhelming number of nominations, demonstrating not only the impact of this debilitating condition but the widespread commitment to address it.”

The full Advisory Council, established May 23, also includes federal members and will meet quarterly to assist in the development of a national plan by HHS, Veterans Affairs, the Department of Defense, and the National Science Foundation to address the disease. The Advisory Council is required by the National Alzheimer’s Project Act and its members will serve for overlapping four-year terms.

"We are reviewing and coordinating our efforts to address the impact of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias,” said Donald Moulds, principal deputy assistant secretary for planning and evaluation.  “With the input of the Advisory Council, we will create a national plan to help reduce financial and care impacts faced by people with the disease as well as promote research toward its prevention and treatment.”

Alzheimer’s disease currently affects 5.1 million Americans and is expected to affect more than 20 million by 2050. The National Alzheimer's Project Act, signed by President Obama in January, will help people and families across the country whose lives are touched by Alzheimer’s disease. The Act will help strengthen Alzheimer’s research, and health and long-term care services for affected individuals.

For more information on the Advisory Committee, please visit http://aspe.hhs.gov/daltcp/napa/

To view this news release online at www.hhs.gov, go to:  http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2011pres/08/20110823c.html

For more information about a Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach County home health care agency for seniors, Alzheimer's patients, sufferers of dementia and other family members needing home health care services or in-home health aides, contact Brian Gauthier at A Family Member HomeCare (954) 986-5090 or visit www.afamilymemberhomecare.com.