Alzheimer's Study Group Makes Recommendations to Congress

Dorian Martin Caregiver Alzheimer's Caregiver Dorian Martin, who helped to care for an aging grandmother and was... Send Message Subscribe: Dorian Martin

Wednesday, April 08, 2009
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The congressionally appointed Alzheimer’s Study Group, co-chaired by former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich and former Senator Bob Kerrey, made recommendations to the United States Congress after a significant period of analysis. The study group recommended establishing the Alzheimer’s...

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Study group
Carol Bradley Bursack
Monday, April 06, 2009 at 05:28 PM

Amen to that, Dorian. It's important to get the word out to those who make the laws.

Carol

Care Givers and Tax Breaks
Virginia L. Fisher
Thursday, April 09, 2009 at 08:56 PM

For those of us who take care of our parents at home (I take care of my 97 year old

mother who suffers from dementia) it often galls me come tax time that I can not de-clare her as a dependent. I receive $500.00 a month rent from her but that does not

even begin to compensate for the extra groceries, double electric, taking care of her

finances, driving her to all appointments, gas, etc. Issues such as this also need to be

address also as we are saving the government thousands by keeping our parents at home and in safe environments as long as possible.

Sincerely,

re: Care Givers and Tax Breaks
Jeanette
Friday, April 10, 2009 at 09:00 PM

I agree with you Virginia. We should be able claim this responsibily on our tax returns as a dependant. It would help a lot financially and maybe I could afford a day off every now and then. I love my Mother but I have been taking care of her now for 3 years - 24 hours a day. I'm tired, depressed and see no end. I retired from 30 years working for the government, sometimes working 4 extra hours a day without extra pay. I was so happy when I retired but my life was not to be. Within the year my Mother was diagnosed. We need help.

re: re: Care Givers and Tax Breaks
Dorian Martin
Saturday, April 11, 2009 at 07:58 AM

Hi, Jeannette,

I'd also suggest that you contact your senators and congressman to voice your thoughts. And also, take time to sign up for the Alzheimer's Association's (www.alz.org) advocacy network to stay informed. That group stays in contact with Congress and serves as a voice for those with Alzheimer's and their caregivers. That link is http://www.actionalz.org/

Take care!

Dorian

..

re: Care Givers and Tax Breaks
Dorian Martin
Saturday, April 11, 2009 at 07:57 AM

I agree with you totally. You may want to call your congressman and senators to pass your ideas along to them. Also, take time to sign up for the Alzheimer's Association's (www.alz.org) advocacy network to stay informed. That group stays in contact with Congress and serves as a voice for those with Alzheimer's and their caregivers. That link is http://www.actionalz.org/

Take care!

Dorian

Caretaker of Alzeimers
Anonymous
Friday, April 10, 2009 at 08:44 PM

God - all I want is someone to relieve me for one day a week without it costing me an arm and a leg. I am saving the government thousands of dollars a month by keeping my Mother at home with me and the government can't help me pay a sitter for one day a week. We grow tired, depressed, and hopeless.

re: Caretaker of Alzeimers
Dorian Martin
Saturday, April 11, 2009 at 08:00 AM

I agree with you. Please take time to contact your congressional representative and senators to voice these important thoughts. And you can sign up for the Alzheimer's Association's (www.alz.org) advocacy network to stay informed and to easily give input electronically. That group stays in contact with Congress and serves as a voice for those with Alzheimer's and their caregivers. That link is http://www.actionalz.org/

Take care!

Dorian

AD AND IT EFFECTS ON THE FAMILY
Jerome B.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009 at 02:53 PM

My father suffered from AD for 12 years. My Mother was the primary caregiver with my siblings supporting her efforts. Although we were fortunate to have long term health insurance for my father, it still drained the family resources. More importantly, I watched as the ever growing needs of my Father and Mother tore into the fabric of my family. Where we were once a very close-knit family when my Fahter was alive and well, today it is a shell of that. It makes me very sad to know that this disease not only took my Father, but also took my family as I knew it.;

re: AD AND IT EFFECTS ON THE FAMILY
Dorian Martin
Thursday, April 16, 2009 at 07:11 AM

Hi, Jerome,

Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts. Alzheimer's can take it's toll in so many ways on so many people. Hopefully, momentum will be built by the Alzheimer's Study Group, the medical community, current and past caregivers, those who have Alzheimer's, and other interested parties so that Congress takes meaningful action to stop this disease and to provide critical support to those who are afflicted and their caregivers until a cure is found.

Take care!

Dorian

Untitled Comment
Brenda
Wednesday, September 23, 2009 at 02:27 PM

How about a study to see the percentage of Alzheimer's patients who are on/or have been on beta blockers or cholesterol lowering drugs for a long term? Are the long term effects of these really known? The drug companies are certainly not going to admit any danger, they have you for these drugs and then for drugs to treat Alzheimer's.