In Time for Valentine's Day

New E-card Series Inspired by Patient Artwork Says 'Thanks' to Alzheimer's Caregivers

TITUSVILLE, NJ - February 06, 2004 - Caring for a person with Alzheimer's disease can be both mentally and physically draining, often leaving those providing care feeling overwhelmed and underappreciated. When coping with the stressful moments, receiving small words of encouragement from the people they love helps caregivers feel less alone in their task. To help family members and friends express support and appreciation for these unsung heroes, a new series of free online greeting cards is now available at www.SharingCare.com and www.AmericanGreetings.com.

Featuring artwork created by people with Alzheimer's disease paired with messages of inspiration and encouragement, the cards are sponsored by Janssen Pharmaceutica Products L.P., makers of REMINYL® (galantamine hydrobromide) - a medication for the treatment of mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease.

Recognizing that unconditional love is the root of caregiving, the cards are being released in time for Valentine's Day - providing a contemporary way to send the timeless message of love and support to the people who are caring for those suffering from this devastating disease.

"Family caregivers of Alzheimer's disease patients can always use a friendly word and a reminder that they are not alone," said Suzanne Mintz, President/Co-founder, National Family Caregivers Association. "Valentine's Day is a great time to acknowledge all that they do and the strain they are under. These beautiful email greeting cards featuring art by Alzheimer's patients are a particularly good way to say you care about family caregivers on Valentine's day and all through the year."

About Those Who Care for Alzheimer's Disease Patients

More than four million Americans are estimated to have Alzheimer's disease. And according to the Alzheimer's Association, more than 70 percent live at home - with 75 percent of their daily care being handled by family members serving the role of primary caregiver.

"It's vitally important for those who provide care to know that they are not alone and that they have the unconditional support of friends, family and other caregivers," said Joanne Koenig Coste, renowned Alzheimer's-care pioneer and author of Learning to Speak Alzheimer's. "While a greeting card certainly won't alleviate their daily stresses, sending one to a caregiver you know will help them feel how much they are appreciated. It's a simple and spontaneous way to say that you are thinking of them and value their caregiving."

About the Artwork

The artwork for the series of four cards was provided by the Alvin A. Dubin Alzheimer's Resource Center, an organization which sponsors an annual Alzheimer's art project as part of its mission to provide educational, informational and supportive resources for individuals with Alzheimer's disease and their caregivers in Lee County, Florida. The artwork was created by individuals living with Alzheimer's disease.

About SharingCare

The card series - which will remain available throughout the year - is the latest initiative of SharingCare, a program designed to provide customized information to caregivers of Alzheimer's disease patients and their families. Created by Janssen after the launch of Reminyl and available to anyone, SharingCare is just one part of the company's commitment to Alzheimer's patients and their caregivers. The program assists in enhancing communications between Alzheimer's disease caregivers, patients and their health care teams and promotes better care of patients and caregivers themselves. To find out about resources for Alzheimer's disease caregivers, visit www.SharingCare.com.

Reminyl is used to treat patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease. The most frequent adverse events are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia and weight loss. They are usually mild and temporary. Click here for full prescribing information (from www.reminyl.com).

Reminyl was developed by Johnson & Johnson Pharmaceutical Research and Development under a co-development and licensing agreement with UK-based Shire Pharmaceuticals Group plc. Reminyl is marketed by Janssen Pharmaceutica Products, L.P. in the United States. The product is approved for the treatment of mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease in more than 30 countries.

Janssen Pharmaceutica Products, L.P., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, has a long track record in developing and marketing treatments for central nervous system disorders. Based in Titusville, N.J., its other specialty areas include pain management, treatments for fungal infections and therapy for gastrointestinal conditions. More information on the company can be found at www.janssen.com.

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