From Perspectives to Struggles, Alzheimer's Family Caregivers Find Strength in Sharing

KENSINGTON, Md., Feb. 5, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- A new online video series from the Caregiver Action Network (CAN), formerly the National Family Caregivers Association (NFCA), paints a picture of the common experiences of America's diverse Alzheimer's disease family caregivers. The video series, which launches today, reveals common struggles and stresses, and provides insights. This practical series is sponsored by Forest Laboratories and will be available through CAN's online resource center at www.caregiveraction.org. 

To view the multimedia assets associated with this release, please visit: http://www.multivu.com/mnr/60039-caregiver-action-network-online-video-series-alzheimers

The video series responds to needs identified in a survey fielded last year of more than 600 Alzheimer's family caregivers.  Results showed that the majority of caregivers are not getting the stress relief they need from their support networks, and many are seeking tips, from information on how to be a more effective caregiver (74%) to ways they can better communicate with family and friends about the patient (65%).

"When Alzheimer's disease strikes, it's not just the patient who is affected. The disease invades the lives and homes of families and friends who must provide care," said John Schall, CEO of CAN.  "This new video series is an important tool for reaching Alzheimer's caregivers in a way that fits their busy lives.  That is why we created a series of short segments that can be watched all at once or individually, to help provide caregivers with inspiration, perspective and advice whenever they can find a few minutes throughout the day."

CAN's online resource center features video vignettes exploring different topics with family caregivers from Philadelphia, Houston and Los Angeles.  Topics include: Discovering Alzheimer's Disease, Life as a Caregiver, Caregiver Tactics and Finding Support. 

The series also includes insights from a long-term family caregiver of three decades, Suzanne Mintz and Gustavo Alva MD, DFAPA, Medical Director of ATP Clinical Research in Costa Mesa, CA, who treats Alzheimer's patients.  "Every day in my practice, I see the incredible challenges, tough decisions and stresses that Alzheimer's family caregivers must face," said Dr. Alva.  "That's why it's important for them to have a good working relationship with their loved one's doctor.  Caregivers should know that doctors can be a key resource, from educating them on FDA-approved treatments for all stages of the disease to providing information on local support groups and caregiving services."

An estimated 5.4 million Americans have Alzheimer's disease and are being cared for by nearly 15 million unpaid caregivers—including family, friends, partners, and neighbors. Often the equivalent of a full-time job, 80 percent of at-home care for people with Alzheimer's or another dementia is provided by family caregivers.

Caregivers can find more information on how to communicate with their loved ones and others involved in the patient's care at www.caregiveraction.org.  

About Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer's disease is a progressive, neurodegenerative disorder characterized by problems with memory, thinking, and behavior that eventually become severe enough to affect work, lifelong hobbies, and social life. Every 68 seconds, someone in the United States develops Alzheimer's disease. The disease is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. Alzheimer's-associated healthcare costs are also projected to increase from $200 billion in 2012 to $1.1 trillion by 2050.

About the Caregiver Survey
GfK Roper Public Affairs & Corporate Communications conducted the online study on behalf of Caregiver Action Network (CAN) and Forest Laboratories, Inc. The survey was conducted among 674 Alzheimer's disease (AD) caregivers between March 28 and April 25, 2011, including oversamples to reach 100 African-American and 100 Hispanic AD caregivers in the total sample. The results are weighted by age, race, and education to reflect the population of Alzheimer's disease caregivers. 

About Caregiver Action Network
The Caregiver Action Network is the nation's leading family caregiver organization working to improve the quality of life for the more than 65 million Americans who care for loved ones with chronic conditions, disabilities, disease, or the frailties of old age.  CAN serves a broad spectrum of family caregivers ranging from the parents of children with special needs, to the families and friends of wounded soldiers, from a young couple dealing with a diagnosis of MS, to adult children caring for parents with Alzheimer's disease.  CAN (formerly the National Family Caregivers Association) is a non-profit organization providing education, peer support, and resources to family caregivers across the country free of charge. To learn more, visit www.caregiveraction.org.

About Forest Laboratories, Inc.
Forest Laboratories' (NYSE: FRX) long-standing global partnerships and track record developing and marketing pharmaceutical products in the United States have yielded its well-established central nervous system and cardiovascular franchises and innovations in anti-infective and respiratory medicine. The Company's pipeline, the most robust in its history, includes product candidates in all stages of development across a wide range of therapeutic areas. The Company is headquartered in New York, NY. To learn more, visit www.FRX.com.

Contact:
Danielle Al-Hamdouni
Fleishman-Hillard
(212) 453-2341
[email protected] 

SOURCE Caregiver Action Network