Pennsylvania Department of Aging Holds Alzheimer's Forum

HARRISBURG, Pa., Sept. 24, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Department of Aging today held its first stakeholder gathering following Governor Corbett's acceptance of the Pennsylvania State Plan for Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders (ADRD) earlier this year. More than 150 individuals joined the department to discuss strategies for the plan's implementation in the ADRD Forum.

"The forum convened today identified action steps to implement the seven recommendations of the state plan," said Secretary of Aging Brian Duke. "The recommendations emphasize a response to concurrent needs to enhance public awareness, support Pennsylvanians living with ADRD and their caregivers, educate healthcare providers and foster research.

The forum also focused on building essential partnerships that will provide support and resources to help individuals and families impacted by the disease."

The plan was developed by a 26-member Alzheimer's Disease Planning Committee created by Governor Tom Corbett. The committee was charged with compiling a comprehensive plan to address the disease in Pennsylvania.

The plan emphasizes the importance of using existing resources and fostering communication among caregivers, state officials and legislators, organizations, academic and teaching entities, healthcare providers, pharmaceutical companies, bio greenhouses and individuals living with ADRD and their families. 

Pennsylvania is fortunate to have two of the nation's 27 Alzheimer's disease research centers, one at the University of Pennsylvania and another at the University of Pittsburgh.  Researchers from both centers serve on the Alzheimer's Disease Planning Committee along with representatives from the Greater Pennsylvania and Delaware Valley Chapters of the Alzheimer's Association, and experts in the field, including caregivers, healthcare providers and one individual living with the disease.

At today's forum, attendees held discussions outlining specific steps and building upon existing resources and partnerships that can be taken to advance the plan's seven recommendations. These steps will provide the Alzheimer's Disease Planning Committee and the department with a framework for implementing the plan.

For more information on the Pennsylvania State Plan for Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders, visit www.aging.state.pa.us

Media contact: Christina Reese, 717-783-1550

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Aging

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