Alzheimer’s Foundation of America Joins Sharecare as New Content Collaborator to Help Educate Consumers About Alzheimer’s Disease and Caregiving
NEW YORK, NY – November 5, 2012 – Sharecare, an interactive health and wellness social platform providing access to expert-developed answers, health information and programs, and the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, a leading national nonprofit organization, today announced that the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) has joined Sharecare’s dynamic network of experts as a new content collaborator.
Through Sharecare’s interactive platform, AFA will provide easily accessible information online on an ongoing basis about topics related to Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, including how to care for people with the brain disorder.
The collaboration coincides with the start of National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month in November, a national effort to educate the public and professionals about this chronic illness. Incidence of Alzheimer’s disease is increasing dramatically worldwide in line with aging populations in many countries, including the United States.
“We are excited to be a part of the Sharecare team as it will serve as a critical vehicle to carry vital information about Alzheimer’s disease to benefit the global community. Alzheimer’s disease is the public health crisis of the 21st century. Our participation is a response to the growing need for awareness and education about this devastating disease,” said Eric J. Hall, AFA’s president and CEO.
The new relationship between AFA and Sharecare expands access to AFA’s experts and the reach of its wealth of online resources, including information on diagnosis, disease management and caregiving. AFA content currently available on Sharecare ranges from tips on how to communicate, manage daily activities, and handle behavioral issues, as well as how to prevent caregiver burn-out to age successfully.
“Alzheimer’s caregivers and loved ones are often overwhelmed by their situation and don’t know where to turn for credible advice, coaching and answers to the multitude of questions they face every day,” said Jeff Arnold, chairman and CEO of Sharecare. “That’s why we’re proud to welcome AFA to our growing roster of respected organizations and provide easy access to vital information about how to cope with all aspects of the disease.”
AFA is a care-related nonprofit organization dedicated to meeting the educational, social, emotional and practical needs of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related illnesses, and their caregivers and families. It places a heavy emphasis on raising awareness and educating the public about dementia, and its advisory boards are composed of many of the nation’s top dementia experts.
According to the World Health Organization, nearly 35.6 million people live with dementia worldwide; the number is expected to double by 2030 and more than triple by 2050. In the United States, as many as 5.1 million people have Alzheimer’s disease, a progressive brain disorder that results in loss of memory and other intellectual functions, and is the most common cause of dementia. It is the nation’s sixth leading cause of death. Advanced age is the greatest known risk factor, with the prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease doubling every five years after age 65.
Visit the AFA’s page on Sharecare.com at: http://www.sharecare.com/group/alzheimers-foundation-of-america.
About Sharecare
Sharecare is a health and wellness social media platform that connects people with top-ranking experts, ranging from doctors and specialists to hospitals, healthcare companies and health-conscious consumers. The power behind the site’s unique Q&A format is its collective wisdom, providing health-seeking consumers with answers reflecting multiple expert perspectives — greatly simplifying the search for quality information. Created by Jeff Arnold and Dr. Mehmet Oz in partnership with Harpo Productions, Sony Pictures Television and Discovery Communications, Sharecare allows people to ask, learn and act upon questions of health and wellness, creating an active community where knowledge is shared and put into practice – simply said, sharing care. Launched in 2010, Sharecare is based in Atlanta, GA.
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About Alzheimer’s Foundation of America
The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, based in New York, is a national nonprofit organization that unites more than 1,600 member organizations nationwide with the goal of providing optimal care and services to individuals confronting dementia, and to their caregivers and families. Its services include counseling and referrals by licensed social workers via a toll-free hot line, e-mail, Skype, and live chat; educational materials; a free quarterly magazine for caregivers; and professional training. For more information about AFA, call toll-free 866-232-8484 or visit www.alzfdn.org.
