New Alzheimer’s Goal: $11MILLION With the Association’s goal of raising $10 million in 2012 within reach, the Convention overwhelmingly approved a new goal of $11 million in 2014. As of August 31, NARFE has raised $9,905,437. The Virginia Federation was honored with an award for raising the most money in the past fiscal year ($85,555). Rounding out the top five federations are Illinois, California, North Carolina and Kansas. The award
for highest per-capita giving went to the Illinois Federation ($7.57). N.W. Chicago Area Chapter 852 was the top chapter in the nation, raising $24,285. The NARFE-Alzheimer’s National Committee met at the Convention and approved three new research projects totalling $579,413, bringing the total number of NARFE-funded research projects to 56 since the program began in 1985. ■
NARFE Praised as Alzheimer’s ‘Leader’
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raising NARFE for what the Association has helped accomplish in the world of Alzheimer’s research, Harry Johns, president and CEO of the Alzheimer’s Association, said: “You have heard that, since 1985, you have raised just short of $10 million and are extending that. But what I want you to realize is,” Johns told deleHarry Johns, Alzheimer’s gates, “in the world Association president and CEO of Alzheimer’s research, you are leaders of what has occurred in research over that time period.” Reporting on the latest in Alzheimer’s research, Johns said the Food and Drug Administration has approved the first compound that, while not approved for diagnosis, is approved for ruling out Alzheimer’s. He also told delegates about an important finding on the treatment of early-stage Alzheimer’s disease. A clinical trial on a potential drug failed to meet its endpoints; but when scientists looked at NARFE | NOVEMBER 2012
two separate parts of the trial, they saw for the first time ever what the scientists call a signal – actual improvement for people with early-stage Alzheimer’s. Johns said that the information will go into an extension of that clinical trial and, in about a year, scientists will have an indication if that drug will work in the early stages of the disease.
A PERSONAL PERSPECTIVE In remarks both humorous and touching, Manny Najera, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2010 at age 75, told delegates about his early symptoms of Alzheimer’s and described what it is like to have the disease.
Najera retired from the U.S. Customs Service and is a member of NARFE Chapter 1473 in El Paso, TX. He currently serves on the Alzheimer’s Association’s Early Stage Advisory Group. He said that his wife, Maggie, first noticed a change in his behavior when he became forgetful and easily aggravated. You can really love your sport or team, said Najera, but “when you start forgetting who your team is and who the players are, and what the statistics are, you need to take a look.” Najera advised that diagnosis is key. “You may not have Alzheimer’s, but do get a diagnosis, and the sooner, the better.” ■ The Convention exhibit hall featured more than two dozen booths for vendors and candidates for office. Here, NARFE Premier Federal Credit Union personnel talk to convention-goers.
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