NEWS RELEASE
December 16, 1996

NEW STATEWIDE TOLL-FREE ALZHEIMER'S INFORMATION NUMBER

A new statewide toll-free telephone number has been launched to provide information to persons with Alzheimer's disease and their families. The number is 1-800-337-3827.

"The new computerized toll-free number saves families the cost of long distance telephone calls when seeking accurate information about Alzheimer's and referrals to appropriate services," said Governor John Engler. Callers who dial the number are immediately connected by the computer to the Alzheimer's Association chapter that serves their part of the state. The call is then answered by a local chapter member. The computer is programmed with all of the area codes and telephone exchanges used in Michigan.

Many Americans have become more aware of the devastation of Alzheimer's since former President Ronald Reagan revealed his own battle with the disease. "I'm very proud that Michigan is one of the leaders in establishing quality information and referral systems for individuals and families coping with Alzheimer's," Engler said.

The new statewide toll-free number is one of a series of improvements funded by the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) through a contract with the Michigan Public Health Institute (MPHI.) MPHI, in turn, organized a program of grants and technical assistance to expand and enhance information and referral services. The program involves the Alzheimer's Association Michigan Council, individual Alzheimer's chapters, the Michigan Parkinson's Foundation, and the Huntington's Disease society. The grants total over $150,000.

MDCH Director James K. Haveman, Jr. estimates that more than 250,000 Michigan residents have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's or related forms of dementia. Alzheimer's disease is progressive and has no known cause or cure. Alzheimer's is directly associated with aging and affects about 10 percent of those over 65, and nearly 50 percent of those aged 85 and older. The number of people with Alzheimer's disease is growing and will increase substantially in the years ahead. "Now Michigan residents have a new way to get the information and access to services that they need," Haveman noted. "Much can be done to maintain and improve the experiences and quality of life of persons with the disease and their family members. That's why this information network is so critical."

Cindy Laskin Paborsky, who directs the Michigan Dementia Program for MPHI, underscored the difference the 800 number will make. "Michigan is one of the very few states in the nation to have a toll-free statewide number for Alzheimer's information," she said. "Having just one 800 number for the state will make it much easier for families to receive accurate information about Alzheimer's disease."

Contact: Cindy Laskin Paborsky