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Alzeimer's Foundation of America and MedicAlert(R) Announce New ID Bracelet for Alzeheimer's Disease

Alzeimer's Foundation of America and MedicAlert(R) Announce New ID Bracelet for Alzeheimer's Disease

Published 05-10-05

Submitted by MedicAlert Foundation International

TURLOCK, CA - MedicAlert®, the world's leading emergency medical information service, and the Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA), a national organization that focuses on care, today will begin marketing a new identification bracelet with a color-coded symbol specifically designed to symbolize Alzheimer's disease and related dementias in order to help individuals in emergency situations.

The dementia ID bracelet is part of a newly formed strategic alliance between the two nonprofit organizations. The groups will work together to raise awareness of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, and the need for emergency preparedness, including marketing the bracelets, developing educational brochures and providing information about both organizations to each other's members.

The new identification bracelet has a teal MedicAlert® emblem to denote that an individual has Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia, marking the first time that MedicAlert® is utilizing a colored emblem to symbolize a specific disease. In an emergency, the emblem alerts medical professionals or first responders to call MedicAlert®'s 24-hour hotline to access electronic health records containing vital medical and contact information about each wearer.

Caregivers can easily obtain and update personal information in the system, including medication dosages, allergies, implanted devices, physician and family contacts, insurance information, organ donation specifications, and advance directives.

Membership in MedicAlert®, which includes a bracelet with the teal emblem, a printed electronic health record summary, 24-hour emergency response service, patient identification, emergency contact and family notification service, and 24-hour customer service, costs $35 the first year and a $20 subscription each year thereafter. AFA and its member organizations will provide a special code that offers a $5 discount off the first year of membership.

"In an emergency, MedicAlert® is a catalyst for the aid and safety of individuals with Alzheimer's disease. The teal symbol answers the critical need for quick assessment and identification, and gives families an added level of comfort," said Eric J. Hall, AFA's chief executive officer.

According to the AFA, an estimated five million Americans suffer from Alzheimer's disease. By mid-century, this could triple to 16 million. Symptoms of dementia typically include loss of verbal skills and wandering patterns, both of which place individuals at high risk and prompt the need for identification tools such as MedicAlert®.

"We applaud the Alzheimer's Foundation of America for its commitment to the needs of individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias," said Paul Kortschak, president and chief executive officer of MedicAlert®. "The alliance reinforces our own mission to protect and save lives."

MedicAlert Foundation International

MedicAlert Foundation International

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