Alzheimer's Foundation of America Sponsors There Is a Bridge Documentary

Alzheimer's Foundation of America Sponsors There Is a Bridge Documentary

Supports Memory Bridge's Efforts to Show Ways to Remain Connected to Those with Alzheimer's

CHICAGO, Oct. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- The Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA), a national nonprofit organization based in New York, has become the lead sponsor of the new documentary There is a Bridge, airing on public television stations nationwide. The film reveals different ways of communicating with those who have dementia and explores how these emotionally profound relationships can change our lives. The documentary was produced by Memory Bridge: the Foundation for Alzheimer's and Cultural Memory.

"We are deeply gratified that the Alzheimer's Foundation of America has become the lead sponsor for There Is a Bridge," says Michael Verde, founder and president, Memory Bridge. "Their support helps us to provide hope to millions of caregivers and family members of people with Alzheimer's that their loved ones are not gone." Verde adds, "Exploring ways to stay connected to people with Alzheimer's and severe dementia will be a major societal issue as today's 5 million Americans affected by Alzheimer's disease triples by 2050."

There Is a Bridge, which is airing on public television stations nationwide, challenges conventional notions of people with Alzheimer's as "unreachable" and Alzheimer's disease as "the first of two deaths." Interviews with preeminent thinkers and footage of family members, care partners, and schoolchildren building emotionally rich relationships with people with dementia illuminates depths of memory and personal identity not erased by Alzheimer's disease.

"Memory Bridge has developed a unique film that looks at Alzheimer's disease and dementia from a spiritual and deeply personal perspective-a powerful theme that needs to be addressed more in the public discussion about the disease," says Eric J. Hall, AFA chief executive officer. "We're pleased to be able to support this important documentary, and we are certain that it will have a lasting impact on viewers and bring awareness of this heartbreaking disease to a new level."

As part of the sponsorship agreement, AFA will have its logo at the beginning and end of the documentary in future airings, as well as promote the documentary on its Web site and care Advantage(TM), its quarterly publication for caregivers that reaches 600,000 readers. Both organizations will link their Web sites and promote the sponsorship in other communications.

Hosted by former United States Poet Laureate Robert Pinsky, There Is a Bridge explores the deep, complex nature of human solidarity by weaving together mental health, psychology, art, philosophy and education to highlight individuals and ground breaking programs reaching out to elders affected by Alzheimer's.

Produced in 2007 by Michael Verde, founder and president of Memory Bridge, and directed by Emmy-award winner Ted Kay, There Is a Bridge is supplied by TMK Productions and presented by American Public Television through the Exchange Service at no cost to public television stations nationwide.

There is a Bridge is available on DVD for $34.95 plus $4.00 shipping and handling. To order, call: 888-616-6767, or order online at: http://www.memorybridge.org/.

Memory Bridge: Foundation for Alzheimer's and Cultural Memory

Memory Bridge creates programs that connect people with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias to family, friends, and other people in their local community. We also create programs that reveal to the general public the depths of memory that dementia does not erase. Our goal is to create a global community of people who are learning to listen to people with dementia for what they have to teach us about our own humanity. For more information about Memory Bridge, please visit: http://www.memorybridge.org/.

About the Alzheimer's Foundation of America

The Alzheimer's Foundation of America is a national nonprofit organization headquartered in New York that is focused on providing optimal care and services to individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, and their families. AFA is and made up of hundreds of member organizations that provide hands-on programs to meet the educational, emotional, practical and social needs of families affected by Alzheimer's disease and related illnesses. AFA's services include a toll-free hot line, counseling, educational materials, a free caregiver magazine, and professional training. For information, call (toll-free) 866-AFA-8484 or visit http://www.alzfdn.org/.

   MEDIA CONTACTS:   Stephen L. Davidow   On behalf of Memory Bridge: Foundation for   Alzheimer's and Cultural Memory   708-449-7760 Office, 708-284-2300 Cell    Carol Steinberg   Executive Vice President   Alzheimer's Foundation of America   866-AFA-8484  

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: Memory Bridge: Foundation for Alzheimer's and Cultural Memory

CONTACT: Stephen L. Davidow, on behalf of Memory Bridge: Foundation for
Alzheimer's and Cultural Memory, +1-708-449-7760, cell, +1-708-284-2300; or
Carol Steinberg, Executive Vice President of Alzheimer's Foundation of
America, 1-866-AFA-8484

Web site: http://www.memorybridge.org/
http://www.alzfdn.org/

NOTE TO EDITORS: Clips from the documentary are available at: http://www.thereisabridge.org. A special password-protected viewing Web site is available for the media upon request along with a DVD for review by contacting Stephen L. Davidow, 708-449-7760, or stephen@davidowcommunciations.com. A complete media kit also is available with background and photos of the individuals and programs highlighted in the documentary. Please visit http://www.thereisabridge.org for the most up-to-date list of stations airing There is a Bridge.

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Profile: International Entertainment