Charles J. Fuschillo Jr., President and CEO of the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, called SVI’s Duke Dance this week to promote a virtual education conference for Wyoming residents April 15. 

Fuschillo has served as President & Chief Executive Officer of the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) since 2014. According to Fuschillo, “AFA was founded about 20 years ago by a caregiver who was caring for his mom back in the 80s and 90s. When his mom passed away, he thought about what he could do to ensure nobody goes on this journey alone. So, he founded AFA.”

Before joining AFA, Fuschillo served as a member of the New York State Senate for nearly 16 years, where he authored over 200 state laws and served as Chairperson of the Transportation and Consumer Protection Committee. 

AFA is a national organization that provides support to caregivers and individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease. AFA operates a national toll free helpline that’s staffed by licensed social workers that have been specifically trained to deal with dementia. The hotline number is 866-232-8484. 

AFA provides support and assistance to individuals throughout the entire country, including Wyoming, as well as connecting them to resources in their local communities. 

Fuscillo commented, “I’m very proud that we provide memory screenings, and since the pandemic, we do it virtually. If anybody wants a memory screening, we’ll take appointments every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. It’s free, it’s confidential, it’s 10 minutes and assesses your thinking language, and your cognitive skills. We also offer dementia training for professionals and nonprofessionals in the healthcare industry.” 

AFA also offers continuing education for licensed social workers, support groups, and therapeutic programs seven days a week throughout the entire country . 

Fuscillo explained that Alzheimer’s Foundation of America is promoting a national educating-America tour.  The foundation started doing the tour about four years ago. On April 15, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., AFA will be targeting Wyoming because there are over 10,000 people in the state living with Alzheimer’s and about 30,000 caregivers. 

Fuscillo explained, “We feel it’s critically important that you have the support services, the education, and awareness. The conference will provide dementia and caregiving experts information on many different Alzheimer’s-related topics, including brain health and wellness, partner relationships, estate/legal planning and caregiver support strategies.”

The conference is open for anyone interested: someone currently taking care of a family member or loved one with Alzheimers, social workers, individuals concerned about their memory, somebody who just wants to learn about Alzheimer’s disease. Fuscillo explained, “At some point in our lives, we’re going to be a caregiver, so I encourage everyone to participate. It’s free. It’s easy to register, all you need to do is go to our website, which is https://alzfdn.org/tour/ and you can register.

Registered participants will receive a follow-up link from AFA. Fuscillo explained there were around 200 people that have already registered, and that he is really excited about this tour. 

The Virtual Education conference is Thursday, April 15, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Fuscillo concluded, “If somebody needs help, it’s confidential. Take the Step. Pick up the phone. Call our helpline at 866-232-8484.”