/EINPresswire.com/ -- NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwired - April 29, 2016) -  The Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA), a nonprofit organization that unites more than 2,400 member organizations nationwide in providing optimal care and services to people living with dementia and their families has issued the following statements, thanking Will Ferrell for choosing to forgo the upcoming Ronald Reagan comedy biopic:

Statement from Bert E. Brodsky, AFA's founder and board chairman:

"My mother lived with Alzheimer's disease from 1980 until 1992. At that time, I didn't know anyone who understood how to deal with the disease. I would get frustrated and even angry when my mom would ask 'When are you coming to visit?' after I'd just left.

"It took years for me to realize the scope of what was happening and how to deal with it. At that time, there was nowhere to turn with questions, no resources for support and very little regard for how the disease affects not just the individual, but his or her family, as well. That is why I founded AFA.

"This is a cruel disease and its impact on families is immeasurable. Thank you, Mr. Ferrell for making this smart and compassionate choice."

Statement from Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr., AFA's president and chief executive officer:

"The Alzheimer's Foundation of America, like most of the country, recently learned of a proposed movie parodying former President Ronald Reagan as he navigated the early stages of dementia.

"While we have not seen the movie or the script, we can say with confidence that Alzheimer's disease is not a laughing matter. To the 5 million Americans living with the disease and the family members who are caring for them, Alzheimer's disease is a brutal thief -- one that breaks in, robs them of memories and destroys lives. We are grateful to Mr. Ferrell for choosing not to pursue this film."

About Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA):

The Alzheimer's Foundation of America, based in New York, is a non-profit organization that unites more than 2,400 member organizations nationwide with the goal of providing optimal care and services to individuals confronting dementia, and to their caregivers and families. Its services include a national, toll-free helpline (866-232-8484) staffed by licensed social workers, educational materials, a free quarterly magazine for caregivers and "AFA Partners in Care" dementia care training for healthcare professionals. For more information about AFA, call 866-232-8484, visit www.alzfdn.org, follow us on Twitter, or connect with us on Facebook or LinkedIn. 

Contact information
Sandy Silverstein
Media Relations Manager
Alzheimer's Foundation of America
866-232-8484 x104
ssilverstein@alzfdn.org