Puccio, Howard Beach, Vincent T. Macagnone and Edward J. Nolan, Richmond Hill, George Crawford, Bayside, Harry G. Engelhardt, Flushing, Charles J. Whettle, Jackson Heights, Cecil G. Carreras, Bellerose, John F. Neubert, Bellerose Manor, and Michael J. Egan, Rego Park. Governor George Pataki reports that membership in the state s EPIC drug discount program had increased by 50,000 to 190,000 since membership eligibility and the program s provisions were expanded. There was no indication in the governor s report whether there had been a membership increase in New York City, however. City Comptroller Alan Hevesi had reported recently that only a small percentage of New York City seniors were taking advantage of the Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage program. British scientists reported last week that they have devised a 10-minute test that detects the early stages of Alzheimer s Disease with 98 percent accuracy.
Early detection is important, they said, because of the benefits derived from early treatment.
The test consists of flashing a series of patterns on a computer screen, then asking patients to point out where the images appear on the screen. This tests the brain areas where memories are stored, so-called episodic memory. It is the first area damaged by Alzheimer s, they said. AARP Chapter number 991 in Jackson Heights will devote today s meeting to listening to candidates for the local 25th City Council District seat. Ave., Jackson Heights.