Monday, September 21, is World Alzheimer’s Day. Approximately 44 million people worldwide have Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia. In the U.S., roughly 5.5 million people — two-thirds of them women — live with Alzheimer’s. The theme this year is “Let’s Talk About Dementia.” Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI) has a World Alzheimer’s Month toolkit that offers dementia fact sheets and the Global Action Plan on Dementia. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5987455c893fc0cfbc4f8d74/t/5f43b230b398394e2d9cb2ec/1598272074900/WAM+Toolkit+2020+-+GB.pdf
Pause for a moment on Monday and reflect on the 44 million people living with dementia, their family caregivers, their friends, their physicians and health care workers and researchers seeking a cure and better treatment.
Calendar:
Walking to Remember goes virtual as we “Move for Your Memories” to emphasize the importance of exercise and brain health. Here are easy Steps to support ACA’s services, education and research:
- Register your Team
- Wear your Team Captain T-shirt
- Post your picture on social media
- Organize your team
- Ask for donations for ACA
Get MOVING for Your Memories anytime from Sunday, November 1 thru Saturday, November 7.
Turn in your tax deductible donations early and pick up your t-shirt curbside or join us Saturday November 7, for a “Drive By” celebration, 10 – noon at our office in Homewood, (300 Office Park Drive).
“Moving for Your Memories” donors receive a short-sleeved shirt with a minimum $50 donation or a long-sleeved shirt for a minimum $75 donation. All t-shirts are 100% cotton, comfort colors and will be available while supplies last.
Disparities in Alzheimer’s, a Facebook live virtual panel discussion hosted by the UAB Alzheimer’s Disease Center, Saturday, September 19, 10:30 am CT. https://www.facebook.com/UABADC
The Women’s Alzheimer’s Movement is sharing a documentary series, Alzheimer’s – The Science of Prevention. Learn what to do for your long-term cognitive health. Register to watch this series available until September 20.
Home Instead webinars, every Tuesday and Thursday, noon – 1 CT, with Jay Jones. Pre-Register for ZOOM passcode @ stayhomeinstead1@gmail.com
- Sept 22 – “Preventive Health Under The Affordable Care Act”
- Sept 24 – “Protecting Seniors from Fraud: Current Trends”
- Sept 29 -“Omega 3 – Value of Supplements”
The South Highland Center’s Sweet and Cheesy fundraiser, Wednesday, September 23, 3:30 – 6:30. For a minimum donation of $20 you will receive 1 dozen blueberry scones and 8 ounces of Smoky Joe’s Famous pimento cheese. Pick up in the circular driveway at South Highland Presbyterian Church, 2035 Highland Avenue South. Pre-order at https://southhighlandcenter.org/home-page/fundraiser/.
The Emotional Side of Caregiving, Monday, Sept. 28, 1:30-2:30 p.m. CT.
Alabama Lifespan Respite webinars with Vonda Reeves. Visit alabamarespite.org for registration and additional information.
UsAgainst Alzheimer’s webinar, Advancing Resources for Dementia Caregivers Dealing with Neuropsychiatric Symptoms, Tuesday, September 29, 10 – 11:30 am CT. The interactive workshop will focus on the impact of hallucinations and delusions associated with dementia. https://action.usagainstalzheimers.org/a/rsvp-workshop-dementia-related-hallucinations-delusions?emci=c261f119-d6f1-ea11-99c3-00155d039e74&emdi=9a09e5f9-e1f2-ea11-99c3-00155d039e74&ceid=812012
Join ACA & CJFS for a book launch for Surfing the Waves of Alzheimer’s, a teaching memoir by ACA board member, Renee Harmon, Wednesday, October 7, 1 pm CT. The family practice physician offers guidance and insight on her journey caring for her husband who had early on-set Alzheimer’s. The book is the #1 New Release in its category. See the attached flyer to register. Buy the book here: https://www.amazon.com/Surfing-Waves-Alzheimers-Principles-Caregiving-ebook/dp/B08GCZBL2K/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=renee+brown+harmon&qid=1598460729&sr=8-1
New CJFS Virtual Bereavement Support Group, first meeting, 1 pm CT, Thursday, October 8. To learn more contact Gail Schuster,gail@cjfsbham.org or 205-879-3438.
UsAgainstAlzheimers is hosting the 2020 virtual National Research Summit, October 19-21, here is the registration link
Visit AFA’s Facebook page to take part in fun online programs. Enjoy art, music and movement. Programs can be viewed at any time during or after the event.
Zoom Support Groups available online:
ACA’s Coffee Talk with Miller & Vance, Tuesday, September 23, 11 – noon CT. Call (205) 871-7970 or mpiggott@alzca.org.
Join us on zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88250086658
- CJFS CARES, Mondays at 1:30 pm, contact Pam Leonard, pam@cjfsbham.org.
- Founders Place at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Tuesday’s at 10 am, contact Susan Logan, susanlogan65@gmail.com
- Pell City, 1st Tuesday of each month, 2:00 pm, contact Bit Thomaston, Ethomaston50@gmail.com
- West Alabama Area Agency on Aging, Caregiver Support Group, Tuesdays, contact Nikki Poe, nikki.poe@westal.org.
- Leeds, 2nd Thursday of each month, 6:30 pm, contact Bit Thomaston, ethomaston50@gmail.com
- CJFS CARES, Thursdays, 7:30 pm, contact Pam Leonard, pam@cjfsbham.org.
Alzheimer’s News:
A new study finds caregivers have a 30 percent increased risk of developing symptoms of depression, compared to peers who do not have to care for a spouse with Alzheimer’s. And unlike the spike in depressive symptoms that can follow the death of a loved one, a cancer diagnosis or other traumatic event, in which people may bounce back after a year or two, symptoms of depression tied to caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s may persist for many years.
A study published this month in Neurology confirmed prior findings that a certain type of drug — anticholinergics — can be problematic, especially for older adults. The researchers found that for those who already had either the biomarkers or genetic risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease, risk multiplies several times over. There are approximately 100 anticholinergic drugs in widespread use. Some require a prescription. Others are available over the counter. They may treat allergies, colds, high blood pressure, motion sickness, urinary incontinence, or depression among other issues. Read the story
The novel coronavirus pandemic upended many lives: At the start of 2020, Rachel Stewart was living in Nashville, working as a graphic designer. Now, she works in a nursing home in Canada, the only member of her family who can be close to her grandmother. “One blessing in disguise about the disease is how I can use the same jokes over and over again, and she can still laugh about it and we can have a great time.”
Find the Right Products & Gifts: AlzStore provides a meaningful collection of products, gifts and activities to help ourselves, our loved-ones and caregivers. Products range from music therapy to pet therapy; with games and puzzles to keep minds active; and wandering prevention devices and other safety tools. https://www.alzstore.com/?Click=63865
Make your Amazon purchases on AmazonSmile and raise money for Alzheimer’s of Central Alabama. You’ll get the exact same low prices, vast selection and convenient shopping experience as Amazon.com, plus you generate donations for ACA at no cost to you. So far AmazonSmile purchases have raised $974.33 for ACA!