August Webinars from Alabama Lifespan Respite: https://alabamarespite.org/events2/
Canterbury-Beeson Forum on Aging, August 13, Canterbury United Methodist Church, Birmingham,https://www.canterburyumc.org/events-calendar/2022/8/13/canterbury-beeson-forum-on-aging
Can Psychological Trauma Increase the Risk of Dementia? Webinar, Central Alabama Aging PANDA Project, August 16, 10 – noon CT, Alzheimer’s Foundation of America | (alzfdn.org)
19th Annual Alzheimer’s Professional & Family Caregiver Conference, August 26, Eastern Hills Baptist Church, Montgomery, https://www.eventbrite.com/e/19th-annual-alzheimers-professional-family-caregiver-conference-tickets-381131543707
Webinar August 31, 11 – noon CT. The Global-US BrainTrust dialogue will convene Alzheimer’s experts and advocates to examine some of the key issues in Alzheimer’s disease. Experts will share insights on the importance of early diagnosis, and the power of music as it pertains to brain health. Global-US Brain Trust Quarterly Dialogue: Trending Issues in Alzheimer’s Prevention (google.com)
In-person and zoom Support Groups:
- ACA’s group with Miller & Vance, Tuesday, August 9, 11 – noon CT. Call (205) 871-7970 or mpiggott@alzca.org. Join us on zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86450491838
- Pell City group, first Thursdays of the month at 6:30; and the third Tuesdays of the month at 6:30. Contact Bit Thomaston, ethomason50@gmail.com
- CJFS CARES, Mondays at 3 pm, contact Pam Leonard, pam@cjfsbham.org.
- Founders Place at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Tuesday’s at 10 am, contact Betsy Smith, Smith35213@gmail.com
- West Alabama Area Agency on Aging, Caregiver Support Group, Tuesdays, contact Nikki Poe, nikki.poe@westal.org.
- The Oaks on Parkwood, 4th Tuesday’s, 10:00 am, Contact: Karen Glover, karenrglover@bellsouth.net.
- CJFS CARES, Tuesdays, 7:00 pm, contact Pam Leonard, pam@cjfsbham.org.
- United Way Area Agency on Aging of Jefferson County, 3rd Tuesday of each month 11:30-12:30, contact Valarie Lawson, vlawson@uwaaa.org
- M4A, 2nd Thursday’s, noon – 1 pm. Contact Crystal Whitehead, cwhitehead@m4a.org
- M4A, 3rd Wednesday’s 2:00 – 3:00 pm. Contact Crystal Whitehead, cwhitehead@m4a.org
- Asbury United Methodist Church1st and 3rd Thursdays at 1:00, contact Maggie Dunaway at mdunaway@asburyonline.org.
Alzheimer’s News:
Watch an inspiring short video about how some people living with dementia are living their lives to the fullest they can from the Dementia Action Alliance! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CbEHF_i-3SU
The A-LIST April survey asked how people living with dementia feel about different aspects of Alzheimer’s or dementia. How we think about Alzheimer’s and other dementias has a profound effect on people who are living with the disease and their loved ones. The mission of the A-LIST is to leverage data to make life better for the Alzheimer’s and dementia community. Read the survey results in the A-LIST Pulse of the Community Issue Brief, Volume 12 here.
Rapid deterioration in sense of smell is a strong predictor of both Alzheimer’s-related cognitive impairment and loss of volume in specific brain regions linked to both Alzheimer’s disease and smell, according to new research findings. Olfactory dysfunction is common in late life and well documented among people with Alzheimer’s disease. However, it was unknown whether faster olfactory decline predicts either onset of Alzheimer’s disease or structural brain changes associated with Alzheimer’s disease. The findings suggest that change in sense of smell is better than looking at sense of smell at one time point. There are other reasons people have impaired sense of smell: car accidents, COVID, other viruses and infections. Rapid Smell Loss a Biomarker of Alzheimer’s Disease Risk? (medscape.com)
Check out Mirador Magazine, a “digital and print publication for the enjoyment of people experiencing brain change from Alzheimer’s, dementia-related conditions, traumatic brain injury (including concussion) as well as care partners, family members, and friends looking to make connections and share meaningful moments reading, chatting about a variety of topics, and doing fun activities with their loved ones.”
We tend to think a good night’s sleep should be uninterrupted, but surprising new research from the University of Copenhagen suggests just the opposite: Brief awakenings may be a sign you’ve slept well. The study, done on mice, found that the stress transmitter noradrenaline wakes up the brain many times a night. These “microarousals” were linked to memory consolidation, meaning they help you remember the previous day’s events. In fact, the more “awake” you are during a microarousal, the better the memory boost, the research suggests. Waking Up at Night Could Be Your Brain Boosting Your Memory (medscape.com)
Read about the Association of Frontotemporal Degeneration’s most recent conference in the Summer 2022 issue of AFTD News. Or watch the recorded sessions on YouTube.
Read Renee Harmon’s insightful blog on communication and connection. https://www.reneeharmon.com/2022/08/03/communication-versus-connection-in-late-stage-alzheimers-disease/
Check out Positive Approach to Care’s August offerings: Brain Connection Café; Bingo with Creativity and more. Upcoming Events › Free › – Positive Approach to Care – Shop (teepasnow.com)
The US Department of Justice (DOJ) has reportedly opened a criminal investigation into Cassava Sciences just 1 week after a neuroscientist alleged in an expose that the company’s studies of the experimental Alzheimer’s drug simufilam appeared to include altered images. A Reuters news story reported that the DOJ had opened an investigation that would be overseen by DOJ staff who investigate fraud against investors, consumers, and the federal government. DOJ Reportedly Opens Criminal Inquiry Into Alzheimer’s Research (medscape.com)
Support ACA by using AmazonSmile! Designate Alzheimer’s of Central Alabama and Amazon will donate 0.5% of the price of your eligible purchases. smile.amazon.com