June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month. Monthlong initiatives aim to honor the more than 55 million people living with dementia worldwide, according to Alzheimer’s Disease International:
- The Reverse Alzheimer’s Summit, June 14 – 21, is a comprehensive deep dive into ALL the latest research. It brings together more than 50 Alzheimer’s experts over 7 days. Registration is free and all presentations are available for 24 hours. Pre-Event Registration Page – Reverse Alzheimers Summit 2.0 (drsummits.com)
- The National Institute on Aging will host an #AlzScience Twitter Chat June 15 from noon – 1 CT, covering the latest in Alzheimer’s research and resources. The national agency also will tweet information on Alzheimer’s and brain tissue donation throughout June using the hashtag #EndALZ.
- Events also take place on NIA’s Facebook page, sharing resources and personal stories related to the basics of Alzheimer’s; tips on care, support, and future planning; Alzheimer’s caregiving; and brain tissue donations.
- The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, will host recurring Facebook pop-ups, fireside chats, and webinars discussing topics such as motivation, cultural disparities, pharmacy visits, ambiguous loss — addressing the mental loss of loved ones to the disease — and health disparities for veterans.
- UsAgainstAlzheimer’s launched Brain Health Academy, a series of free, evidence-based courses to equip health and wellness providers with the knowledge and resources to help people reduce the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s. 6 CE credits (1 per course) for a diverse set of professionals, including nurses. https://www.usagainstalzheimers.org/brain-health-academy.
Side by Side Community Chorus, of Encore’s respite ministry, presents “Peace for Our World”, June 7, 2-3 CT, Canterbury Hall at Canterbury United Methodist Church, 350 Overbrook Road, Birmingham, 35213. See attached flyer.
Glow for a Cure, July 29, Highland Golf Course. Mark your calendar for ACA’s Jr. Board nighttime golf. https://alzca.org/glow/
June Webinars from Alabama Lifespan Respite: https://alabamarespite.org/events2/
In-person and zoom Support Groups:
- ACA’s group with Miller & Vance, Tuesday, May 31, 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:
Decline in both gait speed and cognition, particularly memory, is linked to an increased risk for dementia, new research suggests. In a large study of more than 16,000 participants, such dual decline was associated with a significantly higher risk for dementia than either gait-only or cognitive-only decline. The results underline the importance of adding gait speed measures to dementia screening assessments. Dual Decline in Gait, Cognition Linked to Increased Dementia Risk (medscape.com)
As marijuana becomes more mainstream, and the CBD market thrives, can these herbal drugs treat people with Alzheimer’s and dementia? Bring Patient takes a deep dive into what we know and what researchers are still working to find out. Marijuana, CBD and Alzheimer’s: Everything You Need to Know – Being Patient
Listen to Michael J. Fox as he joins comedian and actor Mike Birbiglia’s Working it Out podcast. Michael discusses everything from living with Parkinson’s for three decades to fun stories growing up, and the future of brain disease research. Michael J. Fox Joins Comedian Mike Birbiglia on “Working it Out” Podcast: “You Are the Tool That’ll Get This Done” | Parkinson’s Disease (michaeljfox.org)
Alzheimer’s Disease Research, a BrightFocus Foundation program, is partnering with IQVIATM, a healthcare research firm, who is currently conducting a research project with caregivers of individuals ages 50 – 85 who have been diagnosed with dementia-related apathy by a healthcare provider. The research will involve participating in two lengthy telephone interviews. You will be compensated for your time. You will need access to an internet-enabled computer or tablet. If you are interested or have questions, please contact Sofia López at sofia@global-patients.com.
The healthy human brain contains billions of neurons — specialized cells that process and transmit information via electrical and chemical signals. They send messages between different parts of the brain, and from the brain to the muscles and organs of the body. Alzheimer’s disease disrupts this communication among neurons, resulting in loss of function and cell death. Watch NIA’s video on How Alzheimer’s Changes the Brain.
AFA offer 10 questions to ask when considering A Memory Care Community: Alzheimer’s Foundation of America | 10 Questions to Ask When Considering a Memory Care Community (alzfdn.org)
Tips for Planning an Outdoor Summer Getaway Around Dementia: ‘Dementia Adventure’: Planning an Outdoor Summer Getaway Around Dementia – Being Patient
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