Calendar:
We had a wonderful Drive By Celebration last Saturday. It’s not too late to contribute and get a T-shirt. Receive a short-sleeved shirt with your $50 donation or a long-sleeved shirt for a $75 donation. All t-shirts are 100% cotton, Comfort Colors, available while supplies last and can be mailed to you. https://alzca.org/walking/
Join ACA’s Jr. Board for Toasting Research: A virtual Educational Happy Hour Monday, November 16, from 5:30 – 6:30 CT. The event will be moderated by David Standaert, Chair of the UAB department of Neurology & Nick Beckham, ACA’s Jr. Board President, featuring ACA’s Pre-Doctoral Scholars in Alzheimer’s Research at UAB: Ashleigh Irwin and Nolwazi Gcwensa. There is no cost to be on the webinar. However, consider a minimum $10 donation to support local research or join as a Patron Sponsor, for a donation of $100 and receive a bottle of Jarman Chardonnay. Holman Ranch owners, Tom and Susan Lowder have contributed Jarman Wine, named after his late wife who died of Alzheimer’s disease. For more information and details on Jarman wine. Click here. See attached flyer or https://alzca.org/toast/.
ACA’s 2021 calendar of Alzheimer’s Art is available for purchase. The calendars are $10 and make wonderful holiday gifts. www.alzca.org.
Community Calendar:
- November Zoom Meetings with Alabama Lifespan Respite, https://alabamarespite.org/
- The Resentful and Reluctant Caregiver, Tuesday, November 17, 1:30 CT
- Family Dynamics & Changing Roles, Thursday, November 19, 3:00 CT
- Emotional Side of Caregiving, Saturday, November 21, 10 – noon CT
- Managing Family Feuds, Friday, November 30, 10:00 am CT
Zoom Support Groups available online:
- ACA’s Coffee Talk with Miller & Vance, Tuesday, November 17, 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
- Asbury United Methodist Church every other Wednesday at 11:30, contact Maggie Dunaway atmdunaway@asburyonline.org.
- CJFS CARES, Thursdays, 7:30 pm, contact Pam Leonard, pam@cjfsbham.org.
Alzheimer’s News:
For several years, Alzheimer’s advocates have followed the development of the drug aducanumab, hoping that it might finally be the first medication to stop the cycle of failure that has been the fate of dozens of Alzheimer’s drug candidates. If approved, it would become the first treatment for Alzheimer’s; current medications address symptoms of the disease but do not tackle the root causes of the neurodegenerative illness. Those hopes were slowly quashed during a seven-hour meeting of a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advisory committee last week. A final decision is expected in March 2021. https://time.com/5908589/alzheimers-drug-biogen-fda-committee/
While drug developers try to crack the code of chemical interventions, scientists at the Tokyo University of Science and the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique are focused on a non-pharmaceutical approach that involves breaking up amyloid protein clumps with infrared lasers. Read more about the science >>
Caring Days, an adult day care center in Tuscaloosa, has created several music therapy sessions for their clients and families. There is lots of fun to be had here, from Elvis to the Beatles. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLatwASbxlC-9GBJeFBxeH7OX9Q35AGT5o
Respite Relief for Military and Veteran Caregivers is now available: The Elizabeth Dole Foundation and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs joined together to provide Respite Relief for Military and Veteran Caregivers, which offers family caregivers of Veterans access to no-cost, short-term relief with the help of in-home care professionals. With additional funds from Wounded Warrior Project, the Respite Relief program is now available nationwide. Find out more and apply.
Next Avenue offers an honest reality check about how our holiday season will be different this year. They talk to experts who offer advice for how each of us can find comfort and joy in the coming weeks, even if means skipping or dialing back our favorite traditions.
The Senate Appropriations Committee a $350 million increase for the National Institute on Aging as part of an overall $2 billion bump for the entire National Institutes of Health (NIH). A significant portion of the NIA increase will fund Alzheimer’s disease research. The Senate panel’s action comes one day after the House Appropriations Committee advanced an FY 16 spending bill that included a $300 million increase in Alzheimer’s disease funding.
Joy for All Companion Pets are robotic cats or dogs that can bring companionship, fun and laughter. The pets are available for purchase at CVS or through Alzheimer’s of Central Alabama (aca@alzca.org) or through Dementia Friendly Alabama abbey.rogers@adss.alabama.gov .