Alzheimer's of Central Alabama

Serving people with Alzheimer’s, caregivers and professionals in central Alabama through education, caregiver services and research grants.

ACA’s Weekly Email Oct 7, 2022

Rose Garden Adult Day Care Center is hosting a Rock-A-Thon to raise money for ACA’s Walk, Saturday, October 22, 10 – 3.  There will be a fish fry, back sale and ice cream truck.  Call 205-595-5800.

Virtual Summit: 2022 National Alzheimer’s Summit (UsAgainstAlzheimer’s, October 12-13 

Forum: Women & Alzheimer’s: The Empowerment Forum (Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, October 18, 8 am – 1 pm CT.

Webinar: Family Dynamics in Dementia Care (Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, October 19, 1-3 pm CT.

Teepa Snow Webinar:  Changing Seasons, Changing Circadian Patterns, October 20, 1:00 – 2:00 PM CT.  Registration (gotowebinar.com)

ACA’s Walking to Remember, Saturday, November 5. “Peace, Love, Walk” is the theme for our annual Walk which is held at the ACA parking lot, 300 Office Park Drive, at 9 a.m. Fun for the whole family.  Walkers raising a minimum of $50 receive a Walk t-shirt. Yard signs are available for pick up, vholder@alzca.org.

ACA Community lecture, November 17, Progress in Alzheimer’s Disease Diagnosis and Treatment, presented by David S. Geldmacher, MD, Warren Family Endowed Chair and Professor, UAB Department of Neurology. Vestavia Library, 6 – 7:30 pm

ACA’s Annual Meeting and Candle Lighting Service, November 30. Local physician and author of the teaching memoir, Surfing the Waves of Alzheimer’s, Dr. Renee Harmon, will present on Compassionate Communication; followed by the candle lighting.

Vestavia Library, 9 – 10:30 am.

In-person and zoom Support Groups:

Alzheimer’s News:

Around 37% of dementia cases can be attributed to a combination of risk factors. The three most important risk factors were poor level of education, obesity in middle age, and physical inactivity. Since it will still be a long time until effective antidementia medication is successfully developed, dementia researchers and health officials have emphasized the prevention of dementia diseases, in particular through increased movement, social activities, so-called healthy eating, and even through pharmacological modification of risk factors, such as high blood pressure. New study data are now supporting these efforts. Neuroscientists are also setting their hopes on noninvasive neuromodulation procedures. These procedures currently play no role in the clinical treatment of dementia.  There are two kinds of noninvasive brain stimulation: transcranial electrical stimulation (tES) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).  Comparing Prevention and Neurostimulation for Dementia (medscape.com)

Being Patient Editor in Chief Deborah Kan fields some questions from readers about a potentially forthcoming experimental Alzheimer’s drug called lecanemab, which is currently in trials and making its way toward applying for FDA approval. Alzheimer’s Drug FAQ: What Is Lecanemab? – Being Patient

Three types of people living with dementia have been found to be at increased risk for suicide following their diagnosis.  In a large population-based, case-control study, results showed an increased risk for suicide among those with younger-onset dementia, defined as being diagnosed before age 65; those diagnosed within the previous 3 months; and those who also had mental illness. A dementia diagnosis can be devastating, and many patients have fears for their future quality of life and fears that they may be a burden to those around them. In addition, depression, anxiety, and social isolation can be early symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease; and all of these may increase suicide risk too. Doctors should be aware that these groups are at increased risk and consider early referral to appropriate mental health services.  Three Groups at Increased Suicide Risk After Dementia Diagnosis (medscape.com)

UsAgainstAlzheimer’s A-LIST® is an online study where people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias, mild cognitive impairment, and their loved ones come together to research the experience of living with this disease and caring for a loved one.  Their latest survey asks you about what issues are important to you that should be covered in future surveys. What are the most important issues or questions about dementia, caregiving, or brain health?  What Matters Most: Dementia Risk and Diagnosis Survey (surveymonkey.com)

Watch an enlightening 12 minute video interview, which took place in Vancouver in 2012, between author and care partner, Cathie Borrie, and Alabama neurologist Daniel C. Potts about her book, “The Long Hello” in which she tells the story and shares the wisdom of her late mother, Joan Borrie, who lived with dementia. The video is deeply illustrative of the essential elements of person-centered care which dignifies and honors the personhood of those living with dementia all the way through their journey. https://youtu.be/Xs5JCKit0OY.  Cathie’s book can be found here: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Long-Hello/Cathie-Borrie/9781628729016

Planning is underway for the third triennial NIH National Research Summit on Care, Services, and Supports for Persons Living with Dementia and Their Care Partners/Caregivers, which will take place virtually March 20–23, 2023. Participants will review research progress, highlight innovative and promising approaches, and identify remaining unmet research and care needs for people living with clinical Alzheimer’s disease.  The NIA has released a request for information to invite comments and suggestions on key programmatic areas, and on scientific progress to date as well as unmet research needs. We encourage all interested stakeholders — including persons living with dementia (PLWD), caregivers and care partners, dementia care providers, members of the scientific community, academic institutions, the private sector, health professionals, professional societies, advocacy groups, patient communities, as well as other interested members of the public — to submit a response by Oct. 21, 2022.

Ray Burrow offers some advice for caregiving preparedness for natural disasters: Dementia Caregivers Should Plan for Natural and All Other Disasters | Emergency Planning for Hurricane Ian | Alzheimer’s News Today (alzheimersnewstoday.com)

Too much sleep and time in bed (TIB) may raise the risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer’s disease (AD), new research suggests. The study showed that risk for dementia was 69% higher in those who slept more than 8 hours daily vs 7 to 8 hours daily; and it was twice as high for those who went to bed before 9 PM vs at 10 PM or later.  These associations were most pronounced in people aged 60-74 years and in men.  Long Sleep, Turning In Early May Up Risk for Dementia (medscape.com)

Consuming higher levels of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) is associated with larger hippocampal volumes and better abstract reasoning in healthy middle-aged adults, new research shows. The main dietary sources of omega-3 include oily fish, such as salmon and sardines.  Higher Levels of Omega-3 Linked to Better Brain Health (medscape.com)

View pictures from around the globe of celebrations marking September as World Alzheimer’s Month:  (20+) Facebook

October Webinars from Alabama Lifespan Respite: https://alabamarespite.org/events2/

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 

 

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