ACA webinar, Mindset Transformation in Dementia, with Daphne Johnston, Founder of Respite Ministry and Respite for All Foundation, Thursday, August 20 at 1 pm CDT. Daphne is an advocate for families living with memory loss and has made it her personal mission to help families, clergy and professionals better understand that trained volunteers are the immediate answer for combatting the isolation of Alzheimer’s disease. Her ministry helps individuals and their family members find purpose, dignity, and hope to live each day with meaning. Register in advance for this webinar you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_LPax7M7VSn-3t9LdFXUcB
Calendar:
Marvelous Mondays Arts Collaborative, sponsored by Founders Place at Home, Zoom series in August “starring” musician Henry Scott and storyteller Elizabeth Vander Kamp. Henry and Elizabeth are teaming up to offer an hour of creative fun, infused with whimsical songs and familiar hymns, stories, and a healthy dose of humor. Appropriate for all ages looking for a creativity break! Mondays in August: 17, & 24, 4:00-5:00 pm CST. To join, please send an email to Susanna Whitsett swhitsett@saint-lukes.com.
AFA’s Educate America Webinar Thursday, August 20, 10 – 12:30 CDT, Speakers include Dr. Mehmet Oz. https://alzfdn.org/event/educating-america-tour-wisconsin/
AFA Webinar “Management of Behavioral Symptoms in Persons with Dementia” with Dr. James M Ellison, Wednesday, August 26, noon to 1:00 p.m. CDT. https://alzfdn.org/event/webinar-management-behavioral-symptoms-persons-dementia/
Managing Dementia Care in the Time of COVID-19 with Teepa Snow, free via Zoom conference presented by Alzheimer’s Family Support Center of Cape Cod, Saturday, August 29, 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM CST. COVID-19 has not diminished the needs of families dealing with dementia diseases, it has increased them. Staying safe during a pandemic is challenging enough for most of us; keeping someone with cognitive loss safe adds a whole other layer of difficulty to the mix. The challenges Alzheimer’s families are facing is unprecedented, and requires an unprecedented response. To register for the free conference, go to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/john-levin-memorial-virtual-free-alzheimers-conference-with-teepa-snow-tickets-109989355122.
M4A is offering free online training the first and third Wednesday of each month, from 10:00 am – 11:30. CEU’s offered. For more info: https://mailchi.mp/eea68af4b62f/scehhrgant-7873502?e=029e09a760
August 19: Managing your Medication/SenioRx: Alabama’s Prescription Assistance Program
September 2: Medicare Coverage and Social Security
September 16: Documents and Property Arrangements to Prepare for Death & Disability
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, August 18, 11 – noon CST. 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
- Lakeside Hospice, 1st Tuesday of each month, 2:00 pm, contact Bit Thomaston, bthomaston@lakesidehospice.org
- West Alabama Area Agency on Aging, Caregiver Support Group, Tuesdays, contact Nikki Poe, nikki.poe@westal.org.
- Lakeside Hospice, 2nd Thursday of each month, 6:30 pm, contact Bit Thomaston, bthomaston@lakesidehospice.org
- CJFS CARES, Thursdays, 7:30 pm, contact Pam Leonard, pam@cjfsbham.org.
Alzheimer’s News:
Being Patient article by Alzheimer’s and memory care expert, Christy Turner, explains cognitive screening: why it’s important, how it works, and how the current media frenzy around Joe Biden, Donald Trump, and cognitive decline affects those living with cognitive impairment. Turner’s politically biased article explains why cognitive screening is important, and how the way we talk about it now is crucial to the future of every person living with a cognitive impairment.“With a condition that’s chronic, progressive, incurable and fatal, it’s a very hard sell to get people to race to the doctor at the first sign something is amiss. People don’t like to hear bad news, especially when they feel like there’s nothing they can do about it. Seriously, we have to get rid of the stigma and shame surrounding dementia and the diseases and conditions that cause it. We know early detection and treatment lead to the best quality of life outcome.” Learn more .
Researchers at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies have reported that a drug candidate called CMS121 has successfully halted and possibly reversed memory loss in a mouse model of inherited Alzheimer’s disease. Learn more
UsAgainstAlzheimer’s (UsA2) announced the creation of the Center for Brain Health Equity to develop effective and culturally tailored brain health strategies targeting African American and Latino communities, which are disproportionately impacted by Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. The Center will be led by UsA2 in collaboration with Alzheimer’s Los Angeles, National Association of Hispanic Nurses (NAHN), and the National Black Nurses Association (NBNA). Its work will be supported by a five-year, $1.5 million, cooperative agreement with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Healthy Brain Initiative Read more here. A Rinsing of the Brain. New Research Shows How Sleep Could Ward Off Alzheimer’s. Sleep isn’t for the lazy. It’s essential and critical to keeping the brain healthy and protected from cognitive decline. READ MORE
This New Blood Test Could Identify Alzheimer’s Disease Decades Before Symptoms Appear: Getting an Alzheimer’s diagnosis can be a long and frustrating process, but a new blood test could change all of that and is particularly encouraging for women. READ MORE
According to the Centers for Disease Control, at the end of July, nursing homes accounted for 164,055 confirmed coronavirus cases (up from 95,000 at the end of May) and 43,231 deaths — about a quarter of COVID-19 deaths in the U.S. Alabama nursing home deaths account for 40% of Alabama COVID-19 deaths. Next Avenue offer advice whenlooking for a nursing home for a loved one during COVID-19. Here are the questions you need to be asking.
The public health repercussions of contracting COVID-19 have been front-and-center for months. Beyond its physical effects, researchers assess its psychological toll, which may be just as far-reaching — both for those who get it and their loved ones.
WomenAgainstAlzheimer’s is celebrating 100th Anniversary of Women’s Suffrage and highlighting the need to recognize women’s health equity, especially when it comes to Alzheimer’s and other dementias. During the month of August Rivet Revolution, an Alzheimer’s awareness jewelry company, is donating 50% of all the net proceeds on sale of their bracelets and more to WomenAgainstAlzheimer’s to support their work. Please use the code W100 at the time of purchase. https://www.rivetrevolution.com/shop/
Katie Manderson, a fourth-year pharmacy student at McWhorter School of Pharmacy, is surveying caregivers of people with Alzhiemers or other dementia about the healthcare they are receiving. The survey takes 10-15 minutes to complete. It is completely voluntary, no identifying information will be collected and responses are anonymous. This study has been approved by the Institutional Review Board at Samford University. Click the link to take the survey: https://samford.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cA4BPIwFhJYa69f
August is National Wellness Month and is the perfect time to focus on self-care, stress management, and promoting healthy routines. Research has proven that self-care helps manage stress and promotes happiness. It’s time to amplify the message of healthy living, celebrate amazing self-care solutions, and inspire others to create new healthy habits. There are numerous ways to be proactive in making positive self-care choices such as:
- Drink plenty of water
- Each fresh fruits and vegetables with your meals
- Get 8 hours of sleep at night
- Try a new exercise
- Meditate
- Listen to music