Casino Night, fundraiser to benefit Alzheimer’s of Central Alabama, Saturday, April 27, 2 – 4, at Rittenhouse, 570 Southland Drive. rwilkes@rittenhouseal.com, (see flyer)
Caring Days Adult Day Care is hosting the 2nd annual Ride Down Memory Lane motorcycle ride, Saturday, April 27, in Tuscaloosa. It’s not a poker run, but includes a new card game that will result in 2 grand prize winners. The ride will end at Caring Days where there will be entertainment, lunch, t-shirts and prizes. The cost is $35 and $10 for passengers. Call Caring days at 752-6840 or www.caringdays.org
Alzheimer’s of Central Alabama Lunch & Learn, April 30, 11:30 – 1 pm, Brookdale University Park, with Rita Cowell, PhD, on “What our genes can tell us about Alzheimer’s Disease.” Rita is a Fellow and Chair of the Neuroscience Department within the Drug Discovery Division at Southern Research. She maintains an independently-funded research program, while overseeing the Neuroscience Department with the mission of discovering novel, mechanism-based approaches to treat individuals with neurodegenerative disorders. The research in the Cowell Lab focuses on neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson’s Disease, Huntington Disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, and Alzheimer’s Disease. Please rsvp to mpiggott@alzca.org.
The Brain Health Institute (BHI) (www.bhibrainhealth.com) will provide a free, confidential memory screening May 7, between 12:30 – 2:00. Screenings last 10 minutes and consist of a series of questions and tasks designed to gauge memory, thinking, and language skills. Results will not yield a diagnosis and/or replace consultation with qualified health care provider but can provide guidance for further evaluation and treatment. 3125 Independence Drive, Suite 114 in Homewood. Call 205-757-8947 for an appointment.
Alzheimer’s of Central Alabama Garden Art Party, Love in the Garden, Saturday, May 11, Iron City, 7 – 10. Live and silent auction, featuring over 300 items including art, jewelry, trips, home décor, food and sports packages. Support ACA’s services by attending the event or by donating to the auction. www.alzca.org.
Caregivers Day Out! Thursday, May 23, Beulah Baptist Church, Tuscaloosa, 10 – 2. The West Alabama Area Agency on Aging wants to celebrate you at Caregivers Day Out! Call 205-333-2990 ext. 2013 to register.
News to know:
Thank you to 10 donors and the Youth Movement Against Alzheimer’s at Homewood High School for donating and collecting food for Alzheimer’s of Central Alabama Easter Basket program! 24 deserving families on our services programs will receive an Easter basket filled with ham, other food and staples. Each basket will be delivered by an ACA volunteer.
The CHANGE Act has officially been introduced in the 116th Congress. Read UsAgainstAlzheimer’s press release here. The CHANGE Act addresses our nation’s Alzheimer’s crisis by encouraging early detection, diagnosis, and access to interventions. The bipartisan bill was introduced by Sens. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), and Roger Wicker (R-MS), and Reps. Darren Lahood (R-IL), Doris Matsui (D-CA), Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), and Linda Sanchez (D-CA). You can show your support for the CHANGE Act by endorsing the bill here.
St. Luke’s Episcopal Church is opening a new respite ministry for people living with dementia. This is a wonderful opportunity for respite care for weary caregivers, but more importantly, it will offer a joyful, stimulating place for those with dementia to thrive from 10 – 2, 2 days a week. www.saint-lukes.com, foundersplace@saint-lukes.com. 205.802.6217
Here is a complete list of respite programs and adult daycare centers in central Alabama. While there is no government oversight of adult daycare or respite centers in our state, these are centers that Alzheimer’s of Central Alabama has vetted and recommends. ACA offers scholarships for patients to attend the center of their choice. There are currently 75 people attending daycare on ACA scholarships of up to $250 a month. For an application, visit our website at www.alzca.org. Find the list here.
The University of Alabama has a new program that offers private, online support groups designed for dementia caregivers.It is similar to an in-person support group, but you participate on your schedule, by using social media. You do not have to know a lot about computers. You can participate anonymously, without providing private information. Each week, health and social work experts will provide educational information. You can interact with other caregivers as much or as little as you want. Support group members are asked to log into the group at least once per week and to participate in 2 interviews. You will be compensated $30 for each interview. See attached flyer. Contact: Dr. Nicole Ruggiano | (205)348-4654 | nruggiano@ua.edu.
When people are starving, they will accept anything. These words resonated with Sonya Barness and led her to examine how the care we give people living with dementia often marginalizes them. Click here. to read her full blog post from the Pioneernetwork.
Alabama’s Dementia Friendly Communities Initiative offers free congregational visits to raise awareness and providesresources, books and DVDs. Invite ACA friends Lynda Everman and Dr. Don Wendorf, Senior Editors of Dementia-friendly Worship: A Multifaith Handbook for Chaplains, Clergy and Faith Communities, to visit with your congregation’s leadership. Sponsored by Cognitive Dynamics Foundation in collaboration with the Faith United Against Alzheimer’s Coalition. To arrange a visit contact Lynda Everman at ldeverman@icloud.com.
It’s not too late to join UsAgainstAlzheimer’s and WomenAgainstAlzheimer’s present: Be Brain PowerfulTM A Campaign for Women’s Brain Health. Alzheimer’s of Central Alabama is collaborating with the Be Brain Powerful campaign to encourage women everywhere to take the 30-Day Brain Health Challenge – 30 days of tips on steps you can take to keep your brain healthy. https://bebrainpowerful.org/home-1/#join-us
The Messages We Send: Stigma Toward Persons Living with Dementia and How to End It, Tuesday, May 7, 2019, 1:00-2:00. Learn everyday strategies for countering stigma through person-centered approaches. Hear from a person with early stage dementia about her experiences related to these issues. Registration is required to receive the webinar information. Sponsored by the Administration of Community Living webinar webpage
Register for the free virtual “Advances in Alzheimer’s Research 2019 ONLINE SYMPOSIUM” from Technology Networks, which will highlight some of the most exciting research being conducted into Alzheimer’s disease. May 29, 2019. Register here.
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