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)
Cognitive Dynamics Foundation will host Crimson Community Cafe, a free cafe for people living with dementia and their care partners on April 27th at UPerk, in Tuscaloosa, 10 to 11:30 am. Enjoy time with your loved one in a fun and low-stress environment, complete with some classic songs led by a student band from the UA Honors College! RSVP to crimsoncommunitycafe@gmail.com. The UPerk, 405 20th Ave., Tuscaloosa.
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.
Caregiver Support Event at First Baptist Church of Moody, May 2, 2 pm. 902 Church Street, Moody. RSVP to church.secretary@fbcmoody.org.
The Brain Health Institute (BHI) (www.bhibrainhealth.com) will provide a free, confidential memory screening May 7, June 4 and July 2, from 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/.
The Brain Health Institute (BHI) is offering a free 6-Week brainHEALTH class, Tuesday, May 14 thru June 18, from 4 – 5:30. The class will focus on brain healthy behaviors for dementia caregivers, those at-risk for dementia, and those with early signs of cognitive impairment. The free course is provided with funding from Alzheimer’s of Central Alabama and the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA). To learn more about the study and determine your eligibility, please contact the Brain Health Institute at: 205.757.8947 or email Dr. Lokken at lokken@bhibrainhealth.com.
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:
Many families will be gathering together this weekend. An April 14, 2019 The Advocate Alzheimer’s Q&A offers a quick look at best practices for talking with children about Alzheimer’s disease. “Your explanation of Alzheimer’s, given the span of the disease, could become an ongoing process. Be sure to acknowledge any feelings or fears your children may be experiencing as they continue to witness the progression of the disease, and allow them to talk openly and freely about them.”
Cognitive stimulation and education are important factors in building cognitive reserve, which is likely critical for maintaining cognitive vitality as we age. There is mounting evidence that a strong cognitive reserve may delay the onset of Alzheimer’s symptoms, even if it turns out not to directly impact the biology of Alzheimer’s disease. Learn more about brain health from the Cleveland Clinic.
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.
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
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
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
How to Navigate Work When Immersed in Caregiving, AFA’s Care Connection webinar, May 9, noon – 1. www.alzfdn.org or 866-232-8484.
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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