Alzheimer’s in Alabama: Alzheimer’s of Central Alabama’s annual conference, Friday, October 18, Canterbury United Methodist Church, 8:30 – 3. Conference highlights include:
- Brian LeBlanc’s was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease in 2014 and is living with vascular dementia. Brian realized that we seldom hear from people living with dementia and he knew he HAD to talk about it. His story, I Am Still ME!, provides a rare window into the journey of a “regular guy” from a “regular life” who is living with a progressive, disabling, degenerative brain disease.
- Jamie Tyrone learned of her 91 percent lifetime genetic risk of succumbing to Alzheimer’s disease. Only two percent of the population has this genetic status which motivated her to become a research volunteer and a dedicated advocate. Her personal experience of living with this genetic status has been a feature story in the New York Times and cover story in the Washington Post. Her bookFighting For My Life—How to Thrive in the Shadow of Alzheimer’s was released by HarperCollins May, 2019.
The cost to attend is $15 or $35 for those needing CEUs. Presenting Sponsor: Medical Properties Trust. To see full conference agenda and to register: https://alzca.org/conference/
Free, confidential memory screening, October 23, 9 – 2, Cooper Green Mercy Health Services, 1515 6th Avenue South. Sponsored by the Jefferson County Community Services & Workforce Development Senior Services Division. Call Dedra Lewis, 205-325-5567.
Alzheimer’s of Central Alabama Lunch and Learn, Tuesday, October 29, Navigating Grief, Especially During the Holidays, with Matthew Bunt, M.Ed., LPC-S, Outreach Coordinator, at The Amelia Center, Brookdale University Park, Gazebo Room, 11:30 – 1 pm. Presented by Medical Properties Trust. Brookdale University Park. Lunch is free but reservations are required, mpiggott@alzca.org.
Alzheimer’s of Central Alabama’s Walking to Remember, Saturday, November 2, inside the Riverchase Galleria, 8 am. Join with family and friends to Shine a Light on Alzheimer’s at this fun 3 mile indoor walk (or a distance that suits you). Walk in honor of memory of your loved one. Walkers raising a minimum of $50 receive a t-shirt. https://alzca.org/walking/ for more info.
Statewide Day of Prayer and Remembrance, Sunday, November 10.
Alzheimer’s of Central Alabama Annual Meeting and Candle Lighting Service, Thursday, November 14, Vestavia Hill Library, 6 – 7:30.
Virtual Dementia Tour, November 15, 9 – 2. Cooper Green Mercy Health Services, 1515 6th Avenue South. Sponsored by the Jefferson County Community Services & Workforce Development Senior Services Division. Call Dedra Lewis, 205-325-5567.
News to know:
Asbury United Methodist Church is opening Anchor, a community respite ministry October 1. The program will provide fellowship and stimulation for people who have memory loss due to Alzheimer’s, dementia, Parkinson’s or stroke. 6690 Cahaba Valley Road. Gina McIntyre is the program director. 205-529-63534. www.asburyonline.org/anchor.
In Touch is a new adult day care center in Alexander City. Housed in a historic home, the program is a welcoming place to be. 1055 Cherokee Road, Alexander City. Andrea Rashad is the program director, 265-392-3445.
For a complete list of respite and adult day care programs in central Alabama go to www.alzca.org
Did you know? Planet Fundraiser is an app that lets you give back to non-profits, schools, and groups simply by taking a picture of receipts from merchants you already shop at. You shop and participating merchants donate to the charity of your choice. To date almost $1600 has been donated to ACA. It’s as easy as #ShopSnapGive ” src=”cid:image004.png@01D5752F.60E8F450″ alt=”image004.png” border=”0″ class=”Apple-web-attachment Singleton”>
Click to read a very informative article on Coping with Anger from the Area Agency on Aging of West Alabama newsletter.https://mailchi.mp/6662e203de87/caregiver-happenings-june-716861?e=27a07da95f
An August 29, 2019 Lifeline for Vets from National Veterans Foundation article highlighted the importance of paying attention to Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia for veterans. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is considered the “signature wound” of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, and is nearly double the rate from Vietnam. Older veterans with TBI are 60 percent more likely to develop dementia, and a dementia diagnosis is twice as likely for veterans with post-traumatic stress. According to the report from VeteransAgainstAlzheimer’s (a UsA2 network), “…High rates of blast injuries and blast-induced neurotrauma are associated with irreversible, chronic brain tissue damage, including chronic neurodegeneration, long-term neurological deficits, and memory loss, according to a variety of scientific studies.”
A September 16, 2019 Tap Into New Providence article spotlighted UsAgainstAlzheimer’s advocate The Very Reverend Tracey Lind, who spoke about living with frontotemporal dementia (FTD). She states, “I believe that denial isn’t useful, honesty is important, early diagnosis can result in a higher quality of life… I want to be a torch bearer who curses the darkness of dementia and lights the path of grace filled living with this disease. Where is the grace of God in all of this?… Acceptance is one of the most difficult but critical aspects of living with any complicated impairment.”
A September 17, 2019 Being Patient article and video gave tips and best practices for helping to maintain hygiene and bathe a loved one who has dementia. A person-centered, dignified approach is recommended, keeping their needs, feelings and fears in mind. According to the article, “Whether the person is afraid of the rush of water from an overhead shower, sitting in a bathtub or feeling self-conscious, you’ll want to make the experience as pleasant for them as possible. Find out whether they prefer to shower or wash in a bath, then explain each step of the process gently. You can also find ways to adjust your routine to make your loved one more comfortable. If bathing causes distress, you can try a sponge bath instead.”
Alzheimer’s The Science of Prevention is a documentary series, which will premiere online October 9-20, 2019. Top experts explore the burgeoning field of dementia prevention. “While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, the latest scientific research reveals that, to a significant extent, Alzheimer’s disease can be prevented. Lifestyle choices including diet, sleep, and exercise play powerful roles in determining the brain’s destiny. The cutting-edge information presented in Alzheimer’s – The Science of Prevention helps viewers learn how to maintain brain health into old age and live a long, healthy and fulfilling life.” Register to watch here .
Click for tips to help you reduce the risk of falls for your loved one.
Learn more about an opportunity to volunteer for a national online study with the Integrace Institute, who supports those with Alzheimer’s and dementia through research and education. This study is designed to better understand the treatment-related needs and priorities of individuals with or at risk for Alzheimer’s disease. If you or someone you know is at risk for Alzheimer’s disease pathology, determined by a positive genetic test for the APOE variant e4, the Integrace Institute would like to hear from you. If you are eligible, you will receive a $25 gift card for your participation.Click here to sign the updated A-LIST consent form and learn more about this national “What Matters Most” study. Other partners include the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Nursing, and Teepa Snow’s Positive Approach to Care program.
Antidote is conducting a survey of individuals living with cognitive disorders and their caregivers to better understand what people think of medical research and how they decide to participate (or not participate) in clinical trials. Antidote is a digital health company that helps connect people with medical research. Antidote believes it is important for patient and caregiver perspectives to be considered when researchers design clinical trials. All data will be kept confidential and will be used to help researchers understand how to better engage cognitive disorder patients and caregivers. Click below for the survey.
Patients: https://trialreach.typeform.com/to/e4hQVf
Caregivers: https://trialreach.typeform.com/to/TpCAEp
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