The Katie Couric Show” spotlights Alzheimer’s disease and brain health
A recent episode of “The Katie Couric Show” featured interviews with Alzheimer’s Association Early-Stage Advisor Sandy Oltz and celebrity Champion Victor Garber. The show also offered information and tips on diet and exercise that may contribute to overall brain health.
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http://www.alz.org/illinois/in_my_community_61068.asp
Maria Isabel Leon Fiesta felt lost when she first learned her father, Felix Leon, had Alzheimer’s disease. Living in Chicago, she sought out a support group through Northwestern University. From there, she heard about the Alzheimer’s Association, visiting the organization’s Chicago headquarters where she combed the library and learned of the many resources available to those grappling with a diagnosis of dementia in a loved one.
But she wanted to do even more.
“I wanted to volunteer,” Fiesta said. “I trained as an Alzheimer’s Association Community Representative (AACR) with the Greater Illinois Chapter.”
A move to Iowa meant she had to relinquish the role but when an opportunity to aid the Chapter from her home in a neighboring state arose last year, Fiesta didn’t hesitate.
Along with seven others, Fiesta has translated several documents — everything from topic sheets on dementia and driving to medication safety to information on Alzheimer’s Association services — from English to Spanish.
“I was very grateful to be a part of the translation team because it’s a way to give back,” said Fiesta, who personally worked on 13 different documents.
Fiesta’s efforts in bringing awareness to critical senior issues are far from over, however. The Peruvian native is currently studying gerontology at Iowa State University and working on a website, a repository of information, for those in Peru who are affected by Alzheimer’s.
“In Peru, they think dementia is a normal part of the aging process,” she said.
Click here to learn more about the Greater Illinois Chapter’s diversity outreach initiatives.
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Presenting free audio conference on technologies for caregiving
http://www.alzheimers-illinois.org/comm_education/conferences/audio_conf.asp
The free audio conference Beyond Computers and the Internet: Technologies That Impact Caregiving and Aging will take place from noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday, October 2.
New technologies are impacting the care of seniors whether they are living independently at home or in a care facility. This presentation provides explanations of product capabilities, implementation strategies and tips to get seniors to use them. Specific product explanations include: Alzheimer’s wandering safety, medication reminders, remote monitoring, fall detection and communication.
Audio conferences are held the first Wednesday of every month.
Click here to register or call 309.662.8392. Once signed up, registrants will receive information and directions for the call.
http://www.optimumseniorcare.com/services/alzheimerscare.php
http://www.alzheimers-illinois.org/enewsletter/october2013/award.asp
The Alzheimer’s Association recently named its 2013 International Research Grant Program funded researchers. On that list was Emily Rogalski, an assistant research professor with Northwestern University’s Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer’s Disease Center.
The researcher will receive $200,000 over the course of three years for her area of study, Internet-based Speech Therapy: Improving Quality of Life and Access to Care
Here she speaks to the Alzheimer’s Association about her plans for the future of her research.
The Alzheimer’s Association recently named its 2013 International Research Grant Program funded researchers. On that list was Emily Rogalski, an assistant research professor with Northwestern University’s Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer’s Disease Center.
The researcher will receive $200,000 over the course of three years for her area of study, Internet-based Speech Therapy: Improving Quality of Life and Access to Care
Here she speaks to the Alzheimer’s Association about her plans for the future of her research.
Q—Could you please explain the nature of your research?
A—I am a cognitive neuroscientist whose research falls under the broad umbrella of aging and dementia and uses a multimodal approach to investigate two aging perspectives: primary progressive aphasia (PPA), in which brain disease invades the language network, and SuperAging, in which individuals are seemingly resistant to the deleterious changes in memory associated with “normal” or more typical cognitive aging. While structural neuroimaging is my primary method of investigation I also explore the role of genetic, developmental and acquired factors in aging and dementia, which demonstrates my interest in integrating multidisciplinary data. Another important aspect of my work is in assisting with the development of educational programs, support groups, and therapies to improve quality of life for patients with dementia and their caregivers.
Q—What inspired the idea of Internet-based speech therapy? What do you hope to achieve?
A—Primary progressive aphasia (PPA) and Alzheimer’s dementia are two dementia syndromes in which language disturbance (“aphasia”) can be a key feature. Currently there are no effective medications to treat these syndromes, but limited research suggests that speech therapy may allow people with dementia to communicate more effectively throughout the duration of their illness, thereby improving mood, promoting independence and enhancing overall quality-of-life. Unfortunately, access to speech therapy is limited since there are few clinicians who specialize in providing care for patients with dementia. Individuals with dementia wishing to receive speech therapy services from an experienced provider may need to travel far distances to specialized centers, which is not conducive to regular provision of care. One goal of this project is to improve access to care for dementia patients by providing them Internet-based video speech therapy sessions. The results of this study will be used to make recommendations for speech and language therapists that treat dementia syndromes that show language symptoms and to explore the feasibility of video-chat speech therapy, with the hopes of modifying current insurance coverage, which does not currently cover web-based speech therapy. In the absence of a cure for dementia, it is important to offer strategies that help individuals maintain an optimal quality of life for as long as possible and this project takes one step towards achieving this goal.
Q—What drew you to the issues of aging and dementia?
A—I was impressed by and attracted to the multidisciplinary team approach that the Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer’s Disease Center (CNADC) at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine uses for patient care and research. Because of the CNADC’s unique architecture I am able to collaborate with social workers, neuroscientists, neuropathologists, neuropsychologists, neurologists, and students. Working in this environment opens the door to creative collaborations and provides the opportunity for novel research ideas to flourish. I feel fortunate that I am able to work with such a skilled team of specialists and up-and-coming scientists.
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Upcoming music shows to benefit Alzheimer’s Association
http://www.alzheimers-illinois.org/enewsletter/october2013/music_shows.asp
It’s time to rock out with Liquidated Damages! The electric group, which plays classic songs from Jimi Hendrix, Steely Dan, The Rolling Stones and others, will perform at the 7th Annual Memory Rock event, a benefit for the Alzheimer’s Association® Greater Illinois Chapter.
The event will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, October 24 at Joe’s Sports Bar, 940 W. Weed St., Chicago.
It’s time to rock out with Liquidated Damages! The electric group, which plays classic songs from Jimi Hendrix, Steely Dan, The Rolling Stones and others, will perform at the 7th Annual Memory Rock event, a benefit for the Alzheimer’s Association® Greater Illinois Chapter.
The event will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, October 24 at Joe’s Sports Bar, 940 W. Weed St., Chicago.
Tickets are $45 in advance and $50 at the door. At the event, attendees can enjoy draft beer, wine and soda, access to a silent auction and live music.
For more information or to purchase a ticket or donate, visitmemoryrockchicago.com. For questions, contact Bethany Hein, Manager, External Relationships, at bhein@alz.org.
Love Handles
Join us Saturday, October 26 for a concert with the Love Handles at 27Live, 1012 Church St., Evanston. Doors open at 7 p.m.
The band is comprised of nine friends who share the love of contemporary classic rock and R&B music as well as the commitment to supporting Alzheimer’s awareness and research efforts.
Tickets are $20. To purchase tickets for this benefit concert, go to ticketfly.com or 27live.com.
http://www.optimumseniorcare.com/services/alzheimerscare.php