Alzheimers Association Hosting Walk To End Alzheimers Event In Columbia
COLUMBIA, Mo
The Alzheimer’s Association is holding its ‘Walk to End Alzheimer’s ‘ event Saturday in Columbia at Faurot Field.
The walk is scheduled to begin at 11:15 a.m., with registration starting at 10 a.m. and the opening ceremony at 11:00 a.m.
The event is to help raise awareness and funds for Alzheimers care, support and research. According to the association, more than six million Americans are living with the disease.
As of 2020, Missouri had 120,000 residents 65 years or older that were diagnosed with Alzheimers.
The organization says, participants in Saturday’s event will receive a promise garden flower.
The flower will come in different colors that best represents the participant’s connection to the disease.
- Blue represents someone living with Alzheimer’s or another dementia
- Purple is for those who have lost a someone to the disease.
- Yellow represents someone who is currently supporting or caring for a person living with Alzheimer’s.
- Orange is for those who support the cause and the Association’s vision of a world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia.
Saturday’s event will also have COVID safety measures in place, with hand sanitizer stations and more.
The organization’s goal is to raise $150,000 dollars Saturday’s walk. As of 5 a.m. Saturday, the organization had already exceeded that goal by $17,000.
The money will go towards the care, support and research efforts of the Alzheimer’s Association.
Dont Overestimate Your Own Risk
People who have at least one close relative with Alzheimershave a higher risk of dying from the condition, according to a study that examined residents of Utah using a genealogy database. Still, the majority of people with a family history of Alzheimers wont develop the disease.
Genetics play a more significant role for those with early-onset familial Alzheimers, also referred to as dominantly inherited Alzheimers. This form of the disease only affects one to two percent of the general population, and generally appears before age 65. Children with a parent who carries the gene defect responsible for it have a 50 percent chance of inheriting the gene defect, which will lead to a high chance of getting this form of Alzheimers.
However, the greatest risk factor for the most common form of the disease, late-onset Alzheimers, is not family history its simply getting older. Above age 85, it affects a third of adults. Many doctors caution against genetic testing, which isnt the most accurate way to predict or confirm the diagnosis of late-onset Alzheimers.
People with a family history of Alzheimers can benefit by reminding themselves, I may be at slightly increased risk, but it doesnt mean I am necessarily going to get this, said Dr. Kristine Yaffe, professor of psychiatry, neurology, epidemiology and biostatistics at the University of California, San Francisco. I may get other things, I may live to be 100 and may be fine.
Turn Fear Into Possible Protection
Ms. Perez first realized the toll her mothers illness had taken on her three years ago, when she barely recognized herself in a photo. Exhausted by the idea of losing her mother, she had bags under her eyes and had grown more sedentary, contributing to her borderline high blood pressure. She had been so focused on the well-being of her mother and son, she had neglected her own. I was going to let this ruin me, she said.
Instead, she decided to quit drinking and began to exercise regularly.
Addressing so-called modifiable risk factors like high blood pressure, low physical activity and frequent alcohol consumption can possibly prevent or delay up to 40 percent of dementia cases, according to a 2020 report by the Lancet Commission on dementia, prevention and care, which identified and ranked 12 factors associated with lowering ones risk for cognitive decline. Correcting any hearing loss and quitting smoking are also high on the list.
Notably, there is not much evidence that vitamins or dietary supplements help improve cognition or prevent dementia data on diet is limited but suggests that a heart healthy diet, like the Mediterranean diet, can be protective.
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A doctor will perform a physical exam to evaluate your mental processes. He or she will also ask you about any medications youre currently taking and any stressful situations youre facing. Your memory loss provider may also ask you about your symptoms and ask you to take notes on how youre feeling. The doctor may recommend that you get an appointment with a neuropsychologist. A neuropsychologist can help you figure out the best way to treat your memory loss.
A doctor will conduct a physical exam to determine the exact cause of your memory loss. He or she will also ask you about your medical history and whether youve experienced other forms of memory loss. After your medical history, your provider will discuss your options for treatment. If youre experiencing severe symptoms of memory loss, you should seek out a professional. It will help you get the right kind of care for your specific situation. So, take action today.
A healthcare provider will perform a physical exam to assess the condition of your memory. He or she will ask you about your family and friends and any medications youre taking. Once he or she has established the root cause, a proper treatment will be given. If you have a mild form of memory loss, you can still function independently and perform everyday tasks. If your symptoms are more severe, you may need to see a medical professional.
Engage In The Life You Have Now
When dealing with any recurring fear, Part of it is accepting a certain powerlessness and lack of control exists, said Dr. Timothy Scarella, instructor in psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. That is particularly true with Alzheimers: You might get this despite your best efforts. Worrying about it in the meantime can take away from a persons enjoyment of their healthy years.
As is true for many other kinds of worry, psychologists recommend a basic mindfulness practice. Many activities qualify: meditation, prayer, movement like yoga or qigong, or even hiking or walking anything that encourages slowing down and observing the present moment, without judgment or shame.
When a fear causes significant distress or interferes with daily life, professional guidance may be needed. When Ms. Passarela, the mental health counselor, sees clients who are convinced they are experiencing Alzheimers symptoms, she challenges that thought: What evidence do you have that the thought is true? What evidence do you have that its not true?
Through therapy, Ms. Barber, the software consulting manager in Oregon, has learned tools to manage her worry. Sometimes, she will take a walk around her neighborhood. If the thoughts persist, she writes them down to acknowledge what shes experiencing. Then she pushes the paper aside, as a physical sign shes moving on.
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How We Approach Seniors Experiencing Memory Loss
We coach our caregivers to focus on the clients abilities, to support and maintain a positive emotional state throughout the day. Your loved ones capabilities, independence, and morale matter. Whether there is really a meeting at the office where Dad hasnt worked in 20 years, or whether Mom is really going to receive a visit from her sister who died in 1995 matters less than a persons happiness.
The best approach, we find, is to meet them where they are, and enter their world, for now. Well keep them safe that is always Rule #1. But our job is more than that. It is to be sure your loved one has the happiest day possible in his or her current state of health.
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Eating a healthy diet is an excellent memory loss remedy. It should consist of fruits and vegetables, as well as whole grains and low-fat proteins. Avoid alcohol and drugs, which can also cause confusion and memory loss. Its important to follow your doctors recommendations, and review your medications regularly. If you suspect a medical condition, you may want to consult a medical professional for a diagnosis and treatment. This way, a physician can prescribe the right medication. Alzheimers Association Springfield Mo
Eating a healthy diet is an effective memory loss remedy. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables can improve your memory. A balanced diet can also help you to retain information longer. Try to consume at least five servings of these foods a day. The berries contain anthocyanins and flavonoids, which can be very helpful in fighting memory loss. A study of 16,000 women found that those who ate more berries were less likely to suffer from cognitive decline. Turmeric root contains a substance called curcumin, which is found in high concentrations. This compound is a powerful antioxidant that has anti-inflammatory effects.
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Common Signs And Symptoms Of Alzheimers
Memory loss, difficulty with executive function, such as planning or problem solving, confusion about time or place, and trouble completing familiar tasks are all common signs of dementia. Many people assume that these symptoms are a normal part of aging. They are not. This misperception can delay being diagnosedand treated to slow the progression. If you have questions or concerns about your own behavior or a loved ones, dont wait to learn more. Make an appointment to see your doctor right away for an evaluation.
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Certain medications can also affect memory. A lack of sleep and an impaired thyroid function can negatively affect memory. Some of these conditions can also lead to a decreased ability to remember events. In addition to these, natural aging can affect brain function, and may lead to a slowdown in memory. Although this symptom does not necessarily mean that youre losing your memory, it could indicate a problem with your cognitive ability. If you are suffering from either, a medical evaluation is necessary to determine if youre suffering from memory loss. Alzheimers Association Springfield Mo
In addition to aging, medications can affect memory. Certain antidepressants, anxiety medications, and sleep disorders can all affect memory. A persons mental health can also contribute to memory problems. In some cases, a persons mental state may be affected by the medication they are taking. Some untreated medical conditions can lead to deterioration of the brain and affect the ability to learn and remember. It is also important to see a medical professional if your symptoms persist even after youve stopped taking certain medications.
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A healthy diet can be a great memory loss remedy. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, as well as low-fat proteins such as nuts and seeds. Drinking plenty of water is also beneficial. The environment and personal experiences can affect the way your brain stores information, and this can lead to memory loss. There are many other causes of temporary memory loss, and it is important to get help as soon as possible. You should consult a medical professional to determine what the best treatment will be for your particular situation. Alzheimers Association Springfield Mo
A healthy diet is another effective memory loss remedy. A healthy diet should include plenty of vegetables and fruits. A healthy diet is a key component in memory improvement. This is the best way to prevent memory loss. The best way to do this is to incorporate more fresh fruits and vegetables into your daily routine. If you cant eat fruits and vegetables, you should avoid them altogether. They are packed with antioxidants that can help your brain.
Initial Causes Alzheimers Association Springfield Mo
There are several different causes of memory loss. Some cause this condition in the young, while others may be more gradual. If you notice that your memory is weakening, its important to consult a medical professional. Whether the cause is mental illness, age, or a combination of factors, its important to seek treatment as soon as possible. People with extensive memory loss may have social difficulties and anxiety, which can lead to depression. They may be afraid they are letting their loved ones down, which can lead to anxiety and depression. Alzheimers Association Springfield Mo
Fortunately, there are many causes of memory loss, and many of them are treatable. However, if you are experiencing serious memory problems, you may need medical treatment. If you have been undergoing any type of medication, you should consult with your doctor. Some people have other underlying conditions that may be causing their loss of memory. Alcohol abuse, sleep deprivation, or other mental health conditions can cause memory problems. You should seek out a medical professional if you suspect youre suffering from any of these conditions.
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If Youre Caring For Someone With Dementia
- Expect change. Caring for someone who has dementia or Alzheimers is a demanding, changing job. One moment your mom seems engaged in conversation and the next she looks scared and confused. Dad, who was always a trivia buff now cant remember the article he read this morning. Moment to moment, day to day, nothing is as constant as change. It may be difficult to anticipate what kind of help your loved one will need, but being observant to changes will help you know how to adjust the care youre giving.
- Build your care team. The role of a caregiver is not limited to spouses, partners, or close relatives. Youll needand wanta team of care partners. Many people build families of choice, made up of friends, neighbors, and care professionals to help with care and support. Find others who will handle certain tasks , be supportive listeners, and share information from their own experiences.
- Be easy on yourself. Caregiving is demanding, both physically and emotionally. Remember to pay attention to your own well-being along the way. You may feel like you have to do everything. But you need rest and time to yourself too. Respite care allows you to take a deep breath and enjoy activities that help you relax and rechargeand ultimately benefit your loved ones too. Sometimes, just knowing you have a experienced, reliable care professional to step in when theres a last-minute schedule change can relieve anxiety.
Alzheimers Association Springfield Mo
While there is no perfect memory loss remedy, there are several things that you can do to prevent it. First of all, exercising regularly can help keep your lungs in good shape. People who get regular exercise have better memories, and a regular exercise program can reduce stress. Additionally, exercising can help prevent memory loss by keeping your mind active. Here are some of the best ways to make your brain healthier and keep your mind sharp. Read on to learn more. Alzheimers Association Springfield Mo
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People Are Also Reading
The shortage has always been there, said Louvenia Woods, a 28-year nurse now teaching St. Louis high school students how to work in elder care.
The Alzheimers report says the U.S. had about 3.1 million home health and personal care aides as of 2018 and needs 4.1 million by 2028. It had about 5,000 geriatricians, or elder care doctors, as of last year, and will need almost triple that by 2050.
Missouri alone will need 23,000 more home health and personal care aides in just six years, the report says, one-third again more than it has now. And it will need 192 more geriatricians by 2050, or well more than double the current number.
Chien Hung, program director for VOYCE, a nonprofit based in south St. Louis County that advocates on behalf of nursing home residents, said staffing shortages can exacerbate a wide range of problems, from residents waiting longer for their call lights to be answered, to meals served late or cold, to increased risk of medication errors.
The Biden administration in February announced new reforms aimed at improving quality of care in nursing homes.
Some of the changes include a minimum staffing requirement, promotion of single-occupancy rooms, increased funding for inspections, higher financial penalties for facilities that perform poorly, and increased transparency about facility ownership.
Alzheimers Association Points Out Need For Geriatric Physicians In Missouri Springfield Specialist Attempts To Bridge Gap
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – New data from the Alzheimers Association found there are only 91 doctors in Missouri specially trained to work with older adults. Theyre called geriatricians.
One of the geriatric physicians is located in Springfield at CoxHealth. Dr. Jean Guan says because there arent many specialists in this field, some patients from rural communities are driving more than an hour to seek out care. That creates more barriers for them when it comes to scheduling, access to transportation and even cost.
Ive had some patients call in and say I just cant afford to pay for gas to actually come into the visit which is just a whole other wrench in the issue, Dr. Guan says.
As a geriatric physician, Dr. Guan is more specialized in working with older adults and recognizing whether theyre experiencing symptoms of aging that are considered normal or if they may have Alzheimers.
Dr. Guan says she has expanded her practice to provide geriatric medicine consultations to other area partners. Although telehealth has grown during the pandemic, Dr. Guan says it can pose problems for this population.
Many of our older adults cant manage the technology, Dr. Guan says. They have trouble understanding how to either register for an account so they can get in and do the video visit or they are hard of hearing and cant hear the visit or they cant see very well so even though theres a camera there they arent getting that personal interaction.
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