Kari Paterson, the Executive Director of Alzheimer's Association, shares the data on Alzheimer's research. Two hallmark proteins in the body for Alzheimer's are plaques and tangles. Everyone has them but when they accumulate, they can form dementia. Late 50s, early 60s is most common age range for getting Alzheimer’s. Most people will need 24/7 care if they age through the process.
Alzheimers Association offers a 24/7 Helpline 800-272-3900. They have a staff of four and work with a lot of volunteers. Callers receive disease education, local community resources, emotional support, help with problem solving and care planning. They receive 300K calls/year nationwide.
Local Family Education
- Know the 10 signs: early detection matters
- Conversations about dementia
- Understanding and responding to dementia related behaviors
effective communication strategies.
People are living through cancer, heart disease, diabetes to dementia. With 1 in 10 over the age of 65. Alzheimer’s is the most expensive disease (According to The New England Journal of Medicine) Only 33% of the people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s actually know. The doctors are telling the caregivers.
Why Care Planning?
- Learn about treatments, clinical trials, and support services available in the community.
- Results in fewer hospitalizations, fewer emergency room visits, and better medication management.
Evaluations includes:
Medical decision making
Functional assessment
Staging of dementia
Evaluation of behavioral symptoms
Evaluation of safety
ID of caregiver needs
The Alzheimers Association got a bill passed into law recently:
What’s a good blood pressure range to keep your brain/body healthy? Top number of blood pressure. The SPRINT-MIND Study looked at blood pressure data; used a mix of people from different backgrounds.
The American Heart Association recommends below 140.
SPRINT-MIND recommends under 120.
Sunday, October 7 is the Alzheimer’s Walk at Memorial High School.