Alzheimer's Disease Awareness month; symptoms of dementia; Forums, supports and resources
In recognition of National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month, a Memory Screening is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tuesday, November 17, at Aging Care Connections, 111 W. Harris Ave., La Grange. The 10 minute test includes a brief, confidential assessment. For information or to schedule a screening, call (708) 354-1323, ext. 28.
The Alzheimer’s Association uses the awareness month to educate people about breakthroughs in the early diagnosis, prevention and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. It also works to help ease the responsibilities shouldered by those who care for people with Alzheimer’s disease.
Memory loss that disrupts everyday life is NOT a normal part of aging and may be a symptom of dementia. Dementia is a gradual and progressive decline in memory, thinking and reasoning skills. The most common cause of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease, a disorder that results in the loss of brain cells. Common symptoms include:
Memory Loss
Difficulty performing familiar tasks
Problems with language
Disorientation to time and place
Loss of initiative
Poor or decreased judgment
Problems with abstract thinking
Changes in mood or behavior
Personality changes
People having many of these warning signs should see their doctors. Early diagnosis leads to better treatments. (Source: Alzheimer’s Association)
The Health and Wellness Committee will be sponsoring the Adult Forum “Betty’s Love: The New Paradigm for Alzheimer’s Support and Care” at 10 a.m. on Sunday, November 15. Betty’s Love is a local charity that embraces and empowers with joy, love and support those who battle Alzheimer’s Disease. For more information, call (708) 420-5683.
November is also National Family Caregivers Month. Grace Lutheran Church of La Grange hosts a Support Group for Caregivers co-sponsored with Interfaith Community Partners (ICP) on the first Friday of the month from 10 to 11:30 a.m. facilitated by Kate Marshall, LSW. Information can be obtained by calling (708) 579-8929.
Aging Care Connections sponsors “The Lunch Bunch,” a supportive and friendly group of caregivers who chat over lunch about issues associated with being a caregiver. The group meets at Bakers Square Restaurant, 942 S. La Grange Rd., La Grange from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the first Thursday of every month. Each participant pays for his/her lunch. For more information or to register, call Ruth Folkening at (708) 354-1323, ext. 28.
Looking for an excellent resource for caregivers? Joy Loverde’s book, “The Complete Elder Care Planner,” is it! Loverde has a profound understanding of the problems associated with family care-giving, and she is a seasoned family caregiver herself. She translates complicated eldercare issues into practical solutions. Uniquely combining the concepts of “planning” and “communication,” she provides tools and tips caregivers need to proactively address their own eldercare situation immediately.
Suggested resources for Alzheimer’s and Caregivers are:
Alzheimer’s Association, www.alz.org and (800) 272-3900
Alzheimer’s Research & Prevention, www.AlzheimersPrevention.org
and (520) 749-8374
Betty’s Love (Alzheimer’s Support) www.bettyslove.org (708) 420-5683
Aging Care Connections, (708) 354-1323, and www.agingcareconnections.org
Contact Advocate Parish Nurse Ann Gornik Monday, Wednesday or Thursday at the church, or email her at abgorn@ameritech.net with any questions or concerns regarding memory loss, community resources, support groups or gerontologists. “My daily prayers include individuals with Alzheimer’s and all caregivers,” she said, “May God’s loving arms hold you closely.”
“I thank my God every time I remember you.” (Philippians 1:3)
Ann Gornik, RN MSN FCN, Advocate Parish Nurse
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