It has been busy at Boulder Creek with adding new programs. Big Stone Therapies started to lead exercises weekly on Thursday and we have a support group that meets monthly on the third Tuesday of the month from 5:30 p.m.-7:00 p.m. in the Community Room at Boulder Creek. This support group is for anyone that lives at Boulder Estates or Boulder Creek that is a caregiver, family, or friend of someone that has dementia. This support group offers understanding or memory loss related to dementia, coping skills for caregivers, education for caregivers, and information on additional resources. Visit our website page to see what other activities we have going on at www.boulder-creek.org.
ACT on Alzheimer’s has different opportunities available this month. The YMCA will have their dementia friendly program at the Y on Friday, February 12 from 10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Please join them for some exercise and social programming. There is no cost to participants.
We will also be welcoming ArtSage to Marshall on Monday, February 29 for a one day event that will highlight the latest research on the arts as a vital part of healthy aging and discuss the aging demographic and what it means for you. Participants will also learn how to incorporate the arts into programming for older adults. This will be at First Lutheran Church and registration cost is $10 (cash or check is accepted—please make checks payable to One Voice for Seniors). This workshop is for artists and seniors, caregivers and family members, arts and senior-serving organization staff, and all those who wish to learn more about the emerging field of arts and aging. Workshop attendance requires pre-registration—Registration Deadline is Friday, February 19, 2016. Ways to Register: call Barb Lipinski or Heather Radke @ 507-537-6109 or email registration to [email protected].
Understanding Lewy Body Dementia
By Ava M. Stinnett
When we hear the word dementia, we often think of Alzheimer’s disease; however, dementia and Alzheimer’s are not one in the same. Dementia is not a specific disease. It is a descriptive term for a group of symptoms (e.g., memory loss, inability to solve problems, impaired language skills) caused by various disorders that affect the brain. Some of the diseases that can cause symptoms of dementia include Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, stroke, nutritional deficiencies, and infections. Recent news stories about the 2014 death of actor Robin Williams have introduced another lesser-known cause of dementia: Lewy body dementia.
Lewy Body Dementia
Prior to the release of information from Williams’ autopsy report, few people had heard of Lewy body dementia (LBD). Yet according to the Lewy Body Dementia Association, the disease affects 1.4 million Americans. A 2013 study in the journal Archives of Neurology (now JAMA Neurology) found that men are about twice as likely as women to develop the disease. LBD occurs when Lewy bodies, or clumps of a protein called alpha-synuclein, build up in the brain. Lewy bodies are also found in the brains of people with Parkinson’s disease, and researchers are working to figure out how Parkinson’s and LBD may be related.
Because of LBD’s many possible symptoms (e.g., visual hallucinations, rigid movements and motor problems, sleep disorders, impaired vision, and inability to recognize and identify objects), getting an accurate diagnosis and determining the best treatment can be tricky. According to the National Institute on Neurological Disorders and Stroke, the disease can also fuel anxiety and depression. “It’s not just memory, it’s not just movement, and it’s not just behavior. It’s a combination of all three, which makes it difficult to diagnose and difficult to treat,” said Cleveland Clinic neurologist Dr. James Leverenz.
There is no cure for LBD, and coping with the disease as it progresses can be challenging. Getting support from family, friends, and health-care professionals is critical to ensuring the best possible quality of life. Creating a safe environment and preparing for the future are important, too. Just as important is maintaining a positive attitude and making the most of time with family and friends.
“Be happy for this moment. This moment is your life.” ~ Omar Khayyam
Hope you have a wonderful February and stay warm,
Jamie Lanners, Housing Manager
Brain Teaser:
A local senior center was holding an art show. Using the clues, determine which person won which prize (first, second, third, or fourth place) and the medium that was used.
- Neither of the men were awarded first or second place.
- Tina used pastels for her painting.
- The oil painting was awarded second prize.
- David’s watercolor painting placed between Bill and Phyllis.
Tip: Put check marks (√) and minus signs (–) in the boxes. You should end up with two √s under each name—one next to the prize and one next to the medium.
David | Phyllis | Bill | Tina | |
First Place | ||||
Second Place | ||||
Third Place | ||||
Fourth Place | ||||
Oil paint | ||||
Pastel | ||||
Charcoal | ||||
Watercolor |
Answer: • Tina won first place with her pastel painting. • Phyllis won second place with her oil painting. • David received third place prize for his watercolor painting. • Bill received fourth place prize for his charcoal drawing Puzzle courtesy of Activityconnection.com