Tomorrow is National Memory Screening Day

The Alzheimer's Foundation of America is again sponsoring a National Memory Screening Day in which you or someone you know can be screened for memory loss at one of many sites around the nation, state and even San Diego County.

For a complete listing, visit the AFA Web site.

According to the site, "Memory screenings make sense for anyone concerned about memory loss or experiencing warning signs of dementia; whose family and friends have noticed changes in them; or who believe they are at risk due to a family history of Alzheimer's disease or a related illness. Screenings also are appropriate for anyone who does not have a concern right now, but who wants to see how their memory is now and for future comparisons."

For local screenings and contact information, here is a rundown from the site that includes the location and if the service is offered in Spanish:

Name of Organization:	Carlsbad By The Sea Retirement Community
Location of Screening:	2855 Carlsbad Blvd. Carlsbad, California 92008
Time of Screening:	November 19, 10:00AM-12:00PM
Phone Number:	760-435-2312
Screenings will be provided in:	English

 

 

Name of Organization:	Delia Silva, Psy.D.
Location of Screening:	3990 Old Town Ave., Ste. A-208 San Diego, California 92110
Time of Screening:	Call for Information
Phone Number:	866-437-0375
Screenings will be provided in:	English, Spanish
Website:	http://www.sdpsyd.com

 

Name of Organization:	Golden Gardens
Location of Screening:	725 Golden Lane Fallbrook, California 92028
Time of Screening:	Call for Information
Phone Number:	760-645-3325
Screenings will be provided in:	English
Website:	http://www.golden-gardens.com

 

Name of Organization:	Gupta Psychology & Assessment Services
Location of Screening:	3990 Old Town Ave., Ste. A-208 San Diego, California 92110
Time of Screening:	November 19, 9:00AM-12:00PM, By Appointment Only
Phone Number:	619-537-9345
Screenings will be provided in:	English

 

Name of Organization:	Jewish Family Service, University City Older Adult Center
Location of Screening:	9001 Towne Centre Drive San Diego, California 92122-2440
Time of Screening:	November 19, 10:00AM-2:00PM
Phone Number:	858-550-5998
Screenings will be provided in:	English
Website:	http://www.jfssd.org

 

Name of Organization:	Pacific Research Network
Location of Screening:	3003 Fourth Ave. San Diego, California 92103
Time of Screening:	Every Day, By Appointment Only
Phone Number:	619-294-4302
Screenings will be provided in:	English
Name of Organization:	Pacific Research Network, Inc.
Location of Screening:	3003 Fourth Ave. San Diego, California 92103
Time of Screening:	November 19, 8:00AM-5:00PM
Phone Number:	619-294-4302
Screenings will be provided in:	English
Website:	http://prnsd.com

 

Name of Organization:	St. Paul's Senior Homes & Services
Location of Screening:	328 Maple St. San Diego, California 92103
Time of Screening:	November 19, 9:30AM-11:30AM
Phone Number:	619-239-6900, ext:3007
Screenings will be provided in:	English
Website:	http://www.stpaulseniors.org

 

Name of Organization:	UCSD Comprehensive Alzheimer's Program
Location of Screening:	8950 Villa La Jolla Dr., Suite C-126 La Jolla, California 92037-1712
Time of Screening:	Every Day, By Appointment Only
Phone Number:	858-246-1300
Screenings will be provided in:	English
Website:	https://cap.ucsd.edu/

 

Name of Organization:	UCSD Shiley-Marcos Alzheimer's Disease Research Center
Location of Screening:	8950 Villa La Jolla Drive, Ste. C-129 La Jolla, California 92037
Time of Screening:	November 19, By Appointment Only & Every Day
Phone Number:	858-822-4800
Screenings will be provided in:	English, Spanish
Website:	http://adrc.ucsd.edu

 

Glenner CEO Talks About Dementia Experience on U-T TV

Glenner Memory Care Centers CEO Anette Asher discussed what life is like for people with dementia today during a segment on the U-T TV program “Spotlight San Diego.”

Anette Asher spoke at length with show host Scott Kaplan about the organization and the importance of understanding what life is like for someone with memory loss as we are struck by the first wave of a “silver tsunami” due to an aging society.

“Thirty years ago people didn’t really understand what Alzheimer’s is,” Asher said. She then compared the stigma of dementia to alcoholism in the 1970s before Alcoholics Anonymous educated the public on alcoholism as a disease. “Millions are turning 65 each year … and if a heart attack or cancer or another illness doesn’t get them, they are likely to develop dementia as they age,” she said.

During the segment Kaplan was put through a brief version of the Virtual Dementia Tour conducted by staff at Silverado Senior Living in Escondido. He wore goggles to impair his vision, special gloves that limit dexterity and a device to impede his hearing. “I think if people had more sensitivity to what these folks were feeling and experiencing . . . I had no idea,” he said at the end of the segment.

You can view the archived video here.

Want to Experience Dementia Firsthand?

This Wednesday you can literally walk in the shoes of someone who is aging with dementia during a Virtual Dementia Tour that we're conducting at our Corporate Office in Hillcrest (3702 Fourth Avenue, San Diego 92103) on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2013.

We have 15-minute slots available between 1 and 2:30 p.m. During that time, specially trained staff from Silverado Senior Living Escondido will take you on a "tour" and complete several simple tasks while artificially impaired. Refreshments will be provided too. Everyone who took part in a previous tour walked away saying it was a powerful experience, tranformational even.

So, if you want a sneak peak at what may lie ahead or you currently are living with or helping to support someone with dementia, please call us at (619) 543-4700 to register TODAY.

Time to Wage a 'War Against Alzheimer's'?

Our Community Engagement Associate, Cynthia Koch, recently brought this USA Today column to our attention. In it, a former journalist argues that it's time to truly mobilize to find a "cure" for Alzheimer's. There is more research going into the disease, but it isn't keeping pace with the epidemic that's begun to sweep across the globe as people live longer but not necessarily in better health.

One reason Alzheimer's is growing is because we now are no longer dying (as quickly, at least) of the diseases that used to take us in our 60s and 70s, when brain-related diseases like Alzheimer's and vascular dementia typically start to take root. Instead, we live, often for decades, with chronic illnesses. That too takes a tremendous toll on our families and our health care system.

Cancer is a mysterious, natural occurence in which cells begin to mutate -- sometimes because of conditions within the body that were preventable, and other times despite all odds. There's genetics, environment and lifestyles that all play a factor. And, sometimes, it's just fate.

So far, the only "cure" for cancer is reducing known risks as early as possible and early detection so that treatments stand the best chance of working. While the best hope for an Alzheimer's "cure" now rests in a vaccine given to adults in their 20s and 30s - well before the characteristic plaques and tangles start to form -- we have a long way to go.

During a recent Sharp Healthcare conference on Living with Chronic Disease, a medical doctor with Sharp Hospice noted that the primary reason we now live two decades longer, on average, than our ancestors 100 years ago is immunizations. Small pox, polio, even some virulent strains of influenza no longer take a heavy toll on our population because of vaccinations most of us receive throughout childhood and our adult life.

Could a vaccine for Alzheimer's be added to the list of innoculations we receive during our lifetime? Maybe. No doubt not everyone will comply. But perhaps those who lived for decades with a loved one that suffered from the disease, not to mention the number of pop culture icons sure to go public with their own travails as they move into the final phases of their careers and lives (think country musician Glen Campbell, former Tennessee basketball coach Pat Summitt and others forced into early retirement) will convince future generations to get the shot.

In the meantime, we can all try to join the chorus calling for more financial attention to this devastating disease.  Make sure the officials we elect to help us actually do. After all, they too are - or will - personally tangle with dementia in one way or another.

Signs of Physical and Financial Elder Abuse

During Friday’s Glenner Symposium on Elder Abuse & Neglect, professionals learned the signs of physical, emotional and financial abuse among seniors. We thought we’d share some of those indicators with everyone since we all have a responsibility to look out for those who can no longer adequately care for themselves.

Most abused seniors do not come forward on their own, and often when initially confronted they deny any wrongdoing out of embarrassment or to protect the accused, which often is a close relative like a spouse, son or daughter. If you notice a neighbor, friend or family member who is becoming withdrawn, depressed, angry, confused and doesn’t want to discuss what is behind the change in mood (or makes up something you know can’t possibly be true), then they may be being victimized by their caregiver.

Here are some signs of abuse based on a handout from San Diego County’s Adult Protective Services.

Signs of Physical Abuse or Neglect
--Person is dirty, foul smelling, unshaven or wearing dirty clothes
--Person appears malnourished or dehydrated
--Frequently unexplained bruises, burns, skin tears, pinch marks, welts or cuts
 --Unexplained delay in getting medical treatment
--Person who appears anxious, depressed, afraid or overly medicated
--Person is locked in a room or confined to a piece of furniture
--Caregiver threatens and insults the senior or, conversely, appears overly affectionate and devoted when around others

Signs of Financial Abuse
--Unusual or inappropriate money transactions
--Lack of funds to tend to basic needs, such as personal grooming and clothing
--Recently signing a power of attorney, will or trust that they do not understand
--A power of attorney or other estate documents making the caregiver the beneficiary
--Recent changes in title of property
--Person isolates from friends and family
--Numerous checks made out to Cash
--Person’s signature doesn’t resemble the ones on checks or credit card receipts
--Person starts spending money on items he or she cannot use or does not need

To report suspected elder abuse, call Adult Protective Services at (800) 510-2020.

Caregivers: Remember You're Part of a Team

The National Caregiver Alliance recently published a report on family caregiving and transitional care. Most of us will experience some type of transition in care as we age and require far more assistance than any one person can provide, especially if a serious illness or injury occurs.

The goal of the report is to make family caregivers understand their role within a loved one's health care team and become a more informed and more active participant in a transitional care plan, particularly when an elder family member moves from hospital to home.

The report found that the family caregiver role in post-hospital care could be improved. "Although family caregivers are usually the persons who will actually implement care plans following release from the hospital, they rarely are actively engaged in discharge planning. Yet the transition decisions made hurriedly at the point of discharge can change the course of patients’ lives for years, as well as the lives of their family caregivers," according to the authors.

Among the major findings:

• Family caregivers do not receive adequate recognition or support during the discharge process from health care professionals. They also may be hesitant to ask questions for fear of being seen as "difficult."
• More engaged family caregivers see improvements in someone with physical, mental, and cognitive disorders, but health care providers should be cqreful not to burden them with complex medical care in the home, especially without training or in-home support from professionals.
• Only four of the seven transitional care programs reviewed offered specific steps to actively engage family caregivers as partners. Outcomes for family caregivers, such as reductions in stress, weren reported for only two of the programs.
• More emphasis on a continuum of care is needed with long-term services and support -- which is essential for most of the “high risk” older adults on which the programs focus, "and it is the part in which family caregivers play starring roles."
• Family caregivers need to use the tools and guides available to them. There is a growing body of materials, in all media formats, to assist both patients and family caregivers during transitions. "The challenge now is to make these materials easily usable and available when needed, especially at the point of care. New technologies, especially digital personal technologies, hold promise in this regard."

Guest Post: What It's Like to Have Young Onset Alzheimer's

Editor's Note: We earlier mentioned Michael Ellenbogen, who is trying to spread the word about early-onset Alzheimer's Disease in order for more people to become familiar with the signs and the scope in order to devote more resources to prevention and a cure. Michael wrote today's guest post exclusively for our blog.

My name is Michael Ellenbogen. I am a writer. I am a husband. I am a father. I was a high level manager. In 2008, at age 49, I was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease after struggling to get a diagnosis since my first symptoms at age 39. Now I am frustrated, frustrated, and more frustrated. Not because I have Alzheimer’s, but because of the disparity and stigma surrounding this disease.

Everywhere I turn, I hear or see something related to Cancer and HIV. The government contributes 18.7 percent of the NIH research budget to cancer, 9.9% to HIV, and Alzheimer’s receives only 1.45%. This leaves me with one question. Why? There are so many more people living with Alzheimer’s than HIV, yet we receive so much less funding.

Why is it that no one wants to talk about this disease? Why are stars or famous people not proud to stand up and support this cause? I realize there is no pretty outcome, but that is why we all need their help. There are so many of us who are directly impacted by this disease and we choose to do nothing. I know it’s not easy and most are so overwhelmed dealing with the disease. If we do not use our precious time for this cause, who will?

Alzheimer’s disease has impacted so many aspects of my life, like my career, but I was surprised by how it has impacted my hobbies. Not that I had many. I used to love driving a boat and tinkering with electronics, but I can no longer do either of these things. Electronics are not forgiving, and if you make a mistake the projects can go poooofff, when I touch the wrong component. This has happened.

I have tried to take up new hobbies such as golf, but learning new things is difficult. I could not keep track of the ball and had trouble trying to follow the ball. It took me much longer to tee off then others, and I felt too much pressure when I was slowing down the people behind me. I would love to play golf, but at my speed and without all the pressure.

The only good thing about having the disease is that I am able to advocate for the cause, and speak for the many others that can no longer write, speak or have passed on. So please help me with my call for help to help. I need to get the backing of famous people so we can change the perception that exists with Alzheimer’s today. It does not only affect the older generation, but it has an even bigger impact on the younger generation when they are diagnosed. I know it’s very easy to read this article, have a moment of feeling sorry, and then to just move on without doing anything.

Keep in mind this could one day affect you, your spouse, your son or daughter, their grandchildren, or even a close friend. Please do not wait till that day. Do something today. Think of all the lives you can save if you start now, maybe even their lives.

Please help me by joining my cause to make others aware of this debilitating disease and how it also affects young people. The youngest on record is 24 years old. Please reach out to me at my website so we can work together to make Alzheimer’s disease end with me. Someone will develop the disease every 69 seconds. That number will increase to every 33 seconds by 2050.

Don’t wait, our time and lives, are too valuable.

http://www.michaelellenbogenmovement.com/

A Massive Grassroots Movement Is Underfoot

Many of you may not be on the San Diego Alzheimer's Association mailing list. But we want to be sure everyone is aware of a movement underway to save adult day health care in California.

Here, in its entirety, is the message that was released. Please, if you know of someone in need or already using these services, consider contributing to the effort to keep many of these 35,000 individuals (not all of whom are elderly or suffering from dementia, by the way) from being placed in more expensive, long-term care facilities or forced into home isolation.

A MASSIVE GRASSROOTS OUTPOURING OF SUPPORT IS NEEDED STARTING TODAY IF WE ARE TO SAVE ADULT DAY HEALTH CARE (ADHC)


Contact Governor Brown's office at (916) 445-2841 and ask him to:

1. Sign AB 96

AB 96 authorizes the state to proceed with submission of a waiver application to Center for Medicaid and Medi-Cal Services (CMS) for a reconfigured ADHC program "Keeping Adults Free from Institutions" (KAFI). The only way to obtain a dollar for dollar federal match of state funding is to get ADHC authorized under a federal waiver.

2. Retain the $85 million appropriation in the budget

This was part of the March compromise to implement KAFI and keep some ADHC infrastructure in place to avoid the greater cost of nursing home admission, emergency room visits and hospital stays for our current ADHC population.

Contact your legislator at (click here to find the phone number for your local legislator) and ask them to:

1. Contact the Governor to:

A. Sign AB 96; and

B. Retain the $85 million appropriation in the budget

Background Information:

The State Senate voted on June 11, 2011 to approve the state budget bill and AB 96 (Blumenfield), which directs the state to apply for a federal waiver for ADHC. The Assembly will vote on AB 96 in the days ahead and is expected to pass. The Legislature must pass a balanced budget bill to the Governor by June 15 or begin forfeiting pay and expenses. It is not balanced until there are enough votes to approve extending the temporary tax measures passed in 2009. Four Republican votes are still needed for any revenue measure. For more information, check out this editorial from the Sacramento Bee outlining the importance of Adult Day Health Centers.

FACTS:

• ADHC is the only community AND medically-based long term support and service.

• The Lewin Group estimated that elimination of ADHC would cost the state $53 million more than it saves.

• In-Home Supportive Services cannot replace the skilled medical services, therapies and social work provided in ADHC.

• The strain on the health care system to absorb 35,000 chronically-ill patients will result in higher medical costs across the system.