alz fall 2016 newsletter.final

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WALK WITH US! JOIN US AT ANY 2016 WALK SITE: Saturday, September 10 Cattaraugus County - Olean (Good Times of Olean) Saturday, September 17 Erie County - Delaware Park/Buffalo Zoo Saturday, September 24 Genesee County - Batavia (Gen. Co. Nursing Home) Saturday, October 1 Chautauqua County - Dunkirk (Pt. Gratiot Park) Saturday, October 15 Niagara County - Lewiston (Artpark) Saturday, October 22 Wyoming County - Warsaw (Village Park) AUTUMN 2016 www.alz.org/WNY Western New York Chapter WHY I WALK stories that inspire our mission Alzheimer’s disease can feel very isolating, but you are not alone, and we know your experiences resonate with others weathering the challenges of dementia.The individuals on this page have been personally touched by dementia in some way. They are care partners, daughters, sons, sisters and grandchildren, neighbors and co-workers, and those who want to ensure a world without Alzheimer’s. Neil Boron is the Chairman of the Buffalo Walk Committee. His company, WDCX Radio, is a Walk Platinum Sponsor. “Alzheimer’s has taken far too many lives and devastated way too many families. Loving family members and friends who cannot love you back is the epitome of unconditional love. Count us in!” WDCX will also be broadcasting “live” from the Buffalo Walk on September 17. For the last 10 years, 11-year old Jake Oberg has been a part of Walk, too. He’s been in a stroller, on a scooter and on his own two feet. And he’s raised more than $7,000 in memory of someone he loved and lost to this disease. “My grandpa died of Alzheimer’s…and I walk with my ADE for Alzheimer’s team because I don’t think anyone else should lose their grandpa to this disease” . Team Claudia’s Characters walks to honor Claudia Catalano Lasting. MaryJane Scime is Claudia’s sister. “I walk for my beautiful sister, who has early onset Alzheimer’s, so that they can find a cure for this devastating disease” . Continued on page 3 > inside this issue: ED Letter........................................................................................ 2 Ask the Expert.............................................................................. 5 Education Calendar .................................................................... 6 What is a Community Ambassador?....................................... 8 Alzheimer’s Research Update.................................................. 9 Art contest .................................................................................... 10 contact us Alzheimer’s Association, WNY Chapter 2805 Wehrle Drive, Suite 6 Williamsville, NY 14221 1.800.272.3900 www.alz.org/WNY [email protected]

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WALK WITH US!JOIN US AT ANY 2016 WALK SITE:Saturday, September 10Cattaraugus County - Olean (Good Times of Olean)

Saturday, September 17Erie County - Delaware Park/Buffalo Zoo

Saturday, September 24Genesee County - Batavia (Gen. Co. Nursing Home)

Saturday, October 1Chautauqua County - Dunkirk (Pt. Gratiot Park)

Saturday, October 15Niagara County - Lewiston (Artpark)

Saturday, October 22Wyoming County - Warsaw (Village Park)

AUTUMN

2016www.alz.org/WNYWestern New York Chapter

WHY I WALK stories that inspire our missionAlzheimer’s disease can feel very isolating, but you are not alone, and we know your experiences resonate with others weathering the challenges of dementia. The individuals on this page have been personally touched by dementia in some way. They are care partners, daughters, sons, sisters and grandchildren, neighbors and co-workers, and those who want to ensure a world without Alzheimer’s.

Neil Boron is the Chairman of the Buffalo Walk Committee. His company, WDCX Radio, is a Walk Platinum Sponsor. “Alzheimer’s has taken far too many lives and devastated way too many families. Loving family members and friends who cannot love you back is the epitome of unconditional love. Count us in!” WDCX will also be broadcasting “live” from the Buffalo Walk on September 17.

For the last 10 years, 11-year old Jake Oberg has been a part of Walk, too. He’s been in a stroller, on a scooter and on his own two feet. And he’s raised more than $7,000 in memory of someone he loved and lost to this disease. “My grandpa died of Alzheimer’s…and I walk with my ADE for Alzheimer’s team because I don’t think anyone else should lose their grandpa to this disease”.

Team Claudia’s Characters walks to honor Claudia Catalano Lasting. MaryJane Scime is Claudia’s sister. “I walk for my beautiful sister, who has early onset Alzheimer’s, so that they can find a cure for this devastating disease”.

Continued on page 3 >

inside this

issue:

ED Letter ........................................................................................ 2

Ask the Expert.............................................................................. 5

Education Calendar .................................................................... 6

What is a Community Ambassador? ....................................... 8

Alzheimer’s Research Update .................................................. 9

Art contest .................................................................................... 10

contact usAlzheimer’s Association, WNY Chapter2805 Wehrle Drive, Suite 6Williamsville, NY 142211.800.272.3900 www.alz.org/[email protected]

OFFICERS AND DIRECTORSBarbara Tschamler – PresidentLinda Steeg, DNP, RN, ANP/BC – Vice PresidentPamela Perkins – Secretary Kyle J. Rookey, CPA – Treasurer Dave Cascio, RNColin Costello, CPAHoracio Capote, MDKristin Crandall, LPNJohn Di SciulloJudy Hutson, MSWCynthia Ludwig, ESQ.Laurie Menzies, ESQ.Jeff NixonJosh Rogers, CPASheryl A. Schechter, LMSW

JOHN A. EDWARDS, MD MEDICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEEJune I. Chang, MDKenneth Garbarino, MDMarion Zucher Goldstein, MDBruce J. Naughton, MD - ChairLaura Wray, Ph.D

STAFFExecutive DirectorLeilani Joven Pelletier, MSDirector of Respite ServicesLauren Ashburn, MSWDirector of Volunteer Services Marie Baun Office ManagerDawn BohnDirector of Early Stage and Support Group ServicesShelby Edgerly, MSW Development SpecialistCaitlin FagerTrainer Tricia HughesDirector of Care ConsultationKatie Keith, LMSWDirector of Community EngagementChanell McCain, MSWOperations SpecialistDonna McKenzieDirector of Outreach InitiativesAmanda Nobrega, LMSWProgram AssistantChelsea O’HaraCommunications DirectorMonica Pomeroy Program and Advocacy DirectorRachel Rotach, LMSWDirector of Education and TrainingJulia Szprygada, LMSWFinance DirectorColleen WenzelDirector of DevelopmentLynn Westcott, MBAProgram AssistantHelen R. Wright

medicare, medicaid could cover new servicesLeilani Pelletier, MS - Executive Director“How was your day?”

A friend asked me this the other day. As the flash of events (from conference calls to the laughter of my coworkers to the panic I felt having realized I didn’t send that email) flooded through my brain, something stopped me. I blurted out “CMS proposes covering care plans and assessments”. In my head, that should easily translate to “Unbelievably fabulous, thank you”. As it turns out, it didn’t translate that readily, but it gave me the chance to practice before I wrote this for you. CMS stands for Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

You see, when clinical services (like care planning and functional/cognitive assessments) for people with dementia expand and become reimbursable, health care systems have some framework and traction for more dementia-capable practices. It puts dementia, and the diseases that cause it, among the other conditions that we recognize as needing patient and family education and clinical attention on an ongoing basis.

So while we don’t have all the details yet, and we don’t know exactly what it will look like, we can expect that the very near future holds new promise for people with dementia and their caregivers. The day has come where the health care system starts to dig in with the groundwork that will change the trajectory of Alzheimer’s and other causes of dementia. In my mind, this will ripple through the fabric of care and support. It will be easier to give a diagnosis, which will in turn start to correct the fact that about half the people with Alzheimer’s have never been officially diagnosed, which will raise everyone’s level of understanding, which will fuel the people participating in and donating to research - and we will see the end of Alzheimer’s sooner than we otherwise would have!

While it feels like quite a stretch, I know enough about how this works and what needs to be done to tell you, with confidence, that this is a turning point. This is a day worth every minute of the time you spent as a volunteer and every penny you spent by donating to our programs and toward research. The seeds we planted are now growing.

To learn more, please call us at 1-800-272-3900 or visit online: alz.org. Better yet, sign up to be an advocate, because the efforts of our advocates pushing the HOPE Act helped get us this win - and there are more wins to come. We have traction, and it is time to dig in with everything we have.

So, my day was fabulous, thank you very much…

welcome new team member!Chelsea O’Hara joins the Chapter as a Program Assistant, after her recent graduation from Buffalo State College. In her last year toward earning her BSW, Chelsea interned with the Chapter. She has worked in a long term care setting for many years, developing a passion to continue working with caregivers and those living with dementia. Chelsea also loves camping, boating, and the outdoors. Welcome aboard, Chelsea!

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1.800.272.3900 www.alz.org/wny

WHY I WALK continued...

The corporate world recognizes that they, too, have a stake in helping us end Alzheimer’s.“The battle against this disease is personal for so many families in Western New York. Almost everyone knows someone who has suffered from Alzheimer’s but real progress could be right around the corner,” Cellino & Barnes co-founder Steve Barnes said. “We’re proud to support the Alzheimer’s Association in its fight against this disease and we are confident that continued research will achieve our ultimate goal: finding a cure”.

The Elderwood family of assisted living facilities is also a strong supporter of our mission. “Eighty-five percent of residents in skilled care facilities exhibit at least some form of dementia including Alzheimer’s.” Anna Bojarczuk-Foy is Elderwood’s Director of Business Development. “Understanding first-hand the personal and health care ramifications of dementia, Elderwood has a long- standing history of supporting the Alzheimer’s Association through its Walk to end this disease. Finding a cure is one of the single most important goals in extending and improving the lives of the elderly in our communities”.

Northtown Automotive Group joins WDCX, Cellino and Barnes and Elderwood at the Platinum sponsorship level. Mike Ahern is the company’s Chief Marketing Officer. “Northtown Automotive is very proud to continue to support the mission set forth by the Alzheimer’s Association WNY Chapter. We understand the importance of supporting our community and have done so for over 45 years. Doing our part to support the Walk is a way for our organization to make a difference to thousands and thousands of WNY families who know the impact of this disease. We are confident these efforts will one day find a cure”.

We hope these “Why I Walk” stories inspire you to take the first step toward helping us with our goal to end this disease. You can start, join or re-new a Walk to End Alzheimer’s team for any (or all!) of the six local Walk sites at alz.org/WNY (or by calling 1.800.272.3900) and help us raise the dollars that are vital to ensuring the success of that goal.

1.800.272.3900 www.alz.org/wny

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dear helpline,I was just recently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. How do I bring up the subject with friends and families and how do I meet other people going through similar challenges?

A recent diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia is life changing for both the person diagnosed and their family and friends and will likely leave you with many questions.

• What do we do now?

• Who can help us?

• How do we plan for the future?

• Who can I talk to that will understand what I am going through?

The good news is that you are not alone. The Alzheimer’s Association Western New York Chapter has a great many resources to help you and your family. The Chapter offers educational programs for both those with a diagnosis and family and friends, community-based social programs to meet with others in similar situations in a fun and relaxing environment, information about clinical trials and research, and a 24/7 Helpline that is always available every hour of every day for support and to answer questions.

Sharing your diagnosis is an important step toward integrating Alzheimer’s disease into your life. While you may feel hesitant or worried about how others will react, it is a powerful way to engage their support by educating them about the disease. Remember, family and friends aren’t mind readers. Be open and honest with them about what you need and how they can help support you. Here are some tips from individuals who are navigating the early stages of the disease:

• Provide educational brochures about the disease or encourage calls to the Chapter

• Let the person know that you are still you

• Go slowly--you don’t need to talk about everything in one sitting

• Let people provide assistance when it makes your life easier

If you or someone you know was just recently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia and are in need of further support or guidance, please call 1.800.272.3900 at any time—you are not alone.

care planning meetings close to home Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease, requiring preparation to meet evolving challenges. The Chapter’s social work team can help you plan for those changes with no-cost consultations. These private, one-on-one meetings are now available at several sites across Western New York and require only a quick phone call to arrange a meeting time.

To arrange to meet with one of our social workers in one of these community-based locations, please call 1.800.272.3900:

Derby – Community ConcernFredonia – Fredonia PlaceGrand Island – Golden Age CenterLeRoy – LeRoy Village GreenNorth Tonawanda - *North Tonawanda Public Library*North Tonawanda residents only

Orchard Park – Peregrine’s LandingWilliamsville – Presbyterian Village

Meetings are also available by appointment in our Chapter office at 2805 Wehrle Drive, Suite 6 in Williamsville. Call 1.800.272.3900 to schedule a consultation or plan to attend the Chapter’s special evening hours on one of these dates:

Monday, October 24, 5-7pmWednesday, December 28, 5-7pmSaturday, February 25, 2017, 11am-1pm

Should you ever have any questions about dementia care, educational opportunities, or Chapter resources, our Helpline is staffed 24/7 by trained and confidential social workers: 1.800.272.3900. Information is also available on-line at alz.org/WNY.

ask the expertWhat kind of costs should I expect if I need to place my loved one with a professional care provider?

Adult day care programs can be a life saver for caregivers who work or may need a break. Depending on the program, they are usually offered for anywhere from a few hours to full days. The cost for non-medical adult day programs range from $35 to $60 a day, depending on the number of hours. Keep in mind, for those eligible, the cost of adult day care programs may be covered by Medicaid/Managed Long Term Care programs (MLTCs) or part of a spend down. You can learn more about it at www.nymedicaidchoice.com.

Home care can take on several different forms, including formal assistance provided by aides and companions from agencies/companies, to the more informal help of family members and private duty help. Aides from a licensed home health care agency provide hands-on care, help with dressing, bathing and toileting. This kind of assistance ranges in price from $23 to $28 an hour. Companion care, known as non-medical, includes supervision, verbal cuing and transportation. The cost of companion care is a bit less than aide help, and ranges from $18 to $23 an hour. We would be ignoring the elephant in the room if we did not talk about private duty help, whether it is someone working as a private contractor or being paid “under the table”. Even though cost of help can be cheaper, $12 to $20 an hour, give careful consideration to the risks in terms of labor rules, taxes and liability. Whether paid caregivers are family members or hired help, consider making an informal caregiving arrangement more formal by using a caregiving agreement and a payroll service while securing the proper insurance. For more information on caregiver agreements, you can search online (try using these terms: personal care agreement, family care contract, or caregiver contract) or speak with an attorney.

Lastly, let’s talk about care in assisted living and skilled nursing facilities. Assisted living in its most basic form can be found starting around $3,000 a month and possibly less for shared rooms. Assisted living facilities with secured/dementia care, costs about $5,000-$6,000 a month. Over the last few years, we have seen the emergence of Special Needs Assisted Living Residences or SNALRs for those with memory impairment. This type of care costs approximately $5,000-$6,000 a month. The highest level of care is found in skilled nursing facilities. Some of them offer secure/dementia units or wander guards and cost approximately $11,000 a month. Assisted living situations, with only a few exceptions, are not covered by Medicaid once resources are spent down to Medicaid eligibility limits so this needs to be among the considerations when making plans for facility care. You can find more information on Medicaid eligibility limits online at www.wnyCareManager.com.

Kristin Surdej, LMSW, CMC Laping, Surdej Associates, LLC

day of danceDid you know dancing has a number of benefits? It’s a great way to:

• have fun

• get physical exercise

• maintain your brain

• socialize with others

• de-stress

Our friends at Ballroom and Beyond are planning a Day of Dance on Saturday, September 24 beginning at 11:00 a.m.

Christ United Methodist Church at 350 Saratoga Road in Amherst is hosting the all-day dance party and the studio is donating group dance lessons. There will be food and beverages available for purchase and proceeds from admission and concessions will benefit this Chapter!

1.800.272.3900 www.alz.org/wny

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LEGENDFor Family CaregiversOpen to the Public For People with DementiaFor Healthcare Professionals

September 12The Basics: Memory Loss, Dementia, and Alzheimer’s6-7pmPeregrine’s Landing575 Cayuga Creek Rd, Buffalo

September 13Living with Alzheimer’s for Caregivers (Part 1 of 3)5-6pmPrendergast Library509 Cherry St, Jamestown

September 14The Basics: Memory Loss, Dementia, and Alzheimer’s1-2pmWilliam-Emslie YMCA585 William St, Buffalo

September 19Dementia-Related Behavior and Effective Communication Strategies1-3pmChapter Office

Program Volunteer Training1-4pm, Chapter Office

September 20Living with Alzheimer’s for Caregivers (Part 2 of 3)5-6pmPrendergast Library509 Cherry St, Jamestown

September 21Know the 10 Warning Signs: Early Detection Matters10:30-11:30amOlean Family YMCA1101 Wayne St, Olean

September 26The Basics: Memory Loss, Dementia, and Alzheimer’s3-4pmHulbert Library18 Chapel St, Springville

September 26The Basics: Memory Loss, Dementia and Alzheimer’s6:30-7:30pmNorth Tonawanda Public Library505 Meadow Dr, North Tonawanda

September 27Living with Alzheimer’s for Caregivers (Part 3 of 3)5-6pmPrendergast Library509 Cherry St, Jamestown

September 28Know the 10 Warning Signs: Early Detection Matters10:15-11amSchiller Park Senior Center2057 Genesee St, Buffalo

October 3Understanding Lewy-Body Dementia5:30-7pmChapter Office

October 4The Basics: Memory Loss, Dementia, and Alzheimer’s10-11amGolden Age Center3278 Whitehaven Rd, Grand Island

October 5Understanding and Managing Dementia-Related Behaviors 6-7pmDent Tower3980 Sheridan Dr, Amherst

October 14Know the 10 Warning Signs: Early Detection Matters10-11amPresbyterian Village at North Church214 Village Park Dr, Williamsville

October 14The Basics: Memory Loss, Dementia, and Alzheimer’s1:30-2:30pmCatholic Charities128 Wilson St, Buffalo

October 18The Basics: Memory Loss, Dementia, and Alzheimer’s5:30-6:30pmChapter Office

October 19Dementia Conversations1-2pmJones Memorial Hospital191 N Main St, Wellsville

education calendar

autumn 2016Please Note:

All programs are subject to change. Registration is REQUIRED for all classes by calling 1.800.272.3900

unless otherwise noted.

The Western New York Chapter is located at 2805 Wehrle Drive, Suite 6,

Williamsville, NY 14221.

upcoming eventsMemories in the Making

Tea and Auction Sunday, September 11

Northgate Healthcare Facility – North Tonawanda

Watercolor paintings created by participants in the Memories in the

Making program will be on display and available to purchase through auction

Advocacy Day Tuesday, March 14, 2017

Join us as we travel by bus to Albany to meet with legislators to push for laws

that will help us reach our goal of a world without Alzheimer’s! Call Rachel Rotach

at the Chapter at 1.800.272.3900 for more information and to reserve your seat

on the bus.

October 24One-on-One Care Planning5-7pmChapter Office

October 27Genesee County Dementia Care Conference for PROFESSIONALS9am-noonTerry Hills5122 Clinton Street Rd, Batavia

Genesee County Dementia Care Conference for CAREGIVERS1-4pmTerry Hills5122 Clinton Street Rd, Batavia

November 8 The Basics: Memory Loss, Dementia and Alzheimer’s 3-4pm Chapter Office

November 9Know the 10 Warning Signs: Early Detection Matters5-6pmAlden High School13190 Park St, Alden

November 10Effective Communication Strategies11am-noonWesleyan Church of Hamburg4999 McKinley Pkwy, Hamburg

November 10Advancements in Alzheimer’s Research5:30-7pmChapter Office

November 14Caregiving through the Holidays6-7pmSterling Medical Center200 Sterling Dr, Orchard Park

November 15Living with Younger-Onset Dementia6-7:30pmChapter Office *This class is open to people living with dementia under age 65 and their care partners

November 16Dementia-Related Behavior and Effective Communication Strategies1-3pmChapter Office

Program Volunteer Training1-4pmChapter Office

December 1The Basics: Memory Loss, Dementia, and Alzheimer’s5-6pmAlden High School13190 Park St, Alden

December 3The Basics: Memory Loss, Dementia, and Alzheimer’s9-10amChapter Office

December 7Caregiving through the Holidays6-7pmDent Tower3980 Sheridan Dr, Amherst

December 13Know the 10 Warning Signs: Early Detection Matters2-3pmOrleans County YMCA306 Pearl St, Medina

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social programs build connectionsWe know it can be challenging to maintain social relationships after a dementia diagnosis, even with long-time friends. We also know it can be helpful and comforting to spend time with others who have Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia. That’s why the Chapter’s social programs are so important and so enjoyed by participants.

The programs include regular community gatherings at such places as art galleries and bowling alleys for those with a diagnosis and their care partners. Ballroom dancing and drumming circles are also popular activities that encourage creativity and friendship. If you’d like to learn more about our social programming, please call Shelby Edgerly in the Chapter office at 1.800.272.3900.

This newsletter is supported in part by a grant from the New York State Department of Health.

join our team as a community ambassadorJust what does an Alzheimer’s Association volunteer Community Ambassador do? In a nutshell, they provide vital connections between the Western New York Chapter and people in the community who need our assistance. They act as liaison between our Chapter and your community by identifying areas of need and opportunities, building and nurturing relationships within the community while answering basic questions and providing information related to Alzheimer’s disease/other dementias, and the resources we provide.

Marie Baun is the woman in charge of this effort in our Chapter. “We hear this far too often: ‘I wish I would have known about the Alzheimer’s Association when I needed help with my loved one’ and we want to make sure we hear it less and less! Our Ambassadors will help us meet that goal”. Grace Aksenczyk says she was able to get help from the Chapter when she needed it, and tries to ‘pay it forward’. “I share and deliver Alzheimer’s brochures and information on programs and services. I always have them with me so wherever I go, I try to leave them so anyone who needs to reach out to the Chapter knows how to do that.”

Across our 8-county region, we need Ambassadors in EVERY community: from Alden, Belfast and Carlton to Somerset, Villenova and Yates…and EVERYWHERE in between! The time commitment for this volunteer role is very flexible to accommodate your schedule. We provide you with everything you need - brochures, flyers, information about Alzheimer’s disease, the Alzheimer’s Association and the Programs and Services offered by our Chapter to share in the community. We also provide you with a list of suggested sites to visit/contact as Community Ambassador.

If you have questions about this exciting opportunity or are ready to jump in, call Volunteer Services Director Marie Baun at 1.800.272.3900 or send her an email at [email protected].

need for respite volunteersRespite services provide relief to those caring for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias by providing time away from caregiving responsibilities. It is an essential service because it allows care partners time to refresh and reduce caregiver stress, which can help ensure that those with Alzheimer’s remain in the home as long as possible. For the care-giver, respite may allow opportunities to spend time with friends, relax, and enjoy a hobby, run errands or shop. Most importantly, respite allows for the care-giver to focus on his/her own care needs.

At the Western New York Chapter, we provide a social respite program that is run by carefully selected and trained chapter volunteers and staff members. We offer three different programs; all of which allow for the caregivers to enjoy some free time while ensuring their loved one is safe.

Our in-home volunteers provide in-home socialization, supervision and meaningful activity for the person with dementia. These activities include what your loved one enjoys most, such as going for a walk, reminiscing about the past, listening to music, playing a game, etc. The cost for in-home respite is $14 or less per visit, which is based on income.

Our group social respite programming provides companionship and active engage- ment for individuals with dementia while allowing them to connect with others.

Monthly community respite services are social programs that provide active engagement, snacks and meals for individuals with dementia. These respite care providers are trained by the Chapter and run for 3-4 hours. There are nine community respites throughout WNY: Akron, Buffalo, Hamburg, Clarence, Williamsville, East Aurora, Eden, and Springville. To inquire about these sites, or if you are interested in becoming a respite volunteer or to offer your location as a possible host site, please call Lauren Ashburn, at 1.800.272.3900.

help us find a breakthroughIf you are interested in helping move research forward, please consider signing up for the Alzheimer’s Association TrialMatch program. TrialMatch is a free, easy-to-use, consumer-directed matching service that connects individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease, healthy volunteers, and physicians with current trials that are taking place locally and across the nation.

To use TrialMatch complete these four simple steps:

• Step 1: Access TrialMatch online at alz.org/TrialMatch or call 1.800.272.3900

• Step 2: Complete a brief questionnaire to create a profile

• Step 3: The Alzheimer’s Association will compare your unique profile to its comprehensive, continually updated study database

• Step 4: You will receive information about studies for which you may be a good fit based on your preferences, location, and personal demographics

Will you help become part of the solution? Don’t let unanswered questions get in the way of you becoming a key participant in research that may lead to a significant breakthrough! We’d be happy to talk to you – call us at any time: 1.800.272.3900.

promising new research unveiledThe Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) is the world’s largest conference for the dementia research community. Scientists, researchers, clinicians and others interested in the latest Alzheimer’s research gathered in Toronto, Canada in July to attend the event. The Western New York Chapter was represented by our Director of Outreach Initiatives, Amanda Nobrega, LMSW.

Amanda says the AAIC was an extraordinary event with more than 5,000 researchers from 70 countries coming together to share the latest breakthroughs about risk factors, the diagnostic process, treatment, and prevention. “The information shared at the 2016 AAIC conference held insurmountable promise for the future,” says Amanda. “Not only has major progress been made regarding pharmacological treatments that may modify disease progression, but there is a significant amount of evidence that suggests lifestyle factors can help prevent cognitive decline and may also serve as a way to treat Alzheimer’s and other dementias.”

The following findings are among the highlights of the conference:

• One study examined changes in cortical thickness before and after an exercise intervention in physically inactive older adults. Findings suggested that regular physical activity not only provides protection against cognitive decline, but it may also counteract brain shrinkage in elders with and without Mild Cognitive Impairment.

• Another study examined whether educational attainment, mentally stimulating work, and social engagement can protect the brain from cognitive decline and counteract effects of poor diet. Over a three-year period, the researchers found that a “Western” diet consisting of red and processed meats, white bread, potatoes, pre-packaged food and sweets is associated with more cognitive decline in older adults. However, individuals in the study eating a “Western” diet who also had a mentally stimulating lifestyle were protected from cognitive decline.

• The potential of odor identification testing and physical changes in and around the eye to detect cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease at an early stage was strengthened by new evidence. Two studies suggested that older adults with a decreasing ability to identify odors may already start to have a decline in cognitive functions. Another study found a strong association between thinning nerve layers in the retina of the eye and poor cognition, suggesting the potential of retinal imaging as part of the diagnostic process.

The science and theories revealed during AAIC are critical to moving us toward methods of prevention, treatment and ultimately, a cure. According to Amanda, the AAIC conference was truly a testament of the dedicated scientists all over the world who are studying various components of the disease with one common goal in mind: ending Alzheimer’s.

For more details about studies presented at the 2016 AAIC conference, please visit www.alz.org/aaic.

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1.800.272.3900 www.alz.org/wny

contest for young artistsThe Alzheimer’s Association of Western New York is proudly offering VOICES, a new opportunity for our younger family members. VOICES, which stands for Verbalize- Open-Impart-Communicate-Express-Share, is a chance for students throughout Western New York to express their personal experiences with dementia. We invite everyone aged 10-18 to submit a piece (or two!) of original writing, artwork or photographs that demonstrate how Alzheimer’s and other dementias have impacted their lives.

Written submissions such as poems, stories or personal reflections must be 300 words or less.

Photographs, sketches and paintings are also eligible.

Please submit all works in digital form only by October 1, 2016. Members of the WNY Chapter staff will choose the winning piece(s), which will be published in the December 2016 Newsletter.

Send all submissions to Tricia Hughes at [email protected]. Please include your name, age, school, home address, phone number and email address.

Call Tricia Hughes at 1.800.272.3900 with any questions.

we’re planning our annual meeting ……And you are invited! Every November, our Chapter staff joins the Board of Directors for a meeting that is open to the public. We recognize Chapter supporters and champions, celebrate victories and highlight goals for the next year.

The location for this important meeting is currently being finalized, but please leave some flexibility in your calendar for November so you can join us for this annual get-together. We’ll be sure to post the details on our website (alz.org/WNY), on Facebook (facebook.com/4alzWNY), and in our bi-weekly eNewsletter. (Don’t get our eNews? Call 1.800.272.3900 to subscribe!).

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great game, ladies!Bruises, callouses, sprains and strains—playing football takes a physical toll. But the women who trained all summer to play flag football know those hurts will heal. The pain they’ve felt by losing someone they love to Alzheimer’s disease is a much deeper wound. “This disease has brought pain to my family and I want to spare others that same sorrow,” says Laurie Ziolkowski, co-captain of the Blondes vs. Brunettes Tackling Alzheimer’s program. Laurie shares leadership with Laura Franklin, who says “I am proud to do what I can to help rid the world of this terrible disease”.

These woman, and another 73 who play on either the blonde or the brunette squad, ended another great year of raising funds and awareness through a very competitive game of flag football, bringing their seven-year total to more than $200,000 earmarked to rid the world of the scourge of Alzheimer’s disease. They were joined this year by four dedicated and talented coaches and dozens of volunteers and donors who believe in their efforts to tackle Alzheimer’s and in our mission to end this disease. Thank you, BvB, for a great year!

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Walk to End Alzheimer’s 2016 Registration FormName

Address

City State Zip

Phone Email

Kick start your fundraising efforts by enclosing a donation to your walk team!Payment Information Check Enclosed (make checks payable to the Alzheimer’s Association, WNY Chapter)

Credit Card Number Exp. Date 3-Digit Security Code

WALK TEAM (check one) Walk as an Individual

Start Team _____________________________

Join Team _____________________________

Reactivate Team

WALK LOCATION (check one) 9/10 – Cattaraugus Co. 10/15 – Niagara Co.

9/17 – Erie Co. 10/22 – Wyoming Co.

9/24 – Genesee Co.

10/1 – Chautauqua Co.

wny chapter sponsorship opportunitiesCorporate support and sponsorship of our not-for-profit Chapter is vital to sustaining our programs and services, outreach efforts, and the tools and resources available at no cost to everyone across our eight-county region.

The Chapter offers annual sponsorships for such things as this newsletter and our eNewsletter, and single event opportunities for things like the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, the Dementia Care Symposium and other educational programs. Sponsorships are available at a variety of levels, and include benefits such as branding on various materials. Development Director Lynn Westcott would be happy to meet with you or discuss the possibilities in a phone call to 1.800.272.3900 or via email at [email protected].

YOU STILL HAVE TIME! Register, Re-new or Join a Team and Fundraise for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s!We have 6 Walks in the coming weeks, and all you have to do to join is fill out both sides of this form and mail it in the envelope provided in the center of this newsletter. You can also call 1.800.272.3900 to get started.

run jimmy run a huge success!Beautiful weather, exceptional volunteers, amazing runners and generous supporters ensured another successful year for the Run Jimmy Run Charity 5K, which benefits this Chapter.

The event, which includes a post-race party and Buffalo Bisons baseball game, is organized to honor the memory of Mayor James “Jimmy” Griffin. We are very grateful to the Griffin family for their continuing generosity, which helps fund programs and services to assist everyone impacted by dementia across the Western New York region.

PLEASE NOTE:

All mailings from the Alzheimer’s Association (National and local) carry the Alzheimer logo (please see above). Any solicitation you receive without this logo is NOT connected to the Alzheimer’s Association. We do not share names or sell our mailing list to any organization.

Western New York Chapter2805 Wehrle Drive, Suite 6Williamsville, NY 14221

Non-profit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDBuffalo, NY

Permit No. 1497

Assumption of Risk, Release and PermissionWalk to End Alzheimer’s involves walking – an activity which may include risks such as, but not limited to, falls, interaction with other participants,

effects of weather, traffic and conditions of the road. In consideration of being allowed to participate in this event, I hereby expressly assume all

risks, including bodily and personal injury, death, property loss or other damages of any kind arising in any way out of my attendance or participation

in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s and related activities. It is my responsibility to dress appropriately. Although route maps, rest stops, refreshments and

other assistance may be made available during this event, I am solely responsible for my own health and safety. I represent that I am physically fit

and able to attend or participate in this event. I hereby for myself, my heirs, executors and administrators, release, discharge and agree not to sue Al-

zheimer’s Association, its chapters, their respective officers, directors, volunteers, employees, sponsors and agents, from any and all liability, claims,

demands and causes of action whatsoever, arising out of my participation in or attendance at this event and related activities – whether resulting

from the negligence of any of the above or from any other cause. I agree that my assumption of risk and release hereunder shall be as broad and

inclusive as is permitted under applicable law. If any portion of this agreement is held invalid, the remainder shall continue in full force and effect. I

grant full permission in perpetuity to the organizers of this event to use, reuse, publish and republish my name and image as a participant in the event

in photographs, video or other recordings. I have read, understand and agree to the terms of this agreement.

Signature Date

For more information or to register visit www.alz.org/WNY or call 1.800.272.3900