Fall 2007Greater Michigan Chapter NewsletterPublished quarterly for our donors, volunteers, advocates and friends in the Alzheimer community

www.alzgmc.org1 800 272 3900

the compassion to care, the leadership to conquer

Chocolate Jubilee 2007Author to speak on his life with Alzheimer’s disease

The 2007 Chocolate Jubilee, to be held at Noon, Sunday, November 18, at The Ritz-Carlton, promises to be an afternoon to remember. This year’s Keynote Speaker, Dr. Richard Taylor, is only 64 years old – and he has been living with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease since his diagnosis six years ago.

As he did in his book “Alzheimer’s from the Inside Out”, Dr. Richard Taylor will share with the audience how dramatically his life has changed, both personally and professionally. Although he can no longer pursue his career as an organizational psychologist, Dr. Taylor is committed to helping us understand that life continues with Alzheimer’s disease – it just needs a new definition.

Please join us as we salute Honorary Chairs Roz and Scott Jacobson and Major Donor Dinner Chairs Lil & Alex Erdeljan and Becky & Gary Sakwa along with Major Event Sponsor Charity Motors. We are also proud to present past Medical & Scientific Advisory Council Chair and Board member, Dr. Stephen Aronson, with the Alois Alzheimer’s Award for his compassion, leadership and dedication in the field of Alzheimer’s disease.

And, of course, there will be lots and lots of chocolate! Our celebrity media guests will gather with us as we taste aplenty from the over 25 exhibitors at the Jubilee tasting following the Luncheon.

For further information, please contact Marilyn Jacobson at (248) 351-0280, ext. 259.

Please join us at the 2007

For the first time in the history of the Alzheimer’s Association, a paid advertis-ing campaign was launched to MOVE the cause for-

ward. This was very exciting news to the Chapter Networks who have been on the front lines of this disease, fighting for awareness and education for years.

Targeted at building awareness, concern and support, the Campaign has been punctuated by three key words – VOICE, OPEN and MOVE – which all have specific significance: OPEN your mind and learn the facts about Alzheimer’s. VOICE your support – become an advocate. MOVE the cause forward – register for a Memory Walk near you!

The innovative and aggressive Champions campaign started out with print ads in over 50 national magazines and news-papers, and wrapped up with a two-week national television ad campaign in early August. The campaign was a great step in the right direction to MOVE a Nation to find a cure! For more information on the Champions campaign or to find a Memory Walk near you, log on to alzgmc.org.

Stay tuned… in our next newsletter we’ll be featuring a Memory Walk wrap-up, including photos and details from Walks across Michigan. Don’t miss it!

Nationally presented by

From the PresidentI hope your summer has been safe, happy and relaxing. There are several interesting items I would like to share:

Adult Day ProgrammingIf your loved one has dementia and would benefit from socialization and supervised activities like art, movement therapy, adapted games and exercise, please call Gina Hanson, (248) 351-0280 for the Southfield, Oakland County area, and Gerdella Moody, (313) 841-4330 for the Detroit area. Our goals are to help participants maintain their highest level of physical, mental, and psychological well-being, and to give caregivers a much needed break. Call us at any time.

Where There’s a Will…----there’s a way! A gift in your will to the Alzheimer’s Association is the ultimate way to continue your interest in helping Alzheimer’s patients and their families, and to help find a cure. Call me at (248) 351-0280 if you would like more information.

Wish to cancel?If you do not wish to receive this newsletter, please let us know and we will follow your request.

Gifts to Friends and FamilyHonor the people you care about through donations to your favorite charity in their name – for birthdays, anniversaries, retirement, and other special occasions. Call (248) 351-0280 for information on our new Tribute Cards.

WelcomeWelcome to new Board of Director members Cathy Garrett, Wayne County Clerk; Russell Knopp, President, Comfort Keepers; and Michael Flasch, V.P., Health Alliance Plan. Also welcome to new Medical and Scientific Advisory Council members David Belmonte, M.D.; Diane Parsons, M.D.; Paul D. Jackson, D.O.; and Wendy Lemere, R.N., Ph.D.

Dian WilkinsPresident

�

Enhanced Charitable Giving OpportunityIn addition to designating a charity as a beneficiary of a retirement plan, some IRA owners can make a gift today.

For a limited time – until December 31, 2007 – the Pension Protection Act of 2006 offers a new charitable giving opportunity for donors over the age 70½ to make gifts from their traditional or Roth IRAs. These qualified charitable distributions from IRAs will not be included in the donor’s federal taxable income and will satisfy all or part of an individual’s IRA minimum distribution. The transfer must be made directly from the IRA custodian to the charity, and the maximum gift amount is $100,000 per account owner.

With IRA gifts it is vital that you notify the Association of your plans so we may coordinate with your IRA custodian to ensure proper transfer and substantiation of your gift for tax purposes. As with any tax strategy, please consult your professional tax advisor. For more information on IRA charitable rollovers or other planned giving options, please contact Marc Berke, Development Director at (248) 351-0280 ext. 243 or email at marc.berke@alz.org.

Mission StatementTo enhance the quality of living for all persons affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia related disorders by providing leadership, programs and services, advocacy awareness and research support.

Greater Michigan ChapterBoard of Directors

Chairperson: Marlana Geha, Ph.D.Vice-Chair: Cathy Mozham

Treasurer: Scott DoyleSecretary: Wayne W. Wilson

Board MembersMaggie AlleseeRichard Astrein

Richard Berchou, Pharm.DMarlene BormanNick Ciaramitaro

Deborah CopelandScott DoyleRita DunkerLil Erdeljan

Michael FlaschCathy M. Garrett

Marlana Geha, Ph.D.Gwen Graddy-Dansby, M.D.

Juanita HernandezDavid HowardMatthew KasleColeman KleinRussell Knopp

Gloria Hicks LongLarry LosinskiRenee Mahler

Amyre MakupsonLinda Moragne

Suzann Ogland-Hand, Ph.D.Sandra Plumer-Dickens

Morris RochlinDon RosenbergDiane Scholnick

Rhonna Shatz, D.O.Patrick SimaskoSheldon S. Toll

Wayne W. WilsonDona J. Wishart

PresidentDian Wilkins

Medical and ScientificAdvisory Council

Chairperson: Richard Berchou, Pharm.DMSAC Members

Lourdes Andaya, M.D.Stephen Aronson, M.D.Cindy Beel-Bates, Ph.D.

David C. Belmonte, M.D.Richard Berchou, Ph.D.

Vicki Berchou, R.N.Kevin Denlinger, D.O.Kelly Fulkerson, M.P.A.

Gwen Graddy-Dansby, M.D.Khaled Imam, M.D.

Paul D. Jackson, D.O.Wendy Lemere, G.N.P.Ronald F. Lewis, Ph.D.Mary Martinen, M.D.Diane Parsons, M.D.Roman Politi, M.D.Sandra Schiff, Ph.D.Rhonna Shatz, D.O.

Danette Taylor, D. O.

Honorary BoardChairperson: Ralph C. Wilson, Jr.Honorary Board Members

Lynn AlandtPaul D. AlandtMaggie Allesee

Bob AllisonDale Austin

Robert CasalouNathan ConyersEdward Deeb

Leslie DevereauxDebbie Dingell

Hon. John FosterRick FrazierHarold HaasRoger Kasle

Hon. Brenda LawrenceHon. Jennifer Nasser

Bruce RosenRosalie Rosen

Eric SmithJulie Taubman

Kirk TaylorKenneth Whipple

Greater Michigan Chapter Loses a Dear FriendJohn M. Bremer, age 55, passed away from accident-related injuries on Thursday, July 19, 2007. John was Vice-Chair of the Alzheimer’s Association – Greater Michigan Chapter’s Board of Directors and member of the Regional Council for the Grand Rapids office. After graduating from Sienna Heights University he pursued a career in hospital management. John was the business manager of Neuroscience at Saint Mary’s Health Care. He was an avid golfer and played a significant role in planning the Association’s annual golf scramble in Saugatuck.

Becoming “Long-Term Care Aware”by Laura Eliason, CLTCGenworth Financial Long-Term Care Planner, (248) 921-4957 Many people don’t understand what long-term care is, don’t know what the odds are that they may need it some day, how much it can cost, or the options available to them. What is Long-Term Care? Unlike medical care, long-term care is not primarily intended to cure a medical condition or restore normal functioning. Instead, it focuses on coping with a person’s reduced level of functioning over an extended period of time, sometimes indefinitely. Commonly, that means an individual needs assistance with what are called Activities of Daily Living, such as bathing, continence, dressing, feeding, toileting, and transferring.I’m not old enough to be concerned - or am I? I have found that people do not want to talk about the prospects of needing long-term care – especially if they’re young. Anyone of any age can need long-term care; however, the likelihood that any individual will need long term care increases with age. Years ago, “long-term care” usually meant “nursing home care.” Today, most care is provided in the person’s home, either by family or friends (informal caregivers) pressed into duty by the circumstances, or by paid health care professionals who visit the home. Long-term care is also delivered in assisted living facilities or community-based facilities like adult day care centers. Finally, the most intensive care is still delivered in skilled nursing homes or special care facilities like Alzheimer’s units.How much can it cost? Cost varies depending on the type of care, the type of facility in which it is delivered, and the area in which the individual lives. However, nursing home costs have historically provided a benchmark. The average nationwide cost of a nursing home facility is $69,400 per year.* These costs could be higher in some metropolitan areas. Most health care insurance policies don’t cover long-term care costs. The solution is planning. Part of that planning should include looking into long-term care insurance, preferably with an agent who specializes in it. Often, unless the ill or injured person has a long-term care insurance policy, the money to pay for care comes right out of the family pocket. A family member may have to quit working to stay home and supply the necessary care. Long-term care insurance is about helping to protect assets. It’s also about helping to preserve dignity, quality of life and financial independence – both for the person who may become disabled and for his or her family members. However you choose to do it, you owe it to yourself and your family to make yourself “Long-Term care aware.”*Genworth Financial 2005 Cost of Care Survey, conducted by the independent research firm of CareScout, issued May 25, 2005.

�

Donate Your Car or Property to Charity MotorsHelp the Alzheimer’s Association

Ready to get rid of your car, boat, house or property? Donate it to Charity Motors. Select the Alzheimer’s Association to receive the proceeds.

Claim the full fair market value for your car, boat or property!

Call (313) 255–1000 or www.charitymotors.org

Wish List• Digital Answering Machine• Digital Camera• VCR/DVD Combo Player• CD Burner• Laptop Computer 2GHz or above• Desktop Computer 2GHz or above• Conference Calling Equipment

Newsletter SponsorshipRecognition opportunities are now available for sponsorship of the newsletter. The newsletter is mailed to over 20,000 households and businesses four times a year.Sponsorships are available on a quarterly, semi-annual or yearly basis.For sponsorship opportunities, contact Marc Berke, Development Director, at (248) 351 – 0280.

Third Party EventsSpecial thanks to…..Reinhold Memorial Golf

Outing “A great game for a great cause” A Memory Walk fundraiser in honor of Janet Arlene Reinhold - $700

Springfield Inn in Davisburg Golf Outing - $2,265

Postal Women of Detroit Tuesday Breakfast Group - $347

Valeo in Auburn Hills Casual for a Cause - $108

�

Regional CouncilsEast Central

MembersJill Bolduc

Carolyn GeraceCarol Hunt

Barbara Mercer, M.D.Loretta RolfesMiriam SageAmi Simms

Sandy StevensTerry Swanson

Deborah ZwierzynskiMid-Michigan

MembersLyn Bradfield

Jennifer Chandler-ConnerMaureen FordStefanie Furlo

Norman HarrisonSusan HarveyBonnie Marsh

Joanne McKellarStacy McIntyre

Lisa RandallRoxie Schell, M.D.

Amanda StrykerHeddie SumnerShannon Vasko

Kim WasikNortheastern

ChairDawn Jacobs

MembersJoel Bauer

Ann DiamondGloria EgelskiLorna Everitt

Jennifer HoppeJan Kane

Bev KuschelLarry Losinski*Justin Moreau

Kenneth MorganKim MurringerNancy Ragan

George StevensDona Wishart*

Upper PeninsulaChair

Jackie BoxerSecretary

Kris LindquistMembers

Beth ClarkKathy Harrington

Julie Kemp-HavicanEdward Langford

Pat LangfordMark Meyer

Suzanne Morris Sandra NeibaurGladys NurmelaBarb PohlmanMarja Salani

Darlene Smith, R.N.*GMC Board Member

Make Each Day SpecialAt the Rebecca and Gary Sakwa Adult Day Program in Southfield and the Southwest Day Program in Detroit, our goal is to make each of the Alzheimer’s participants feel unique and special by providing meaningful activities. Whether it is spending time with one person or conducting an activity for the entire group, we strive to create a positive environment where each participant is encouraged to maintain his or her highest physical, mental and psychological well-being.

Our Centers offer individual and group activities that meet the daily needs of the participants and give them a well-rounded experience. The participants exercise, play memory games, dance, sing, laugh, enjoy meals and snacks, socialize and work to maintain independence in their activities of daily living.

The following are just a few of the ways we encourage participation:

• Conversation - The “Getting to Know You Game”. This game is played by asking questions that stimulate conversation and offer the opportunity to share one’s life experiences. For example, “Who is your best friend?” “Did you ever have a pet?” Each person is encouraged to continue and elaborate on his or her response. Everyone can join in and there are no wrong answers.

• Art – Though memories may be lost or fading, activities such as painting, coloring and making collages allow the participants to express themselves, particularly when words become difficult.

• Music –Listening and performing music brings so much joy to our participants. Even when language is lost, the words to familiar songs often remain intact. We regularly sing and entertain ourselves with music, and musicians even join us weekly to lead sing-a-longs.

• Exercise – Stretching, walking, playing ball, sittercise, tai chi – these are some of the stimulating activities that we perform daily.

Alzheimer’s disease is life-changing for both the diagnosed individuals and those close to them. When Alzheimer’s disease touches your life, the Alzheimer’s Association is available help. Our professional staff navigates people through the difficult decisions and uncertainties of this disease. The Adult Day Programs are part of the Association’s ongoing efforts to provide you with the support you need.

For further information about our Day Care Centers, please contact us at (248) 351-0280 or (800) 272-3900.

Counseling/Care Management ProgramThe Counseling/Care Management Program of the Alzeheimer’s Association is designed to meet the individualized needs of each family. With Alzheimer’s disease, each client presents with his or her own unique set of symptoms – and these symptoms can change significantly over time. While some may choose to meet individually with the counselor, other families choose to get together when out-of-state siblings are in town so that everyone can review the issues openly and together. Stefanie Sinks, Counselor in charge of this program at the headquarters in Southfield, has reported a significant increase in both the intensity of the calls made to the Association from families in need of guidance and counseling support, and in direct referrals made for private Counseling sessions. Given increased availability of basic information on either the Chapter (www.alzgmc.org) or the national (www.alz.org) website, in addition to information received through the Association’s Telephone Helpline, the Counselor may now devote increased time to those cases requiring more complex and/or comprehensive intervention. Initial callers to the Association, seeking information as to Association and/or community resources, are generally referred to the Telephone Helpline where, in conjunction with National Alzheimer’s Association Contact Center, they are able to speak to a live person 24/7 and receive support both on the phone and in follow-up information. As the need dictates, Helpline callers are then directed to the Counseling/Care Management Program for more intensive support, guidance and follow-up. Many of the issues addressed in Counseling involve the following:

• Planning for the future;• Understanding communication and behaviors; and• Family dynamics

Given the increased awareness as well as the increased incidence of Alzheimer’s disease, both now and in the projected future, it is anticipated that the need for Counseling will steadily increase as well. For further information, please call (800) 272-3900 or (248) 351-0280.

�

Study of Alzhemed® Shows Little Effectby Stephen Aronson MD, MSAC MemberLate-breaking news reports the following results of the Phase III research study of Alzhemed® (tramiprosate) in patients with Alzheimer’s: According to minimal information released as of the preparation of this article, the difference between persons treated with Alzhemed® as compared to those who took a placebo, was unfortunately not statistically significant. This clinical trial was conducted over an 18-month period in persons with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s in over 50 sites throughout the US and Canada.Alzhemed® is one of several medicines currently being studied that targets a chemical called amyloid. Each of these drugs affects amyloid in a different manner. Therefore, it is important not to conclude that all amyloid-related approaches will fail, or that the overall concept of addressing amyloid is incorrect. “Stay-tuned” for further developments.

2007 ALzHEiMER’S ASSOCiATiONHOLiDAY CARDS

Order on our website at www.alzgmc.org

The Dirty Little QuiltFew fundraisers offer soiled merchandise for sale, but the Alzheimer’s Art Quilt Initiative (AAQI) will be auctioning a rather unusual quilt in mid-November to raise money for the Greater Michigan Chapter.The quilt was constructed from a purple bandana and a piece of white cloth. The fabrics accompanied 10 climbers, including Jean Barnas Haratsaris, to the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro during the November 2006 “Ascent for Alzheimer’s”.Haratsaris is the Program Coordinator for the Greater Michigan Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. She participated in the World Team, comprised of climbers from 8 different countries to mark World Alzheimer’s Day. Mt. Kilimanjaro is the largest free-standing mountain (19,340 feet) in the world and climbing to the top was no easy feat. Team members signed the white cloth, which also includes their photos, while Haratsaris wore the purple bandana on the way up.Quilter Ami Simms of Flint, whose mother has Alzheimer’s disease, founded the AAQI. They sponsor a national touring exhibit of quilts and offer a full-color book about the exhibit entitled “Alzheimer’s: Forgetting Piece by Piece” on their website. AAQI also holds monthly Internet auctions of small quilts and have so far raised $89,000 for research. Go to www.alzquilts.org for more information.

• Go to www.alzgmc.org to view and order cards. 8 beautiful cards to choose from!

• Need Help? Contact Marilyn Jacobson at (248) 996-1048 for assistance in placing an order.

• 45 % of the cost of the cards goes to our Chapter!

• Orders ship within 3 -5 business days. • Each card highlights the Alzheimer’s message.

WANTED:Public Policy Volunteers!

Do you have an interest in state and local politics and how they impact the Alzheimer’s Association? Do you have a story to tell or are you just interested in helping Alzheimer’s patients and caregivers make their mark in Lansing and Washington DC? Then WE NEED YOU! Sign up to be a public policy volunteer today. Contact Carrie Collins at 248-351-0280 x230 or or carrie.collins@alz.org.

CALLiNG FOR HELPLiNE VOLUNTEERS!

The Southfield office is seeking individuals who are interested in providing information and support to callers dealing with issues about Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Training is provided and schedules are flexible.

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder that gradually destroys mental capabilities. There are an estimated 5 million Americans affected by Alzheimer’s disease — approximately 75,000 in Metro Detroit.

Help for individuals affected by Alzheimer’s can be found through the Alzheimer’s Association Telephone Helpline. If you would like to lend a hand, please call (248) 351-0280.

You can help through: • Annual Appeals • Special Events • Tributes and Memorials • On-line Giving • Third Party Events • Holiday Cards • Named Funds

Your commitment makes a difference…Through our programs and services, your gift provides support to individuals and families impacted by Alzheimer’s disease.

For more information, please call Marc Berke, Development Director, or Gayle Burstein, Director of Major Gifts, at (248) 351 - 0280.

• Planned Gifts • Will Bequest • Living Trust • Life Insurance Gift • Charitable Gift Annuity • Gifts of Stock or Real Estate • Car donations

�

Alpena November 5th • 6 pmLakefront BandshellGaylord November 9th • 6 pmThe Pavilion on Court

East Central“Evening To Remember” Candlelight VigilJerry Walden, LMSW will present on the topic of “Hope and Healing.”For More informationcall (810) 720-2791DavisonNovember 27th • 6 pm Davison-Richfield Senior Center10135 Lapeer Road.

Educational ProgramsCall (800) 272–3900 to register. All programs are free. For a current listing of education programs, visit our website at www.alzgmc.org.

October 103:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.Understanding Difficult BehaviorsMcLaren Homewood Village, Bldg. 14444 W. Court St.Flint 48531

November 132:20 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.The Facts about Alzheimer’s Disease and Other DementiasDurand Senior Center8618 E. Lansing Rd.Durand 48429

December 182:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.Intimacy and Sexuality Lapeer Regional Medical Center, Classroom 51375 N. Main St.Lapeer 48446

An EVEnInG OF REMEMBRAnCESharing a Candlelight Time of Reflection

Metro-DetroitCaregiver Forum, Dinner, and Candlelight VigilFor more information call (248) 351-0280LivoniaOctober 25th Forum starts at 5:30 pm and vigil will immediately follow at the Visa Tech Center.

NorthwestCandlelight VigilFor more informationcall (231) 929-2766Traverse City November 1st • 6-7 pm Central United Methodist Church 222 Cass Street Side by Side Adult Day Care November 14th • 7-8 pm

NortheastFor more informationcall (231) 929-2766AlpenaNovember 5th • 6 pmLakefront BandshellGaylordNovember 9th • 6 pmThe Pavilion on Court

West MichiganFor more informationcall (616) 459-4558Grand RapidsNovember 14th • 7-8 pmFamily Life Center1256 Walker N.W.

Early Stage Discussion GroupsWHO: The Alzheimer’s Association - Greater Michigan Chapter Metro Detroit Region, Early Stage Support Programs are for persons recently diagnosed with early stage memory loss as well as their primary care partners.WHEn: The Fall Early-Stage Discussion Group began Wednesday, September 12th. The group will meet for seven consecutive Wednesdays from 10:00am-12:00pm. The Winter Early-Stage Discussion Group will start in January 2008.WHAT: The Early-Stage Discussion Group is a time limited educational group. Each session has 2 parts. The 1st hour begins with an informative seminar focusing on topics such as Facts About Alzheimer’s, Planning for the Future, Coping Techniques and Research/Medical Updates. The 2nd hour encourages open discussion where persons with early stage memory loss and care partners attend their own discussion groups.COST: There is a nominal fee for attending the 7-session discussion group - $25 per attendee (financial assistance is available). If you would like additional information, please feel free to contact Rebecca Reiten, MS Family Services Program Coordinator, at (248) 351-0280 x 240.Since this is a closed group, individuals interested in participating should contact the Alzheimer’s Association to obtain admission criteria. This program is sponspored in part by the Bernard Farris Early Stage Support Group Fund.

Mid-Stage Care Partner Discussion GroupBeginning October 4, 2007, from 1:00 p.m to 3:00 p.m., the Greater Michigan Chapter-Detroit office will be offering a support and educational discussion group for partners caring for a person in the middle stages of Alzheimer’s or other re-lated dementia. Care partners will have a better understand-ing of symptoms and care needs of those persons at this stage of dementia. The agenda for the four sessions is as follows: Session 1 Progression and ChangesStages of dementia (symptoms and progression in the middle stage), What is happening in the brain, Care partner stress, Coping Techniques, Respite ServicesSession 2 Communication and BehaviorsCommunication and Behavior changes, Why changes occur, Coping Techniques: Managing Behaviors, Effective Com-munication, Wandering and Safe Return, Home Safety Session 3 Personal CareProviding Personal Care, Eating, Nutrition, How to Assist with Eating, Bathing and Dressing, Assistance with toileting and transferringSession 4 Long Term Care PlanningUnderstanding Long Term Care Options, Available Resources, Care Management Services

�

MiND OVER MATTERThe view from the bike path along Lake Shore Drive in Grosse Pointe was beautiful, as were the smiling faces of the over 170 participants for the 2007 MIND OVER MATTER bike event. In her third year hosting MIND OVER MATTER, founder Kristine Korpal surpassed her 2006 mark by raising over $19,000 for her Memory Walk team “Pa Pa’s Earth Angels”. The event, held at Harrison Township Metro Beach on August 4th, was a testament to the memory of Kristine’s father, Karl T. David, who passed away from Alzheimer’s in December of 2003. For more details about the 2007 MIND OVER MATTER, or for information about the 2008 event, check out the event website – www.mindovermatter2007.com.

Current Grant SupportAAA – Region 14Area Agency on Aging of Northwest

MichiganArea Agency on Aging of Western MichiganBenzie County Community ChestBlue Cross Blue Shield of MichiganCity of Detroit/Neighborhood Opportunity

FundClarence and Jack Himmel FoundationCommunity Foundation for Northeast

MichiganDeRoy Testamentary FoundationDetroit Area Agency on AgingDetroit-Wayne County Community Mental

Health AgencyFirst Federal Community FundIosco County Community FoundationMichigan Department of Community

HealthPathways Community Mental HealthTraverse City Sunrise RotaryUnited WayUpper Peninsula Area Agency on Aging

(UPCAP)Valley Area Agency on AgingWilloughby Foundation of the Frankfort

Rotary

individuals with Alzheimer’s Need Exercise, TooBy Denise MurrayThe evidence is now more convincing than ever that inactive people can improve their health and well-being by becoming active at a moderate-intensity on a regular basis. Regular exercising helps control weight, contributes to healthy bones, muscles and joints, reduces falls among older adults, reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression, and is associated with fewer hospitalizations, physician visits and medications. Individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia also need physical activity for the same reasons. In fact, a person living with Alzheimer disease may need a regular exercise program even more. A 2003 study conducted by the University of Washington, Department of Psychosocial and Community Health found exercise training, combined with teaching caregivers behavioral management techniques, improved physical health and depression in patients with Alzheimer’s disease. Another study conducted in Toulouse France, published in the Journal of American Geriatric Society in February 2007, found a simple exercise program, one hour twice a week, led to a significantly slower decline in activities of daily living in patients with Alzheimer disease. Early StageIt is important for individuals first diagnosed with early stage or early onset Alzheimer’s disease to begin a recreational exercise program if not already involved in one. Fight back. Do something positive for yourself. Get in shape. An exercise program will help combat stress by decreasing the release of stress hormones and improving the body’s ability to respond to stress. Exercise can also provide an excellent opportunity for socialization to fight the feeling of isolation. Find an exercise buddy so you both can maintain motivation. Your exercise buddy can be a spouse, family member or good friend. Find someone who also needs to exercise, someone who will continue to exercise with you as the disease progresses. Mid-StageExercise is just as important for Mid-stage Alzheimer’s disease as it is for early stage. The Alzheimer’s Association’s Rebecca and Gary Sakwa Adult Day Program in Southfield, where I teach a modified Tai Chi/Arthritis exercise class from the Arthritis Foundation, focuses on four key areas to help maintain functional independence:

1) Endurance exercises to increase stamina2) Range-of-motion and flexibility exercises for mobility and fall prevention3) Resistance training to maintain and build muscle tone for balance and stability,

and to enhance up-right seated and standing postures in daily life4) Breathing exercises for relaxation and for respiration health which becomes

increasingly important with a sedentary life styleI also invite caregivers to attend my Tai Chi / Arthritis exercise class at the Sakwa Adult Day Program when space is available. The class provides an excellent opportunity for socialization with a loved one living with dementia. The class provides a non-judgmental environment in which everyone receives benefit.Denise Murray is a certified Tai Chi for Arthritis Instructor, trained Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program Instructor, Registered Yoga Teacher and teaches at the Rebecca and Gary Sakwa Adult Day Program in the Greater Michigan Chapter’s Southfield office.

Four-Week Memory Book Study Open to Families

in Southeast Michigan

Oakland University School of Nursing is conducting a study for persons with Alzheimer’s and their family caregivers. The purpose of the study is to test the effect of a personal memory book used for 4 weeks. The study can be done in your home and scheduled at your convenience. The Nurses will visit twice - initially to create the memory book and then later to ask about sense of identity, quality of life, mood, and caregiver burden. At the end, you will keep the memory book and receive a $20 honorarium for participating.We are looking for 20 Alzheimer’s patients residing with a family caregiver. Family caregivers must report that the patient has a diagnosis of “probable Alzheimer’s” in the mild to moderate stage and has not been hospitalized in the past 6 weeks. If you are interested in learning more, please call Dr. Harrison at: (248) 370-3657 or Email: harriso3@oakland.edu.

Non-Profit OrgU.S. Postage

P A I DSouthfield, MI 48076

Permit No. 506Greater Michigan Chapter

www.alzgmc.orgToll Free Number(800) 272 - 3900

East Central RegionG3287 Beecher Road

Flint, MI 48532

(810) 720 - 2791 p(810) 720 - 3040 f

Metro Detroit Region20300 Civic Center Drive

Suite 100Southfield, MI 48076

(248) 351 - 0280 p(248) 351 - 0417 f

Mid-Michigan Region4604 N. Saginaw Road

Suite FMidland, MI 48640

(989) 839 - 9910 p(989) 839 - 5910 f

Northeastern Region100 Woods Circle

Suite 300Alpena, MI 49707

(989) 356 - 4087 p(989) 354 - 7879 f

Northwest Michigan Region1040 Walnut Street

Traverse City, MI 49686

(231) 929 - 3804 p(231) 929 - 2766 f

Upper Peninsula Region710 Chippewa Square

Suite 201Marquette, MI 49855

(906) 228 - 3910 p(906) 228 - 2455 f

West Michigan Region213 Sheldon Blvd, SE

Suite AGrand Rapids, MI 49503

(616) 459 - 4558 p(616) 459 - 8874 f

If you do not wish to receivethis newsletter, please call

(248) 351-0280