deficiency, brain tumor, sleep apnea, drug interactions and medication side effects. A primary care physician will often refer a person with memory loss concerns to a neurologist or geriatrician to obtain the most accurate diagnosis. Correct and early diagnosis is essential for proper treatment. Current medications can slow the progression of the disease, and allow for an improved quality of life. Early diagnosis also allows the person affected to make plans for their future and discuss important care decisions with their loved ones.

It is frightening to consider the possibility of developing Alzheimer’s disease or any form of dementia, however, most adults never develop significant memory issues. Memory issues that impact your quality of life should always be investigated, but occasionally forgetting a name or misplacing an object is a part of normal aging.

Now, where did I put my keys?

Free MeMory Screening

The Herrick House november 20, 2008 1:00pm-5:00pm

Please rSVP for an individual appointment to 978-922-1999.

As the Baby Boomer Generation ages, there has been increasing publicity about the prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease. Statistics can sound alarming. For example, an often quoted statistic is that 50% of all adults over the age of 85 will develop Alzheimer’s disease. In addition, it is projected that 16 million people in the U.S. will develop the disease by the year 2050. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, as many as 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease today.

Memory loss is not a normal part of aging. However, due to changes in the brain, it is common for memory to slow with increasing age. Events such as losing your keys, forgetting a name, or not remembering why you went into a room, are minor inconveniences that happen more as we age, but which, by themselves, do not signify the onset of dementia, especially if they do not occur regularly.

Memory loss becomes a cause for concern when it affects daily living. The Alzheimer’s Association cites the key warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease: (1) short-term memory loss, (2) difficulty performing familiar tasks, (3) problems with language, (4) disorientation to time and place, (5) poor judgment, (6) misplacing things, (7) changes in mood or behavior, (8) personality changes, and (9) loss of initiative. If there are concerns about your memory, it is important to see your primary care physician to have a complete medical work-up, which includes blood tests, CT scan, MRI and neuropsychological testing. There can be many different causes of memory loss, several of which are reversible. Some treatable causes of memory loss include infection, poor nutrition, thyroid disease, depression, vitamin

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norTHeAST Senior HeALTH ProgrAMS

CENTER FOR HEALTHY AGING ß LIFELINE ß SENIOR OUTREACH PROGRAMS ß

NORTHEASTLINK ß NORTH SHORE PRN ß NORTHEAST HOMECARE ß

SPECTRUM ADULT DAY HEALTH PROGRAM ß THE HERRICK HOUSE ß

HERITAGE AT DANVERS ß LEDGEWOOD REHABILITATION AND

NURSING CENTER ß SEACOAST NURSING AND REHABILITATION CENTER

ocT/noV 2008

November is National  Alzheimer’s Awareness Month. 

For resources and more  information, visit the  

Massachusetts Alzheimer’s  Association at www.alz.org/ma or call 1-800-272-3900.

MeMory LoSS: WHen To WorryDarcey Adams, LicSW, Director of community Programs for northeast Senior Health

SPecTruM WeLcoMeS neW execuTiVe DirecTor

Northeast Senior Health’s Spectrum Adult Day Health Program, a supportive day environment for people with Alzheimer’s disease and other memory-related disorders and the only day program in the region to be certified by the Massachusetts Alzheimer’s Association, has appointed Lisa Orgettas to the role of Executive Director. In her new position, Orgettas will oversee all aspects of Spectrum’s Beverly-based operations.

A seasoned health and human services professional and longtime resident of Danvers, Orgettas brings more than 18 years of experience to her new position. Her background includes executive leadership roles with Briarcliff Lodge Adult Day Health Services, Brighton Gardens Assisted Living and North Shore Arc.

“I am thrilled and honored to be a part of the Spectrum Adult Day Health Program,” said Orgettas. “I look forward to working with Spectrum staff, clients and their family members in my new role.”

To learn more about the Spectrum Adult Day Health Program, call 978-921-5020.

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Debunking THe MyTHS AbouT SHingLeSkevin J. ennis, MD, FAcP

Shingles is a painful skin rash caused by a the Varicella-Zoster Virus that often remains in nerve cells as a result of having had chickenpox earlier in life. Years later, the virus can become active again and travel to the skin. Anyone who has had chickenpox is at risk of developing shingles. However, the risk increases for those individuals who are over 50 years of age, for those who may have a weakened immune system or for people who are taking medications that suppress the immune system.

This is a condition that can result in sometimes intense pain, burning, tingling or itching on one part of the face or body. A red rash with small blisters appears, sometimes on more than one part of the body. After a few days, the blisters become dry and form a crust. The virus could be spread to someone who has not had chickenpox. Contact with pregnant women, newborns, people with weakened immune systems, and adults and children who have not had chickenpox should be avoided until the blisters heal. Complications from shingles may include severe pain that lasts for months or even years, blisters that become infected, blindness if shingles occurs near the eye, or nerve damage.

There is an immunization for shingles that protects against its development and reduces the risk by 51%. The immunization, which is in the form of a shot, is given once and is recommended for people 60 years of age and older. People who have active tuberculosis, or have conditions affecting their immune system, such as leukemia, malignant diseases or HIV infection should not get the shot. Additionally, anyone who is taking drugs that suppress the immune system should not consider the shot.

Always discuss immunization with your primary care physician, who will assess the benefits and risks based upon your personal medical history and recommend the proper course of action.

Kevin J. Ennis, MD, FACP, is a board-certified geriatrician at the Center for Healthy Aging, a multi-disciplinary treatment center focused on meeting the healthcare needs of seniors. For more information, please call 1-866-479-3302 x 7070.

Free LecTureSSHingLeS: PreVenTion & TreATMenTKevin J. Ennis, MD, FACP, Center for Healthy Aging

The Herrick House, beverlyoctober 9, 2008 3:00pm-4:00pm

Please RSVP to 978-922-1999.

Lynnfield council on Agingnovember 20, 2008 1:00pm

For questions or directions, call 781-598-1078.Lisa Orgettas, Executive Director, Spectrum Adult Day Health Program

Kevin J. Ennis, MD, FACP

Some Simple recipes for one

French onion Soup1 very large sweet onion (i.e. Vidalia)1½ tbsp. butter1 tbsp. flour2 beef bouillon cubes2 cups hot water

Dice onion into medium-sized pieces. Put in skillet with butter and sauté until onions are clear. Add the flour and cook another minute or two. Dissolve bouillon in hot water. Add bouillon water to the onions and heat another five minutes. Serve hot with croutons or cheese on top.

baked AppleCore an apple and stuff the hole with a pat of butter, 1 tsp. brown sugar and a ¼ tsp. cinnamon. Cover with plastic wrap, slit, and microwave on high for 10 minutes. Baste and cook for 5 more minutes.

Recipe source: Russell Orchards, Ipswich, MA

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cooking For onerachael Palmacci, Director, north Shore Prn

Cooking for one can be challenging for people at any age. There may be certain circumstances that make meal preparation and eating alone seem daunting. Perhaps the loss of a spouse or partner, a decrease in activity level, or an injury or physical limitation are causes for a lack of interest and motivation to prepare healthy and interesting meals for one.

Thoughtful planning can help minimize both labor and leftovers, and result in healthier meals. There are ways to make cooking for one more pleasurable and even fun. Consider some simple tips and strategies:

• Plan ahead. Make a menu and shopping list for a few days at a time.

• Make two meals from one entrée by planning for leftovers. For example, chili one night may be added to a baked potato for a second meal. Keep in mind to use leftovers within three days.

• Buy small or individual-sized packages to reduce waste and add variety to meals.

• Use supermarket salad bars for small amounts of fresh fruits and vegetables as well as personalized salads.

• If using the convenience of frozen dinners, add interest and nutrition with a fresh vegetable or piece of fruit. Low sodium V8 juice is also a good source of nutrients.

Mealtime can be more fun with some simple changes and added touches. For example, putting fresh flowers on the table or changing your chair at the kitchen table may bring a fresh perspective. Try not eating in front of the televsion for a change. Find a companion to share a meal with or swap meals. Try to be adventuresome by experiencing new foods. Such changes can make your dining experience more special.

As we age, it is common for our appetites to decrease. Good nutrition is one of the foundations of healthy aging and eating a well-planned, balanced mix of nutritious foods is essential to maintaining function. Simple steps can ensure a healthier dining experience when cooking for one.

Many people cannot do grocery shopping for themselves, and even simple meal preparation may be too demanding due to physical limitations or other medical reasons. Private duty home care services are available for these situations, which may be just what is needed to ensure healthy and enjoyable meals if living alone. Most home care agencies provide this service as part of the individual’s plan of care.

To learn more about how in-home assistance can make a difference in your or a loved one’s life, please call North Shore PRN today at 978-922-7062.

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NonprofitOrganizationU.S. Postage

PAIDPermit No. 24

Beverly, MA 01915800 Cummings Center, Suite 266U, Beverly, MA 01915

roSe bAker Senior cenTer – Free Lecture

october 22, 2008 10:00am-11:00am Falls Prevention & Home SafetyJoanne Mercaldi, OT, Northeast HomeCare

For questions or directions, call 978-281-9765.

beVerLy Senior cenTer – Free Lectures

october 16, 2008 10:00am-11:00amimmunizations for SeniorsKevin J. Ennis, MD, FACP, Center for Healthy Aging

november 20, 2008 10:00am-11:00amShoulder Arthritis & Shoulder replacementTodd O’Brien, MD, New England Orthopedic Specialists, LLC

For questions or directions, call 978-921-6017.

beVerLy HoSPiTAL

Luncheon Lectures, beverly Hospital Lecture Hall

october 23, 2008 11:30am-1:00pmDental implants Keith Sherwood, DDSLuncheon cost $6. RSVP to 978-921-1697 x 300 by Oct. 20.

november 18, 2008 11:30am-1:00pmAdvances in cardiac imagingJames H. Chafey, MD, Beverly Radiology AssociatesLuncheon cost $6. RSVP to 978-921-1697 x 300 by Nov. 14.

LeDgeWooD – Free Lecture

october 7, 2008 6:00pmFall Soup cooking DemonstrationNed Lisi, Nutritional Services Manager, LedgewoodLight supper provided. RSVP to 978-921-1697 x 300 by Oct. 4.

THe Herrick HouSe – Free Lectures

october 28, 2008 3:00pm-4:00pmHealthy AgingDavid McMahon, MD, FAPA, Center for Healthy AgingPlease RSVP to 978-922-1999.

november 6, 2008 5:30pmFinding the Joy in natureLisa Brayton, Rose Baker Senior Center/PhotographerLight supper provided. For questions or directions, call 978-922-1999.

beverly events

gloucester event

eVenTS

DAnVerS Senior cenTer – Free Lectures

october 1, 2008 10:30am-11:30am Shoulder Arthritis & Shoulder replacementTodd O’Brien, MD, New England Orthopedic Specialists, LLC

november 5, 2008 10:30am-11:30am incontinence for Men & WomenSusan Pursell, MD, North Shore Urological Associates

For questions or directions, call 978-762-0208.

cenTer For HeALTHy Aging AT THe HunT cenTer

Free Monthly brown bag Pharmacy SessionsPharmacist will review your medications and offer suggestions.

october 16, 2008 11:00am-1:00pmReserve a 15 minute appt. at 978-921-1697 x 300 by Oct. 14.

november 20, 2008 11:00am-1:00pmReserve a 15 minute appt. at 978-921-1697 x 300 by Nov. 18.

Danvers events

HAMiLTon WenHAM LibrAry – Free Lecture

october 15, 2008 11:30am-1:30pmcoping with ArthritisMatthew Heller, MD, Arthritis Associates

Light refreshments provided. For questions or directions, call 978-468-5529.

Hamilton/Wenham event

AArP SAFe DriVing ProgrAM

October 29 & 30, 2008 9:30am-2:00pm

Conference Room, Northeast Health System, 55 Tozer Road, Beverly

$10/person includes workbook. Must attend both sessions. Please RSVP to

978-921-1697 x 300 by Oct. 24.

To update your information or be removed from our mailing list

please call 978-922-7018 x 1305.

For more information about upcoming events please call the

northeast Senior Health events Hotline at 978-524-6040.