Home Decision Guide Dementia – Alzheimer’s

Dementia – Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia, causing 50 to 70% of all cases. The disease results in problems with:

memory, thinking
language
disorientation of time and place
poor or decreased judgment
changes in mood or behavior
misplacing things
changes in personality
loss of initiative

Symptoms usually develop slowly and get worse over time, becoming severe enough to interfere with daily tasks. Alzheimer’s is not a reversible disease. It is degenerative and incurable at this time. Some forms of dementia, such as a drug interaction or a vitamin deficiency, are actually reversible or temporary.

There is no one specific kind of specialist best qualified to assess plan treatment
Neurologists, geriatric psychiatrists and geriatricians all receive training in the evaluation and treatment of memory disorders.
Alzheimer’s is not a normal part of aging.
Alzheimer’s has no current cure, but treatments for symptoms are available and research continues.
Alzheimer’s worsens over time.

Services

Although no cure for Alzheimer’s disease is presently available, proper education, good planning, and support can ease the burdens on the patient and family. Find help in your local community from experienced, educated people that provide the following services:

Sitting with your loved one to give you a break.
Transportation for medical appointments and/or a supervised outing.
Licensed facilities that will take your loved one on a temporary/permanent basis set up with activities and safety measures.

Specialization

Professionals who specialize in Dementia or Alzheimer’s specialize in the biological, psychological, and social aspects of aging.

Gerontologists have a masters or doctoral degree in gerontology and can provide non-medical services to older adults, such as caregiver classes and support for people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.
Neurologist A physician specializing in diseases of the nervous system, such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, epilepsy, and stroke. A neurologist has a doctorate in medicine and has completed a residency in neurology. Neurologists may or may not have specific experience and training in diseases of the older population.
Memory care facilities are specifically created to care for the progression of the disease. If you are seeing signs of memory loss.

Preparation

Is your parent showing signs of:

memory loss that disrupts daily life?
increased challenges in planning or solving problems?
having difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work or at leisure?

Evaluation

When visiting a Memory Care Gerontologist or Physician here are some questions you should ask and things you should evaluate:

Are you Medicaid/Medicare certified?
Is the physician within your parents’ insurance company’s list of preferred providers?
Is the physician within the American Medical Associations website?
Does the physician have superior credentials?
What is the level of the disease that my loved one is in currently?
Based on that level, is my loved one needing a memory care facility?

Alzheimer’s and Dementia Articles

Alzheimer’s: Many Ways to Volunteer and Help - Volunteer groups advocate to make a difference in the lives of people facing Alzheimer's and dementia. Jim Wilgus, Executive Director for the Washington State Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association, joins Suzanne Newman on the Answers for Elders Radio Show to talk about various ways you can help the search for a cure. …Read More
Alzheimer’s: Clinical Trial Participants Urgently Needed - Jim Wilgus, Executive Director for the Washington State Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association, joins Suzanne Newman on the Answers for Elders Radio Show to talk about the need for participants in Alzheimer's clinical trials. …Read More
Alzheimer’s: Participate in Clinical Trials - If you have a loved one who was just diagnosed — or if you've been diagnosed yourself, maybe you are taking care of someone — with Alzheimer's and dementia, the Alzheimer's Association is an amazing resource. Jim Wilgus, Executive Director for the Washington State Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association, joins Suzanne Newman on the Answers for Elders Radio Show to talk about clinical research, and opportunities to participate in clinical trials to cure Alzheimer's. …Read More
Alzheimer’s: Urgency to Find a Cure - Jim Wilgus, Executive Director for the Washington State Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association, joins Suzanne Newman on the Answers for Elders Radio Show. Suzanne and Jim talk about the Alzheimer's Association accelerating clinical research into cures for Alzheimer's and Dementia, funding about $430 million for 1,100 projects in 56 countries. The Alzheimer's Association has a division of medical science leadership and officers, plus hundreds of volunteers and researchers. …Read More
Unlocking Hope: Guide to Alzheimer’s Volunteering - Learn about various ways people can volunteer for the Alzheimer's Association. Alexis Bonoff, Program Director of the Alzheimer's Association in Washington state, joins Suzanne to talk about volunteering and also the organization's clinical trial match tool. …Read More
Support for Families With Alzheimer’s - How do you find resources and information to help care for families dealing with a senior loved one with Alzheimer's or dementia? Alexis Bonoff, Program Director of the Alzheimer's Association in Washington state, joins Suzanne to talk about how to find information, their 24/7 hotline, and more. …Read More
Decoding Alzheimer’s: How to Get Answers - Take advantage of the resources of the Alzheimer's Association to help care for families dealing with a senior loved one with Alzheimer's or dementia. Alexis Bonoff, Program Director of the Alzheimer's Association in Washington state, joins Suzanne to talk about the resources and programs. …Read More
Embracing Change: Help to Adapt Family Life to Alzheimer’s - Alexis Bonoff, Program Director of the Alzheimer's Association in Washington state, joins Suzanne to talk about the Walk to End Alzheimer's and various programs and resources of the Alzheimer's Association. …Read More
Alzheimer’s Fundraising: How to Ask for Money - The Alzheimers Association's Cory Townsend provides advice for people who feel uncomfortable asking people to donate. …Read More
Alzheimer’s: Importance of Fundraising - The Alzheimers Association's Cory Townsend joins Suzanne to talk about fundraising for the Walk to End Alzheimer's: "There are all sorts of templates for emails and social media that you can send out to folks, so invite your friends, family, loved ones, and coworkers to join your team, and to come walk with you, and then post on social media. Send emails to those that you spend time with, and ask them to support your efforts in this Walk. Fundraising is easy. It doesn't have to be hard or scary." …Read More
Alzheimer’s: Employers and Caregivers - This segment focuses on employers beginning to adapt to the needs of family members caregiving for a senior loved one with Alzheimer's or dementia. Cory Townsend, Director of Development for the Alzheimers Association, Washington branch, joins Suzanne to talk about the Walk to End Alzheimer's. …Read More
Grandpa Forgot My Name - Cory Townsend, Director of Development for the Alzheimers Association, Washington branch, joins Suzanne to talk about the Walk to End Alzheimer's. Cory says, "This cause is a lot more than professional for me. My grandfather was a great guy who taught me a lot about life, but also how to fly fish, which is one of my passions. And when he forgot my name, I was heartbroken. We lost my grandpa when he was 99, back in about 2012." …Read More
Alzheimer’s Pet Stories to Cry For - Therapy animals make a difference in the lives of people with Alzheimer's and dementia. Washington Therapy Dogs' manager Marlina Velasco-Barker joins Suzanne to talk about the science and successes of therapy dogs. Episodes this month support the Walk to End Alzheimer's. …Read More
Alzheimer’s and Pet Owners - Supporting the Walk to End Alzheimer's, this episode is about animal-assisted intervention for those with Alzheimer's and dementia, specifically therapy animals. Washington Therapy Dogs' manager Marlina Velasco-Barker joins Suzanne to talk about a therapy dog team formed as an extension of Answers for Elders. In this segment, Marlina talks about seniors with Alzheimer's who have their own pets. …Read More
Therapy Dogs and Alzheimer’s - What are pet therapies, and why are they important in the world of Alzheimer's? Washington Therapy Dogs' manager Marlina Velasco-Barker joins Suzanne for September's conversations about the Walk to End Alzheimer's. …Read More
Training Pets for Alzheimer’s Dog Therapy - More than 100 therapy dogs and their handlers have joined Answers for Elder's Washington Therapy Dogs group to visit senior living communities and bring joy to those with Alzheimer's and dementia. Manager Marlina Velasco-Barker joins Suzanne to talk about the process of going about training your pet to become a therapy dog. Episodes this month support the Walk to End Alzheimer's. …Read More
Alzheimers Walks: Senior Communities - The Walk to End Alzheimer's is the world's largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer's care, support and research. Sign up as a Team Captain, join a team or walk as an individual. This month, Answers for Elders supports the Walks and fundraising for the Alzheimer's Association. This episode, we feature an interview conducted in September 2019 with Scott Houghton, regional director of operations at Fieldstone Communities, a major sponsor of the Alzheimer’s Walks in Washington. …Read More
Alzheimers Walks: Research Sponsors - The Walk to End Alzheimer's is the world's largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer's care, support and research. Sign up as a Team Captain, join a team or walk as an individual. This month, Answers for Elders supports the Walks and fundraising for the Alzheimer's Association. This episode, we feature an interview conducted in September 2019 with Josh Pan, a volunteer for the Alzheimer's Walk. He is also director of business development for Althira Pharma, a local Seattle-based business. …Read More
Alzheimers Walks: Supporting Fundraising - The Walk to End Alzheimer's is the world's largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer's care, support and research. Sign up as a Team Captain, join a team or walk as an individual. This month, Answers for Elders supports the Walks and fundraising for the Alzheimer's Association. This episode, we feature an interview conducted in September 2019 with Annie Jacobsen, host of the Snohomish County's Alzheimer's Walk. The walk is along Boxcar Park in Everett, Washington. …Read More
Alzheimers Walks: Raising Awareness - The Walk to End Alzheimer's is the world's largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer's care, support and research. Sign up as a Team Captain, join a team or walk as an individual. This month, Answers for Elders supports the Walks and fundraising for the Alzheimer's Association. This episode, we feature an interview conducted in September 2019 with Carrie McBride, director of marketing and communications for the Alzheimer's Association, Washington Chapter. …Read More

Alzheimer’s and Dementia Radio Show Segments

Unlocking Hope: Guide to Alzheimer’s Volunteering
This segment focuses on Alzheimer’s volunteering. Alexis Bonoff, Program Director of the Alzheimer’s Association in Washington state, joins Suzanne to talk about various ways people can volunteer for the Alzheimer’s Association. She also talks about the organization’s clinical trial match tool.

Alexis says, “There’s a lot of different ways you can volunteer. We have volunteers that show up just for Walk day, a one-day-off. Volunteers work with the Walk committee all year long. Others do our education programs. Alzheimer’s volunteering also includes our early-stage memory-loss programs. We have volunteers who are advocates: they go to state capitals, they go to Washington DC, and advocate for the federal government and the local government to keep supporting our research and to keep supporting our programs. And that’s just a couple of ways you can volunteer.”

How to start Alzheimer’s volunteering? Alexis says, “Head to our website, alz.org/volunteer. Put in your zip code and see what they might need in your area, and either talk to somebody like me, or talk to a colleague who might be doing something different. You don’t have to just pick one lane. You can volunteer in a lot of different places.”

Check out the Alzheimer’s Association TrialMatch, which connects individuals living with Alzheimer’s, caregivers, and healthy volunteers to clinical trials that may advance Alzheimer’s research. It’s free and allows you to see which studies are a good fit for you or your loved ones. Visit https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/research progress/clinical-trials/trialmatch to find clinical trials.

Visit alz.org/walk and enter your zip code to find the Walk nearest you to register or donate. Check out alz.org to learn more. Reach master level clinicians at their 24/7 help line at 800-272-3900.

Hear more podcasts about the Walks.

* Check out our affiliate podcast Alzheimer’s Speaks: https://alzheimersspeaks.com
Support for Families With Alzheimer’s
How do you find resources and information to help care for families dealing with a senior loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia? Alexis Bonoff, Program Director of the Alzheimer’s Association in Washington state, joins Suzanne to talk about how to find information, their 24/7 hotline, and more.

Alexis says, “The Walk is a great joy. It’s a celebration. It’s something that you can do to think about somebody who’s going through it right now. You can do it to celebrate somebody who’s passed on. But it’s also about hope, because we’re looking at the future, we’re looking at research, we’re also there to survey the people who won’t have to go through it at all, because the cure is just around the corner and we’re working on it. We’re so close.

“You have people participating from all walks of life. And the thing that I love about it is the camaraderie, the connection to people that are kind of in the same boat, they all have their own personal stories. That’s the the powerful part of the walk, of being involved. But there’s also opportunities elsewhere, like virtual support groups, the hotline 800 number. Also we have a community resource finder on our website at alz.org/CRF, community resource finder. It’ll tell you about any new programs coming up, the Walks, basically anything in your area that’s happening. And it also can give you links to other resources, like a care facility, or maybe a neurologist in your area.”

“I know a lot of people can be scared to go to a support group. But really, we’re there to listen, and we’re there to help. If you’re nervous about it, just show up. We hear you, we want to listen to you.”

Visit alz.org/walk and enter your zip code to find the Walk nearest you to register or donate. Check out alz.org to learn more. Reach master level clinicians at their 24/7 help line at 800-272-3900.

Hear more podcasts about the Walks.

* Check out our affiliate podcast Alzheimer’s Speaks: https://alzheimersspeaks.com
Decoding Alzheimer’s: How to Get Answers
Take advantage of the resources of the Alzheimer’s Association to help care for families dealing with a senior loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Alexis Bonoff, Program Director of the Alzheimer’s Association in Washington state, joins Suzanne to talk about the resources and programs.

Alexis says, “We do presentations, and that can be as short as 15 minutes and as long as an hour, or an hour and a half if you got lots of questions. We do these in private groups, like the rotary club. But it also could be like a lunch-and-learn at your business. They could be as broad as something like the 10 warning signs, and learning the difference between what is normal aging and what is something we should go to the doctor about. And then get as specific as ways to deal with somebody who’s already [facing Alzheimer’s]. So we have a huge range of programs.”

She adds, “Those tricks and tools are so essential to the everyday life of a caregiver. It’s also something I’d say our support groups are really great at. A professional can tell you one thing, but somebody who is also in your position, who’s going through the same thing you, ‘[maybe] that didn’t work for me, but I’ve got another idea for you.’ We can do them any style you like. We do virtual ones that are available around the world. We’ve got one that’s monthly where I live, and we get people from Greece, so it’s very cool to see the range [of people]. But the in-person ones are great too. Some people feel a little shyer about asking questions virtually, whereas in person they’re more comfortable.

“A lot of people say things like, ‘I lost my keys three times last week. Do I have Alzheimer’s?’ And I can say, ‘I don’t know, but let’s talk more into that.’ What’s normal forgetfulness, what’s normal aging, and what might be a sign you might need to talk to your doctor. A lot of people say I just got diagnosed, or my friend just got diagnosed; ‘what do I do now?’ And then I send them to our hotline for sure… I think a big one for us Americans is, when do you take the keys away, or when do you decide to stop driving? We are very attached to our cars, but that can be a very dangerous thing with somebody with Alzheimer’s.

“One thing about the hotline: they can help give you a plan if you are [asking] how do I talk to my person about this? They can help you.”

Visit alz.org/walk and enter your zip code to find the Walk nearest you to register or donate. Check out alz.org to learn more. Reach master level clinicians at their 24/7 help line at 800-272-3900.

Hear more podcasts about the Walks.

* Check out our affiliate podcast Alzheimer’s Speaks: https://alzheimersspeaks.com
Embracing Change: Help to Adapt Family Life to Alzheimer’s
Alexis Bonoff, Program Director of the Alzheimer’s Association in Washington state, joins Suzanne to talk about the Walk to End Alzheimer’s and various programs and resources of the Alzheimer’s Association.

Alzheimer’s has a tremendous effect across the United States. Alexis says, “There’s about 7 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s, and it’s expected to rise to nearly 13 million by 2050. The lifetime for risk for Alzheimer’s at age 45 is 1 in 5 for women, and 1 in 10 for men. And of course, the thing about Alzheimer’s is, it’s not just the person with the Alzheimer’s that’s been affected, it is the family, it is the friends, it’s the community. And we’re looking at over 11 million people who are providing unpaid care to those people with Alzheimer’s.

“The stress that’s being put on you as a caregiver is a huge thing. One of the biggest reasons why we’re here, and why we exist, is to support the caregiver…

“We do things that are pretty broad, and then things that are really specific. So the broader things we do are education programs, and we do these all over the place. We’ll come to your Elks Club, we’ll go to your business, and do a lunch-and-learn. That kind of overall 10 warning signs you should be looking for. But also more detailed things, like different ways we can communicate with the person with Alzheimer’s.

“Another thing that we do that really focuses on the caregiver is our support groups, and these come in many different varieties. We have them online, we have them in person. We have some that are just for men, we have some that are just for adult children, taking care of their parents. We also do a lot of early-stage memory loss programs. ‘Oh my gosh, we’re in it now. How do we do this? How do we go from here?’ to give you tricks and tools to be able to manage the next phase of the illness.”

Visit alz.org/walk and enter your zip code to find the Walk nearest you to register or donate. Check out alz.org to learn more. Reach master level clinicians at their 24/7 help line at 800-272-3900.

Hear more podcasts about the Walks

* Check out our affiliate podcast Alzheimer’s Speaks: https://alzheimersspeaks.com
Alzheimer’s Fundraising: How to Ask for Money
Cory Townsend, Director of Development for the Alzheimers Association, Washington branch, joins Suzanne to talk about fundraising for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s. In this segment, Cory provides advice for people feel uncomfortable asking people to donate.

Cory says, “It doesn’t come naturally to us to ask for money, I think, in our culture. But what I would say is that people are very generous, and they want to support causes that they care about. And by asking them to support you in your Walk efforts, you’re inviting them to be part of it, a bigger movement. And folks want to be part of that. And so by asking them, you’re just giving them the opportunity. If you don’t ask, you’re saying no for them. So give them the chance to decide for themselves.”

Visit alz.org/walk and enter your zip code to find the Walk nearest you to register or donate. Check out alz.org to learn more. Reach master level clinicians at their 24/7 help line at 800-272-3900.

Hear more podcasts about the Walks
Alzheimer’s: Importance of Fundraising
Cory Townsend, Director of Development for the Alzheimers Association, Washington branch, joins Suzanne to talk about fundraising for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s.

Cory says, “We ask that everybody register before the Walk, and you can certainly register at the Walk. But please take a few minutes and register at alz.org/walk in advance.

“This event is a community event, and we want everybody to come and show their support. But fundraising is really important for this event. That’s how we drive research, and care, and support services. And so if you raise $100, you’ll be able to earn your Walk to End Alzheimer’s T-shirt that will be mailed to you.

“Fundraising is really easy as well. When you register, there will be all sorts of templates for emails and social media that you can send out to folks, so invite your friends, family, loved ones, and coworkers to join your team, and to come walk with you, and then post on social media. Send emails to those that you spend time with, and ask them to support your efforts in this Walk. Fundraising is easy. It doesn’t have to be hard or scary. The number one reason people don’t make a donation is because they aren’t asked. So ask folks to support. I think you’ll be surprised at how many people want to support you.”

Visit alz.org/walk and enter your zip code to find the Walk nearest you to register or donate. Check out alz.org to learn more. Reach master level clinicians at their 24/7 help line at 800-272-3900.

Hear more podcasts about the Walks
Alzheimer’s: Employers and Caregivers
Cory Townsend, Director of Development for the Alzheimers Association, Washington branch, joins Suzanne to talk about the Walk to End Alzheimer’s. This segment focuses on employers beginning to adapt to the needs of family members caregiving for a senior loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia.

Cory says, “We’re seeing that employers and our partners in the corporate space are recognizing this as an issue. More than 25% of caregivers have to either leave early, or take time off from work, or even retire early because of caregiving demands and through employee resource groups and leave practices. Employers are starting to recognize this need, and we work closely with companies to help them understand that through education programming and importantly, helping their employees to understand that we’re here. The Alzheimer’s Association is here for them with resources and support and information to help them on that caregiving journey and everything. From our 24/7 helpline to our website, to support groups in the community. You find all of those resources at alz.org, and if your company wants to have an education program, get in touch with us. We’re happy to do that.”

Visit alz.org/walk and enter your zip code to find the Walk nearest you to register or donate. Check out alz.org to learn more. Reach master level clinicians at their 24/7 help line at 800-272-3900.

Hear more podcasts about the Walks
Grandpa Forgot My Name
Cory Townsend, Director of Development for the Alzheimers Association, Washington branch, joins Suzanne to talk about the Walk to End Alzheimer’s.

Cory says, “This cause is a lot more than professional for me. When I was a young man in my early twenties, my grandfather forgot who I was, and I was heartbroken. He was a great guy who taught me a lot about life, but also how to fly fish, which is one of my passions. And when he forgot my name, I was heartbroken. We lost my grandpa when he was 99, back in about 2012.

“And since then, since starting with the Alzheimer’s Association, my mom has been diagnosed with younger onset Alzheimer’s disease, and I’m her primary caregiver. She was 64 when she was diagnosed, but was showing symptoms as young as probably about 60.

“So this cause is important to me, and I know it is to the millions of families across the country that are impacted by Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. And it’s truly an honor to be able to work with our corporate partners, our donors, our staff are amazing volunteers, and community partners to help folks learn about the disease to get resources and to help change the trajectory of what this disease will be in the future.”

Visit alz.org/walk and enter your zip code to find the Walk nearest you to register or donate. Check out alz.org to learn more. Reach master level clinicians at their 24/7 help line at 800-272-3900.

Hear more podcasts about the Walks
Alzheimer’s Pet Stories to Cry For
Therapy animals make a difference in the lives of people with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Washington Therapy Dogs’ manager Marlina Velasco-Barker joins Suzanne to talk about the science and successes of therapy dogs. Episodes this month support the Walk to End Alzheimer’s.

She mentions the article “Pet Power” on the Alzheimer’s Association’s website https://www.alz.org/news/2023/pet-power. The article says, “Animal therapy is an accessible and inexpensive practice that has been shown to provide a wide variety of behavioral and emotional benefits for people living with dementia. The Alzheimer’s Association Dementia Care Practice Recommendations — guidelines that set the standard for person-centered quality care — cite several studies that assess the effects of regular engagement with both living and robotic animals. The therapy has been shown to improve mood and facilitate social interaction. It can also have a calming effect that helps with dementia-related behavioral problems, and increase physical activity in people living with dementia.”

Marlina says, “One of the communities, we’ve gone there multiple times. This was the first time I saw this resident, she was in a wheelchair and she was catatonic. Her hands were at her side, tucked next to her lap. My dog Lea pulled me toward her. She rested her chin on her lap for five minutes, waiting for her to have an interaction with her. Everybody’s jaw dropped in the entire room. She hadn’t talked or moved in years. Not only did the resident lean forward, but she petted her. I just broke down crying, because there’s nothing you can do in your life like witnessing that. It is such an amazing opportunity to see, and I was a mess.”

To collaborate or learn more about dog training in the U.S., visit watherapydogs.com. Visit alz.org/walk and enter your zip code to find the Walk nearest you to register or donate. Check out alz.org to learn more.

Check out our affiliate podcast Alzheimer’s Speaks: https://alzheimersspeaks.com/
Alzheimer’s and Pet Owners
Supporting the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, this episode is about animal-assisted intervention for those with Alzheimer’s and dementia, specifically therapy animals. Washington Therapy Dogs’ manager Marlina Velasco-Barker joins Suzanne to talk about a therapy dog team formed as an extension of Answers for Elders.

In this segment, Marlina talks about seniors with Alzheimer’s who have their own pets.

To collaborate or learn more about dog training in the U.S., visit watherapydogs.com. Visit alz.org/walk and enter your zip code to find the Walk nearest you to register or donate. Check out alz.org to learn more.

Check out our affiliate podcast Alzheimer’s Speaks: https://alzheimersspeaks.com/
Therapy Dogs and Alzheimer’s
What are pet therapies, and why are they important in the world of Alzheimer’s? Washington Therapy Dogs’ manager Marlina Velasco-Barker joins Suzanne for September’s conversations about the Walk to End Alzheimer’s.

Marlina says, “I saw some photos of Suzanne and her dog Whidbey going to a senior community on a Facebook group, and I was so touched by that. I started to volunteer in Seattle at a local community. It all came together, I got a dog, she’s a puppy. I saw those photos, and saw the positive impact they had on the residents, and bam, I’m doing that!”

When she visits a memory care facility, they do one-on-ones with her dog, but mostly does groups. Marlina says, “We go in and bring our cadre, other volunteers, another two or three and their dogs, and there are maybe 30 residents, all in one room, maybe an atrium. So we approach them. And the looks on their faces! I cry a lot, tears of joy. Their transformation, facial expressions, their energy level – and they’re talking!”

To collaborate or learn more about dog training in the U.S., visit watherapydogs.com. Visit alz.org/walk and enter your zip code to find the Walk nearest you to register or donate. Check out alz.org to learn more.

Check out our affiliate podcast Alzheimer’s Speaks: https://alzheimersspeaks.com/
Training Pets for Alzheimer’s Dog Therapy
More than 100 therapy dogs and their handlers have joined Answers for Elder’s Washington Therapy Dogs group to visit senior living communities and bring joy to those with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Manager Marlina Velasco-Barker joins Suzanne to talk about the process of going about training your pet to become a therapy dog. Episodes this month support the Walk to End Alzheimer’s.

The group started during the pandemic. Marlina says, “There are no required prerequisites to go in for an evaluation with any organizations listed on the American Kennel Club’s website, but many recommend basic obedience. They have a program called CGC, or Canine Good Citizen. There are extensions to that, one called Urban and the other is Community, and that gives more skills to learn, an essential foundation.”

To collaborate or learn more about dog training in the U.S., visit watherapydogs.com. Visit alz.org/walk and enter your zip code to find the Walk nearest you to register or donate. Check out alz.org to learn more.

Check out our affiliate podcast Alzheimer’s Speaks: https://alzheimersspeaks.com/
Alzheimers Walks: Senior Communities
The Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Sign up as a Team Captain, join a team or walk as an individual. This month, Answers for Elders supports the Walks and fundraising for the Alzheimer’s Association. This episode, we feature an interview conducted in September 2019 with Scott Houghton, regional director of operations at Fieldstone Communities, a major sponsor of the Alzheimer’s Walks in Washington.

Visit alz.org/walk and enter your zip code to find the Walk nearest you to register or donate. Check out alz.org to learn more. Reach master level clinicians at the 24/7 Alzheimer’s help line at 800-272-3900. Visit Alzheimer’s Association TrialMatch at https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/research progress/clinical-trials/trialmatch to connect those living with Alzheimer’s, caregivers, and healthy volunteers to clinical trials that may advance Alzheimer’s.

Hear more podcasts about the Walks: https://answersforelders.com/tag/alzheimers-walks/

Check out our affiliate podcast Alzheimer’s Speaks: https://alzheimersspeaks.com/
Alzheimers Walks: Research Sponsors
The Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Sign up as a Team Captain, join a team or walk as an individual. This month, Answers for Elders supports the Walks and fundraising for the Alzheimer’s Association. This episode, we feature an interview conducted in September 2019 with Josh Pan, a volunteer for the Alzheimer’s Walk. He is also director of business development for Althira Pharma, a local Seattle-based business.

Visit alz.org/walk and enter your zip code to find the Walk nearest you to register or donate. Check out alz.org to learn more. Reach master level clinicians at the 24/7 Alzheimer’s help line at 800-272-3900. Visit Alzheimer’s Association TrialMatch at https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/research progress/clinical-trials/trialmatch to connect those living with Alzheimer’s, caregivers, and healthy volunteers to clinical trials that may advance Alzheimer’s.

Hear more podcasts about the Walks: https://answersforelders.com/tag/alzheimers-walks/

Check out our affiliate podcast Alzheimer’s Speaks: https://alzheimersspeaks.com/
Alzheimers Walks: Supporting Fundraising
The Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Sign up as a Team Captain, join a team or walk as an individual. This month, Answers for Elders supports the Walks and fundraising for the Alzheimer’s Association. This episode, we feature an interview conducted in September 2019 with Annie Jacobsen, host of the Snohomish County’s Alzheimer’s Walk. The walk is along Boxcar Park in Everett, Washington.

Visit alz.org/walk and enter your zip code to find the Walk nearest you to register or donate. Check out alz.org to learn more. Reach master level clinicians at the 24/7 Alzheimer’s help line at 800-272-3900. Visit Alzheimer’s Association TrialMatch at https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/research progress/clinical-trials/trialmatch to connect those living with Alzheimer’s, caregivers, and healthy volunteers to clinical trials that may advance Alzheimer’s.

Hear more podcasts about the Walks: https://answersforelders.com/tag/alzheimers-walks/

Check out our affiliate podcast Alzheimer’s Speaks: https://alzheimersspeaks.com/
Alzheimers Walks: Raising Awareness
The Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Sign up as a Team Captain, join a team or walk as an individual. This month, Answers for Elders supports the Walks and fundraising for the Alzheimer’s Association. This episode, we feature an interview conducted in September 2019 with Carrie McBride, director of marketing and communications for the Alzheimer’s Association, Washington Chapter.

Visit alz.org/walk and enter your zip code to find the Walk nearest you to register or donate. Check out alz.org to learn more. Reach master level clinicians at the 24/7 Alzheimer’s help line at 800-272-3900. Visit Alzheimer’s Association TrialMatch at https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/research progress/clinical-trials/trialmatch to connect those living with Alzheimer’s, caregivers, and healthy volunteers to clinical trials that may advance Alzheimer’s.

Hear more podcasts about the Walks: https://answersforelders.com/tag/alzheimers-walks/

Check out our affiliate podcast Alzheimer’s Speaks: https://alzheimersspeaks.com/
Optimism for Alzheimer’s
Dr. Kay Lehmann, Board Chair of the Alzheimer’s Association in the state of Washington, joins Suzanne Newman to talk about optimism on the horizon for treating and curing Alzheimer’s.

Kay points out, “Our executive director for the Association, Dr. Joanne Pike, said this two years ago at a meeting and I got full body chills when she said this: We are now in the era of treatment, we can treat this disease. There are some caveats right now. The treatments are for people who are diagnosed early enough, before too much damage is done. But they can see their symptoms lessen with the treatments. The treatments are a little arduous right now, but we know that that will get better as treatments develop. We have had three drugs approved so far and more coming. Here’s the most exciting thing: we now have a blood test that can test for the disease that’s 90% accurate. We can catch this disease before people’s brains get damaged. It’s really exciting to me that we are now getting to the point where we can diagnose it before somebody is showing symptoms, because we know the symptoms start in the brain years before they show up to your average family member. So we want to catch it as early as we can. That’s not approved yet, but you can get it through a clinical trial if you qualify.”

Kay adds, “Anything that’s good for your brain or good for your heart is good for your brain. So get that walk in. The healthier we eat, the better we exercise, the more that we do socially interactive things with other people and don’t isolate ourselves, and the more we can stay away from things that just aren’t good for us… All of those things really do make a difference. And I love that the young people are getting excited and involved in our cause as well, because we help them build healthy habits. Maybe they won’t need all these drugs, because we will end this disease.”

Check out the Alzheimer’s Association TrialMatch, which connects individuals living with Alzheimer’s, caregivers, and healthy volunteers to clinical trials that may advance Alzheimer’s research. It’s free and allows you to see which studies are a good fit for you or your loved ones. Visit https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/research progress/clinical-trials/trialmatch to find clinical trials.

Visit alz.org/walk and enter your zip code to find the Walk nearest you to register or donate. Check out alz.org to learn more. Reach master level clinicians at their 24/7 help line at 800-272-3900.

Hear more podcasts about the Walks: https://answersforelders.com/tag/alzheimers-walks/

* Check out our affiliate podcast Alzheimer’s Speaks: https://alzheimersspeaks.com/
All About the Alzheimer’s Association
Deaths from Alzheimer’s have increased 141% since 2020, with the global pandemic adversely affecting those with Alzheimer’s and their families. Dr. Kay Lehmann, Board Chair of the Alzheimer’s Association in the state of Washington, joins Suzanne Newman to talk about all that the Alzheimer’s Association does to help those with the disease.

Kay says, “First and probably the most important is, we give money to researchers. We have researchers in 54 countries right now who are working on how to diagnose and treat Alzheimer’s, and eventually [find] a cure. We also do programs virtually or in person, everything from 10 warning signs and healthy living for your brain and body to how to talk about dementia and, and how to talk to people with dementia. all sorts of programs. We have care coordinators who help families. We do advocacy. We raise a lot of money, we raise $100 million a year right now at the walk, but we also advocate for research to be done by the government. I do a memory cafe where people with dementia get out of the house and just come and have coffee with somebody and have a friendly conversation. We have lots of programs and lots of things we do. We have a lot of information on our website at alz.org, and you can do all kinds of research about this on our website.

They also have a care line at 800-272-3900. Kay says, “The helpline is staffed by masters level clinicians. So these are not just people reading stuff that they don’t understand. These are people who really understand this disease, and if they can, help caregivers and people with the disease, or people who are just curious about the disease. But usually you’re in crisis at 3 a.m. on Christmas morning. And it is 24 hours, seven day a week, 365 days in the year.”

Visit alz.org/walk and enter your zip code to find the Walk nearest you to register or donate. Check out alz.org to learn more. Reach master level clinicians at their 24/7 help line at 800-272-3900.

Hear more podcasts about the Walks: https://answersforelders.com/tag/alzheimers-walks/

* Check out our affiliate podcast Alzheimer’s Speaks: https://alzheimersspeaks.com/
Walk to End Alzheimer’s: What Goes On
This year, 350,000 people will join 600 Walk to End Alzheimer’s events across America. Dr. Kay Lehmann, Board Chair of the Alzheimer’s Association in the state of Washington, joins Suzanne Newman to talk about what goes on at the Alzheimer’s Walks. Suzanne encourages everyone to sign up to make a difference, or donate to the cause or one of the walking teams.

What goes on at one of the walks? Kay says, “On the day of the walk, volunteers are there early, and we’re setting up things like the Promise Garden, which is these flowers you see in my background. Each person at the walk gets a flower: it’s a little windmill flower, so they move, and that makes just a beautiful display on walk day. People who have Alzheimer’s or dementia carry a blue flower. Those of us like Suzanne and I who’ve lost somebody, we carry a purple flower. People who are caregivers carry a yellow flower. Caregivers get a yellow flower and those who are there to support our cause carry an orange flower.

“We have a little chance to celebrate success and pump people up for the walk they’re about to take, and we have a little ceremony where we have each person holding their flower. There’s one flower color that was released a few years ago and we only have one at each walk and it always just brings tears to my eyes. It’s the white flower, usually carried by a child, but not always. It symbolizes survivors of Alzheimer’s. And right now we don’t have survivors, but we have one white flower there each year, so that we show the hope that we will one day have this walk and have lots of white flowers carried by survivors of Alzheimer’s and dementia.”

How do people participate? Kay says, “Teams range from one person on their own to family members. We have lots of businesses, sometimes each department – or each dealership or whatever it might be – registers a separate team, and then they compete to see which team can raise the most money. Some of the teams make their own T shirts celebrating a loved one. And a lot of our sponsors often have a booth at the walk where people can get information, but they also often have a team and do the walk.

“The walks are usually about a mile long, they’re a comfortable pace. This is not a race. This is not a run. This is a gentle walk with friends and family. And we do often have people there who have the disease, usually in the earlier stages. But we do try to pick a site where people could use a wheelchair if they needed to, or a walker.

“So we want people to not only register a team, but raise money. And there’s lots of ways to raise money. It doesn’t have to be the day of the walk. You could put it on Facebook and ask friends and family. One colleague had a square jar in his office, and they raised a couple hundred bucks.”

Visit alz.org/walk and enter your zip code to find the Walk nearest you to register or donate. Check out alz.org to learn more. Reach master level clinicians at their 24/7 help line at 800-272-3900.

Hear more podcasts about the Walks: https://answersforelders.com/tag/alzheimers-walks/

* Check out our affiliate podcast Alzheimer’s Speaks: https://alzheimersspeaks.com/
Walk to End Alzheimer’s: Introduction
The Walk to End Alzheimer’s in September and October is the largest non-profit fundraising event in the U.S. This month, Answers for Elders supports the Walks and fundraising for the Alzheimer’s Association. One out of nine Americans over 65 has Alzheimer’s. As Alzheimer’s touches families deeply, we’ll cover everything from the Walks themselves to clinical research advancements. Today, Suzanne Newman introduces listeners to Dr. Kay Lehmann, Board Chair of the Alzheimer’s Association in the state of Washington, which kicks off the Walks.

Kay says, “My dad was the one that had Alzheimer’s. But as I tell people all the time, I really lost both my parents to Alzheimer’s. My mom was my dad’s caregiver, and she wore herself out, until one day her health just took her away from us. We then lost the rock that our whole family relied on. Then we realized dad’s Alzheimer’s was so much worse than we knew. And they hide it, the caregivers hide it. The people with Alzheimer’s can rally when there’s somebody around. This is still, for the time being, a fatal disease. And it took my dad away from us too. Since my dad passed in 2014, I have been devoted to ending Alzheimer’s before I leave this planet. So I deputize everyone I meet, get them involved, because I’m not gonna live forever. We’ve gotta get this cured.”

What does your donation support? Kay says, “People should know that we are volunteer led and staff supported. So we try to keep the costs down for the administrative costs. That means we always need more volunteers to get a lot of the work done. So the money goes to a couple of places. We are the largest private funder of research into Alzheimer’s and all other dementias in the world behind two countries, the countries of the U.S. and China. We are the third largest funder, but the first in private donations. We are funding research, we are funding care and support programs. We do community outreach. We provide support to the families and the loved ones of the people with Alzheimer’s, as well as with Alzheimer’s and dementia themselves. But it’s the research that has really been starting to pay off in big ways.”

Visit alz.org/walk and enter your zip code to find the Walk nearest you to register or donate. Check out alz.org to learn more. Reach master level clinicians at their 24/7 help line at 800-272-3900.

Hear more podcasts about the Walks: https://answersforelders.com/tag/alzheimers-walks/

* Check out our affiliate podcast Alzheimer’s Speaks: https://alzheimersspeaks.com/