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Alzheimer's Aid Society Supporting the caregiver. Remembering the cared for. Happenings! |
In this issue:
- Special Screening of "Alzheimer's: Every Minute Counts"
- New "Forget-Me-Not" Newsletter
- Golf Tournament Date Set
- Info for Caregivers: Dental Care
- Upcoming Events
- What is "Happenings!"
Special Screening of "Alzheimer's: Every Minute Counts"
The Alzheimer's Aid Society will be hosting a screening of "Alzheimer's: Every Minute Counts" on Tuesday, April 4 (DATE CORRECTION) at 10:30 am at our offices. With power and passion, this documentary weaves together expert commentary with compelling personal stories filmed around the country that represent previews of the future happening today. Everyone is welcome but space is limited. Please contact the Alzheimer's Aid Society office if you are planning to attend. There is no charge for this event.
Many know the unique tragedy of this disease, but few know that Alzheimer’s is one of the most critical public health crises facing America. This powerful documentary illuminates the social and economic consequences for the country unless a medical breakthrough is discovered for this currently incurable disease.
There are now over five million Americans with Alzheimer’s disease. Because of the growing number of aging baby boomers, and the fact that the onset of Alzheimer’s is primarily age-related, the number of Americans with Alzheimer’s is projected to rise by 55% by 2030, and by 2050 the Alzheimer’s Association estimates the total number could explode to nearly 14 million.
This “tsunami” of Alzheimer’s will not only be a profound human tragedy, but an overwhelming economic one as well. Due to the length of time people live with the illness and need care, it’s the most expensive medical condition in the U.S. Future costs for Alzheimer’s threaten to bankrupt Medicare, Medicaid, and the life savings of millions of Americans. It is estimated that if the number of patients triples as projected in the years ahead, the costs to care for them will exceed $1.1 trillion.
New "Forget-Me-Not" Newsletter
The 2017 - First Quarter issue of the Alzheimer's Aid Society's "Forget-Me-Not" is now online. Beginning in 2017, this newsletter will ber released quarterly rather than bi-monthly. If you receive the printed version but prefer to read it online, or do not receive the printed version but want to, call the Alzheimer's Aid Society office at (916) 483-2002 or (800) 540-3340. Your decision to stop receiving the printed copy will help save the cost of printing and postage.
Golf Tournament Date Set
SAVE THE DATE!! Our 14th Annual Golf Tournament in support of the Alzheimer's Aid Society will be held on September 15, 2017 at the beautiful Teal Bend Golf Course. Get together with your friends and plan to have a great day.
Info for Caregivers: Dental Care
One aspect of health care for your loved one that may not get the attention it requires is dental care. Problems in oral care can lead to infections which may lead to high blood sugar levels and changes in behavior.
Like other health issues, such as a urinary tract infection, mouth and teeth problems may be "hidden". Your loved one will not remember that their mouth hurts so they do not communicate the problem. This is when your detective skills come into play. Things to look for include:
- unusual bad breath
- chewing their food on only one side or refusal to eat at all
- change in behavior such as withdrawal or increased agitation
- bleeding gums
- refusal to wear dentures
- high blood sugar levels which may be caused by an infection
- nagging cough which may be from drainage down the throat.
- Talk to your dentist before the appointment. Request that the exam be held in a quiet part of the office. Sometimes, dentist offices may have have a separate exam room.
- Schedule the appointments when your loved one is usually at their best.
- Remind your dentist to give instructions one step at a time - do not got to the next step until the current step has been done.
- You as the caregiver should sit with your loved one to provide a comforting presence in an unfamiliar environment.
- Make sure your loved one uses the restroom before the appointment starts.
- Keep the appointments short. If extensive work is needed, talk to your dentist about breaking it up into multiple sessions.
- Provide short, simple instructions. Rather than "Brush your teeth" by itself - break it down into individual steps, such as, "Hold your toothbrush." "Put paste on the brush." "Put the brush in your mouth." "Move the brush against your teeth."
- Use a "watch me" technique. Hold a toothbrush and show your loved one how to brush his or her teeth. Or, put your hand over the person's hand, gently guiding the brush. If the person seems agitated or uncooperative, postpone brushing until later in the day.
- If the person wears dentures, rinse them with plain water after meals and brush them daily to remove food particles. Each night, remove them and soak in a cleanser or mouthwash. Then, use a soft toothbrush or moistened gauze pad to clean the gums, tongue and other soft mouth tissues.
- Try different types of toothbrushes. You may find that a soft bristled children's toothbrush works better than a hard bristled adult's brush. Or that a long handled or angled brush is easier to use than a standard toothbrush. Experiment until you find the best choice. Be aware that electric toothbrushes may confuse or frighten a person with Alzheimer's because of noises and vibrations.
Improving Oral Health For Patients With Alzheimer’s Disease Or Related Disorders (Our Dental Care Blog by Dr. Teryn Sedillo, DDS)
Alzheimer’s and Dental Care/Oral Health (DementiaToday)
Providing Dental Care for Patients with Dementia (American Dental Association)
Upcoming Events
- March 16 at 2:00 p.m. - Alzheimer's Café in Woodland at St. John's Retirement Village, 135 Woodland Avenue, Woodland. Call (530) 662-1290 to confirm.
- March 17 at 10:30 a.m. - Alzheimer's Café in the Sacramento Rosemont area at Golden Pond Senior Living, 3415 Mayhew Road, Sacramento.
- April 14 at 10:30 a.m. - Special Screening of "Alzheimer's: Every Minute Counts" at the Alzheimer's Aid Society offices.
- September 15 - Annual Golf Tournament at Teal Bend Golf Course
"Happenings!" is the our monthly e-mail newsletter for the Alzheimer's Aid Society. We send it at the beginning of the month so you can stay up-to-date on events and news in northern California. We will also include tips for caregivers and highlight new scientific research. Recent issues are available on our website. Do you have a comment or feedback? Please reply to this message - we would love to hear from you.
Our mailing address is:
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Alzheimer's Aid Society of Northern California
2641 Cottage Way #4
Sacramento, CA 95825 USA
Phone: (916) 483-2002