Wishing you a Happy New Year from the staff of Alzheimer's Services of the Capital Area in Baton Rouge!

After holidays we see a rise in our helpline calls. This is due in part to the fact that families and friends are spending more time with loved ones or friends that they may not have seen in quite a while and notice changes in personality and behavior that they may not have noticed before. Stress caused by the holiday season is often very confusing for people affected by Alzheimer’s disease. Routines are turned upside down, schedules are disrupted. Caregivers have the additional burden of the holiday preparations and shopping as well as the ongoing challenge of caring for their loved one throughout it all. If you feel you need information or need resources, please know that Alzheirner’s Services of the Capital Area is here to help. We have celebrated many awards and successes this past year and promise to continue to provide the same quality of services that we have been recognized for. Our staff will be here to help all of you with support and programs that will help you cope and provide you with hope throughout the year.

Walk to Remember

Wow the 2009 Walk/Run was huge! We had record numbers of walk teams, participants and funds raised. The jambalaya was fantastic; we planned for extra and still ran out. Noted; we'll have more for the 2010 Walk/Run as well as more water stations. We were so pleased the weather held out with "no rain" untill after the walk.
I am working on details for the 2010 Walk/Run to Remember and looking forward to meeting all of our 112 team captains before the 2010Walk/Run.

SAVE THE DATE: October 9th, 2010 LSU "Old Front Nine"

Events Coordinator
Alecia Kleinpeter
Alzheimers Services of the Capital Area

Have Yourself a Stress-Free Little Christmas

"The holidays!" = excitement, anticipation and joy. But also = added stress, too many extra activities crowded into an already busy schedule, not enough time or money. We're so busy taking care of others and meeting their needs that we often fail to take care of ourselves. Usually, we're the last item on the personal "to-do" list! Here are special gifts you can give yourself - gifts that are totally unrelated to shopping, spending money, and fancy wrappings.

Gift 1: Tear up your "holiday script."
Gift 2: Don't get caught in "the family time warp."
Gift 3: Cut yourself some slack.
Gift 4: Know your limitations and take care of yourself in mind, body and spirit.
Gift 5: Remember that some of the best gifts you can give have nothing to do with money.
Gift 6: Evaluate traditions and "habits" and make some changes that are no longer overdue.
Gift 7: When you're feeling angry, depressed, sad, or lonely, reach out and ask for help.
Gift 8: Be willing to replace old ways of thinking with new thoughts and new ideas.
Gift 9: Stop feeling guilty about what you haven't done, and enjoy your accomplishments.
Gift 10: Make time for joy.

We can all use lessons to stress-proof our hurried, harries and hectic lives - not just during the holidays, but throughout the year.

This presentation is based on two chapters from Jean's book, "Mama Said There'd Be Days Like This: Stories and Strategies for a Less Stressed Life." Pick up a copy for yourself, or someone special on your holiday shopping list or order online at www.jeangatz.com. Your can also order autographed copies by calling Jean's office, 225-769-6800 or emailing jean@jeangatz.com.

My Grandparents Story¬– A Special Scrapbooking Day

Grandparents Story – A Special Scrapbooking Day sponsored by Children’s Coalition of Greater Baton Rouge. To create lasting memories for grandchildren and great-grandchildren of their grandparents or great-grandparents affected by Alzheimer’s disease and/or dementia.

Hosted by Alzheimer’s Services of the Capital Area on 3772 North Blvd.in Baton Rouge, LA.

The event is Saturday, September 12th from 10:00 A.M. – 3:00 P.M. For children 8 to 18 years of age, any children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult parent or guardian. There is no experience needed. Please bring as many family photos as you would like to put in your scrapbook. All other supplies will be available. Light lunch will be served. Pre-registration required: Seating is limited and available to first 35 registrants. Call for pre-registration 225-334-7494.

Cholestrol linked to Alzheimer's?

CNN.com reports that a recent study indicates there is a possible link between high cholesterol and dementia. Click here to read more.

Catherine's Internship Experience

As a summer intern at Alzheimer’s Services of the Capital Area, I am leaving with much more than I came with. I never realized how common and devastating the Alzheimer’s disease was until I met people from all walks of life – discovering the majority of them knew someone personally coping with this disease or knew someone that had passed because of it.
As I worked in public relations office connected to the respite center, Charlie’s Place, I discovered that even the office workers - from the receptionist to the executive director - were passionate about their work. It has become more and more apparent that the workers truly care about the families coping with Alzheimer’s and really strive to spread awareness about the incurable disease. Charlie’s Place workers enjoy working first hand with the Alzheimer’s patients that arrive everyday, while the office work is done to raise funds for the respite center and keep the organization running in hopes of educating and comforting families coping with Alzheimer’s.
I knew since I was young that I knew I wanted to work with non-profit organizations, so what I am taking from this experience is to “do what you love and love what you do.” Much like the passionate workers at Alzheimer’s Services, in the near future I hope to be a strong believer in the organization I will work for.

-Catherine Wiemer, LSU PR student and Alzheimer's Services Summer 2009 PR Intern

June Events at Alzheimer's Services

Here are a few pictures from our June events.

After Five Sponsor Event held June 18th with 2009 Walk/Run to Remember Honorary Chair LSU Lady Tigers Basketball Coach Van Chancellor.

Coach Chancellor spoke to the crowd at the event.


Board Member Charlie Valluzzo (left) with Alzheimer's Services Executive Director Barbara Auten and LSU Coach Van Chancellor.



Fiesta Table Host Celebration held June 26th honoring the Memories in the Making Luncheon table hosts.

Table Hosts(from left to right) at the luncheon: Lowry Griffon, Alzheimer's Services Development Director Debbie Kidder Little, J.H. Martin and Marilyn Allgood.


Ole'!! A picture of the crowd joining the fun.

Announcing the 2009 Walk/Run to Remember Honorary Chair

LSU Lady Tigers Basketball Coach Van Chancellor is the Alzheimer's Services 2009 Walk/Run to Remember Honorary Chair! Coach Chancellor will be representing the 15,000 families in the Greater Baton Rouge area affected by Alzheimer's disease on Saturday, September 26th at the LSU "Old Front Nine". Geaux Tigers!
Please pick up a brochure at any area McDonald's or visit us online at www.BRhope.com to sign your team up today!

Alzheimer's disease and Marriage

A recent study found that your odds of getting dementia or Alzheimer's disease decreases if you're married. Click here to read more about this study.

Accurate Alzheimer's Diagnosis in Just Five Minutes? - ABC News

Accurate Alzheimer's Diagnosis in Just Five Minutes? - ABC News

Shared via AddThis

I Think I'll Go For a Walk Outside Now...

...the summer time's calling my name!
A recent study has shown that those who walk 2 miles or more daily are twice as less likely to develop dementia. Check this fact out: http://ow.ly/96VM
So, let's get off that couch and get movin'!
Our Walk/Run to Remember is set for Saturday, September 26th at the LSU "Old Front Nine". We're VERY excited this year to have LSU Lady Tigers Basketball Coach Van Chancellor as our Honorary Chair for this event. Please mark this important date on your calendar. We want to see you all out there supporting the 5,000+ families affected by Alzheimer's disease in our community.

Watch The Alzheimer's Project Online for Free!

Here's a link to watch the HBO 4-part documentary The Alzheimer's Project here. Each part covers a different aspect of the disease including the following:

“The Memory Loss Tapes” provides an up-close and personal look at seven individuals living with Alzheimer’s, across the full spectrum of the progression of the disease.

“Momentum In Science” a two-part film that takes viewers inside the labs and clinics of 25 leading scientists and physicians, revealing some of the most cutting-edge research advances.

“’Grandpa, Do You Know Who I Am?’ with Maria Shriver” captures what it means to be a child or grandchild of one with Alzheimer’s.

“Caregivers” highlights the sacrifices and successes of people who experience their loved one’s descent into dementia.

Alzheimer’s Services of the Capital Area will have the documentary series available in our Resource Library to rent next month. A limited number of copies are available for check out.

Mae McGuffery Awarded 2009 Volunteer Activist Award

Long-time Alzheimer's Services' volunteer Mae McGuffery was awarded the 2009 Volunteer Activist Award on May 8th by the Baton Rouge Speech and Hearing Foundation. The award honors nine of the greatest philanthropists in the Greater Baton Rouge area. Alzheimer's Services and HOPE Ministries nominated Mae for the award.

Mae joins eight other 2009 community activists and leaders receiving this award including: Reverend Jeff Bayhi, Senator Bill Cassidy, Mary Beth Chevalier, Secretary of State Jay Dardenne, Paula Pennington de la Bretonne, Norman Deumite, Claire Major and Nancy Roberts.

Pictured above (left to right): Alzheimer's Services Executive Director Barbara Auten; Award Honoree Mae McGuffery; Alzheimer's Services Development Director Debbie Kidder-Little; and Alzheimer's Services Development Associate Dusty Manson.

Congratulations, Mae! We are so honored to have you as a supporter, volunteer, ambassador and friend!

Alzheimer's Services 2009 Memories in the Making Luncheon

The Annual Memories in the Making Luncheon was Thursday, May 7th at Boudreaux's. We raised over $210,000 and acquired 17 new Rosemary Members in just one hour's time!
This luncheon is our largest fundraising event of the year. We sincerely thank all our table hosts, volunteers and guests who supported us by attending and/or giving at this event.

Guests at the 2009 luncheon.



Standing left to right: Julie Brewer (Alzheimer's Services Programs Coordinator), Monique Poree' (Alzheimer's Services Administrative Assistant) and Charlie Valluzzo (Alzheimer's Services Board Member) with Wayne Fluitt.

Pictured left to right are Memories in the Making Luncheon guests: Marc Goldstein with Creative Video (who produced and directed the Alzheimer's Services video) and Diane and Smith Hartley with Healthcare Journal of Baton Rouge.

Debbie Kidder Little (left) is the Development Director of Alzheimer's Services and coordinated the event with Dusty Manson, Development Associate (far right). Monique Poree'(center) joined them for a photo and to celebrate after the event.

Alzheimer's Services Awarded 2009 Solaris Award

Alzheimer's Services was awarded the Top 2009 Solaris Award for the Lunch 'n Learn and Video Ed Programs we offer. Programs Coordinator Tomiki Williams along with Dana Territo, Director of Services, and Barbara Auten, Executive Director, accepted the award given by Family Road of Greater Baton Rouge on May 7th. The Solaris Award is presented to a program which has demonstrated excellence in the development and implementation of overall programs for the community.

Programs are awarded the Solaris Award by the following:
- Identifying a need in the community
- Meeting the goals and objectives of the program
- Demonstrating positive outcomes and impact
- The amount of clients reached in the past year
- Client satisfaction

We, at Alzheimer's Services, are so honored to be awarded this prestigious award given by a fellow local, community organization. Thank you!

Charlie's Place Easter Egg Hunt

Charlie's Place clients enjoyed celebrating the Easter holiday at the beginning of this month by hosting a small reception and egg hunt with local school children. The following are a few photos from that event.


Clients sitting in the Memory Garden and posing for a photo with Peter Cotton-tail.


Charlie's Place assistant(left), Shondricka, poses with her daughter and mother in the Memory Garden.


A Charlie's Place client places an Easter bonnet atop a child's head.

Message from the Alzheimer's Services Executive Director

When I was about 14 my grandmother who I loved dearly developed Alzheimer's disease. I loved her dearly but I was afraid to see her and face her dementia where she would not know who I was. I regret terribly that I did not spend time with her. I urge families to continue all family socialization with the loved one affected by the disease. Reduce children or grandchildren's fears by explaining what to expect and suggesting topics to talk about that might encourage the sharing of a memory from long ago. Love and faith cannot be diminished by dementia. There are still wonderful memories to be created with loved ones. Make time for them.
- Barbara Auten, Alzheimer's Services Executive Director

HBO's The Alzheimer's Project Trailer

We're very excited to see the upcoming Alzheimer's Project 4-part documentary on HBO. The series starts Sunday, May 10th. Here is a link to the trailer for the documentary.

Come Follow Alzheimer's Services on Twitter!

Hey all you fellow Twitterers! You can now follow Alzheimer's Services via Twitter at: http://twitter.com/AlzServices

Alzheimer's Services 16th Annual Education Conference

Alzheimer’s Services of the Capital Area hosted the 16th Annual Education Conference to inform healthcare professionals and families on various topics concerning "Keeping Memory in Mind" on Wednesday, April 8th. Exhibitors from the eldercare service industry and area non-profit agencies were on-hand with free information.


Keynote speaker, Paul D. Nussbaum, Ph.D., is a nationally known clinical neurologist specializing in aging across the lifespan and brain health. He addressed prospects for “Brain Health Across Your Lifespan”. Dr. Nussbaum has over 20 years experience with those suffering with dementia and related disorders.

Jeffery N. Keller, Ph.D., researcher with Pennington Biomedical Research Center (PBRC), also spoke at the conference on: "Alzheimer’s Disease and Medications". Dr. Keller is a professor and Associate Executive Director for Basic Research at Pennington. He was formerly the Associate Professor in Anatomy and Neurobiology at the University of Kentucky, as well as the Assistant Director of the Sanders-Brown Center on Aging. He currently serves as the Director of the Institute for Dementia Research and Prevention at PBRC, which he established in 2008.

Paul M. Dammers, Ph.D., M.P., clinical psychologist and neurologist at the NeuroMedical Center in Baton Rouge, covered the topic "Early-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease" at the conference. Dr. Dammers is a neuropsychologist with the NeuroMedical Center.

Pictured above are volunteers, Mae McGuffery and Carolyn Chaney, at the Alzheimer's Services' booth.

The conference was a wonferful success with over 130 medical professionals and family caregivers attending the educational event. Thank you to all who attended, volunteered and assisted with our 16th Annual Education Conference!

2009 Multi-Year Donor Reception

Thank you to all who helped make our Multi-Year Donor Reception a success. We had a wonderful reception Tuesday evening at the Old Governor's Mansion to honor our Rosemary Society Members and Corporate Partners. Our 16th Annual Education Conference was held the following day, and our special guest at the reception was keynote speaker for the Ed Conference, Dr. Paul Nussbaum.

The following are a few pictures from that event:

Board President Bill Slaughter spoke to guests and presented donors the Corporate Partner Elephant Awards and Rosemary Pots.

Debbie Kidder Little, Development Director, presented new Corporate Partner, Matt Cohn with Home Instead Senior Care, the Elephant Award.

Several Corporate Partners who renewed their pledge received a special award. They are (from left to right): Kelly Smith, Charlie Valluzzo, Jerry Romero, Lane Grigsby and Gary Sligar.

Barbara Auten, Alzheimer's Services Executive Director, presented Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center representatives Marilyn Damburg and David Butler the Corporate Partner Elephant award for outstanding support throughout the years.

Staff members Dusty Manson (on the left, who chaired this event) and Monique Poree' (on the right) at the event.

Bill and Christel Slaughter speaking with Dr. Paul Nussbaum (middle of photo) at the event.

Thanks again to all our Rosemary Society Members and Corporate Partners. If you would like more information on becoming a member of the Rosemary Society or a Corporate Partner, please call the Alzheimer's Services offices at 225-334-7494.

Research Study: Brain Decline Starts in Late 20s

A new article out from BBC news says that research studies are finding that memory loss starts much sooner than earlier thought. Read more here.

Drink more milk to fight Alzheimer's, says study

Here's a new spin on the old ad slogan "Milk...It does a body good." Maybe they should substitute the word "body" for "mind".
A recent study says milk could help in fight against Alzheimer's disease. Click here to read more about the research.
I guess we should all get to drinkin' that milk!

Article on Music and Alzheimer's

Here's an interesting article on a new study linking music and emotion with Alzheimer's patients: Article

Happy Mardi Gras from Alzheimer's Services!

Alzheimer's Services of the Capital Area celebrated the 2009 Mardi Gras Day on February 24th by the Charlie's Place clients throwing a parade at the office! Everyone had a great time!

Pictured above: Ed Picard, Charlie's Place Respite Center Coordinator, leads the clients in the parade.

Above: Staff members Julie Brewer (left), Dusty Manson (middle) and Debbie Kidder-Little (right) join in the festivities.

Staff members say: "Laissez les bon temps rouler!"

Thank You, LSU!!

On Sunday, February 22nd, the LSU Lady Tiger Basketball Team donated $5,000 to Alzheimer's Services of the Capital Area in memory of Sue Gunter's mother who passed away with Alzheimer's disease. The Lady Tigers Basketball Alumni presented the check to Nicole Colvin, Alzheimer's Services Event and Public Relations Coordinator, at the basketball game against Kentucky on Sunday. The girls won the game by the way, 57-56. GEAUX TIGERS!

2008 Alzheimer's Services Angel Awards

Each year, Alzheimer’s Services of the Capital Area honors two outstanding volunteers who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to the organization with the coveted Angel Award. On Friday, February 13, 2009, Alzheimer's Services of the Capital Area awarded Mae McGuffery and Dianne Miller as the 2008 Angel Awardees.

Mae McGuffery, right in the above photo, knows no boundaries to giving from the heart. She first came to us in search of information and services while she cared for her mother - during that time, Mae became endeared to our mission and made it a personal crusade to help others coping with the challenges of Alzheimer’s disease and care giving. She has truly been an ambassador for the organization by making hundreds of people aware of the services available through media and group presentations. Additionally, for the last four years she has spearheaded the largest Walk/Run team raising awareness and funds for support. Mae didn’t stop with helping her team garner the Traveling Shoe Award, this volunteer joined the Walk/Run Recruitment Committee, assisted with data entry for the event, volunteered at Charlie’s Place, and avails herself to answer phones at the office. We are honored to have Mae McGuffery as a volunteer and friend to our organization.

Dianne Miller, left in the above photo, is one of our dedicated Caregiver Network facilitators. She also leads two support groups and, at one time, led a third. She is a former caregiver who cared for her father-in-law with Alzheimer’s disease, and currently reaches out to family members by supporting them with the compassion and knowledge of one who has been there. Additionally, she has served on the Walk/Run to Remember committee, chairing the Memory Market Exhibit Area as well as recruited participants. Dianne fostered our relationship with Life Source Services bringing in new volunteers, supporters and advocates for the organization. She is truly an ambassador for us, telling everyone that she comes across about our services and programs. She is an asset to our organization.

Thank you to all our volunteers who make it possible for our organization to provide services and programs to our 10-parish service area. You all are our angels!

Pictured above is the Alzheimer's Services staff at the Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon. From left to right: Nicole C. Colvin, Event and Public Relations Coordinator; Ed Picard, Charlie's Place Respite Center Coordinator; Julie Brewer, Programs Coordinator; Debbie Kidder-Little, Development Director; Monique Poree, Administrative Assistant; Dana Territo, Director of Services; Tomiki Williams, Programs Coordinator; Dusty Manson, Development Associate; and Barbara Auten, Executive Director.

CNN Article: Brain scan may reveal risk for Alzheimer's disease

Click here to read more about how brain scans may reveal risk for Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer's Services' Charlie's Place Wins National Award

There are BIG things going on at Charlie’s Place!
On November 9th, the Alzheimer’s Services Respite Center, Charlie’s Place, was awarded the Adult Day Center of the Year Award by the National Adult Day Services Association (NADSA). The award honors and recognizes outstanding and innovative adult day centers in the U.S. Criteria for the award includes: creative programming, personalized and specialty services, exceptional programs and services, and unique or well-established community partnerships. Gloria Leblanc, a caregiver for a client that participates at Charlie’s Place, nominated the respite center for the award.
The response from the community has been so strong for Charlie’s Place, that the center has opened an additional day. On Wednesday, December 3rd, Charlie’s Place was open for it’s first Wednesday.
We look forward to what new, exciting things 2009 will bring for Charlie’s Place!
WHAT IS CHARLIE’S PLACE?
The Alzheimer’s Services Respite Center, Charlie’s Place, provides socialization and cognitive stimulation for early to moderate stage dementia patients. To enter the program, potential clients must undergo a brief assessment to determine if they are able to participate in the program. Hours of operation are 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays (new day!) and Thursdays with lunch included. The fee to attend is $40 per day, which may be partially covered by enrollment in the Respite Care Services Program. Daily activities include group and individual activities facilitated by trained staff and volunteers. For more information or a personal tour of Charlie’s Place, contact Dana Territo, Director of Services at 225-334-7494 or services@alzbr.org.

Become a Follower of the Alzheimer's Services Blog!

Calling all Alzheimer's Services Blog Fans!!
Simply select "Follow this blog" in the column to the right, and sign up to be a follower of the Alzheimer's Services blog - and receive updates when new blogs are posted.

Alzheimer's Services Announces New 2009 Board Members and Officers

Alzheimer’s Services of the Capital Area announces the new 2009 Board Members and Officers.

Dr. Jeffery Keller, Professor and Executive Director for Basic Research at Pennington Biomedical Research Center, is a new 2009 Alzheimer’s Services board member. Dr. Keller recently established the Institute for Dementia Research and Prevention at Pennington, and is currently researching aging and age-related dementia.

New 2009 Board Officers include: William S. Slaughter, Ph.D., President; Wilfred Barry, President-Elect; Crissie Head, Treasurer; and Kelsey Funes, Secretary.

William (Bill) Slaughter is the founder and president of SSA Consultants, a nationally recognized organizational development and management consulting firm. He has personal experience with Alzheimer’s disease (AD), his mother was diagnosed with the disease.

Returning board members are: Steve Carville, Dr. Katie Cherry, Dudley W. Coates, Pennie Cotter, Dr. Gerard Dynes, Paul D. Frey, Bobbi Grigsby, Edward Hardin, Dr. Robert I. Hart, Pat Hoffman, Kelly Hurtado, Gary Sligar, Charles Valluzzo and Sylvia Weatherspoon.

Early-Onset Alzheimer's Disease

Research reveals that people in their 30’s, 40’s, and 50’s can have Alzheimer’s. I had always assumed that this disease was a disease of senior citizens. Not so. According to the Mayo Clinic, 200,000 people in the United States have early-onset Alzheimer’s. That number is expected to increase. That’s a lot of problems!

Early-onset of the disease strikes people who are in the prime of life. I look around among my friends and see a nurse who has a 12 year old son. Just think of the problems she would have if the disease struck her. And what about her 12 year old son with a mother who is not functioning normally? He too would have problems and he was not diagnosed with Alzheimer‘s!

I also see a PhD chemical engineer who has two grandchildren. Think of the problems this young grandfather would have with his grandchildren. And what would his wife face? A husband who is now incapacitated with an incurable disease. WOW!

Personal questions arise with early-onset Alzheimer’s. When should the young children be told about the disease? I think of friends in their 40’s and 50’s who have children and wonder how these friends would react to a doctor telling them they have Alzheimer’s. How do we tell a 45-year-old person he or she can not drive and must stay home because of this disease? What about the spouse? Can the spouse find a job that would bring in as much income? What about money for college education of the children? This could be a problem, and finding care for the affected worker, could also be a major problem in the family.

I know of several families who have teenagers. The full force of Alzheimer’s could hit these families when their teenagers are looking to their parents for guidance. These teenagers might question if they have inherited the disease from their parents. If they have, what happens to them? More problems??

A young college age girl asks, “Who will walk me down the aisle at my wedding if daddy has Alzheimer’s and is unable?” College age kids want parent’s advice on their future. Which college is best? What about money for books and tuition? Where will that come from if daddy has Alzheimer’s? Can mama afford to put me through college with daddy‘s added expenses?

Health care providers do not usually look for Alzheimer’s in the under 65 age group. Research indicates that many people with early-onset of Alzheimer’s are already in poor health. It may be months or even years before the correct diagnosis of Alzheimer’s is made. The only accurate diagnosis of Alzheimer’s is an autopsy after death.

Many Alzheimer’s organizations are beginning to develop a picture of this group and are working to increase awareness. Steps are being made to reduce the problems associated with early-onset Alzheimer’s. The march is on! We’re moving! Watch us!!


This blog was written by a man who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. He will be 90 in ‘09. He is a volunteer with Alzheimer’s Services of the Capital Area.