HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Charlie’s Place is 5 Years Old!

Charlie’s Place provides individuals suffering from any dementia-related disorders with cognitive stimulation and social interaction. Charlie’s Place also provides respite for the caregiver. Respite is an interval of rest or relief. Even if family assists with the care of a loved one, the primary caregiver may still be seeking rest and relief. When you walk through the doors of Charlie’s Place, caregivers, as well as their loved ones, feel safe and secure. We hope to give caregivers the chance to have that relief and to absolutely clear their mind, if for only a moment, of all caregiver duties and to actually take a deep breath and regroup. We are all equal in Charlie’s Place because we are all touched by this disease. Some of us have the disease and the rest of us are caring for a loved one with the disease.

Sunday, December 2 was the Charlie’s Place 5-Year Reunion Celebration. The event was attended by many people from Charlie’s Place, past and present. We were not celebrating the disease but rather the life families can still have with the disease. When getting the diagnosis of dementia, an individual, the caregiver, and the rest of the family may feel like life is over. At Charlie’s Place we make the most of the life we all have in spite of the disease. We still dance, we still laugh, we still smile, we still enjoy.

Many people enjoyed the Charlie’s Place Reunion and we asked participants to share a little about their experience at Charlie’s Place.

“No place like Charlie’s Place”

“Helps clients and also caregivers greatly”

“I visited Charlie’s Place and was treated to a birthday party”

“My mom sure likes to visit with everyone and all the staff is so caring, thanks”

“God bless Charlie’s Place … Wonderful atmosphere, love and acceptance, a warm welcome always”

“Charlie’s Place is like home to me, I love it!”

“Charlie’s Place is a saving grace, a comfy space, lots of caring”

We greatly appreciate all the warm thoughts and wishes about this wonderful program. We, Alzheimer’s Services, are honored to serve the individuals and the families who are affected by Alzheimer’s.

Contact Sports and Dementia

Like so many Louisianans, I spend my Sundays going to church in the mornings and watching football in the afternoons. It is one of the great pastimes for my family and friends. Each week we are waiting with anticipation for our team’s next game. We are engulfed in the cheering and high-fiving when our team (Saints of course!) tackle, sack, and block the opponent team. It seems like the harder the hit is the more excited we get. Sometimes I catch myself cheering for those hard hits. With the excitement of it all, we often forget the actual impact those hard tackles can have on players especially when that hard tackle causes a serious injury like a concussion. 

A concussion is an injury to the brain or spinal cord due to jarring from a blow, fall, or the like. Professional, collegiate, and high school football players can sustain multiple concussions during their tenure playing the sport. The impact of multiple concussions can be injurious.  It can have an immediate effect on young players such as the case of former Bengal’s receiver Chris Henry whose autopsy revealed years of brain injuries before his fatal accident.  Long-term effects have been revealed in the case of Alex Karras who succumbed to dementia, and Jim McMahon who has been recently diagnosed with dementia. 

A preliminary study conducted by Dr. Christopher Randolph, clinical professor of neurology at Loyola University Medical Center in Chicago, affirms that 1 in 3 retired football players will develop some sort of cognitive impairment.  In a separate study conducted by Dr. Bennett Omalu, he demonstrates a link between multiple concussions problems of NFL players and depression and early-onset dementia. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health in Cincinnati researches wrote in the journal Neurology that professional football players are much more likely to die from Alzheimer's disease, ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) and other conditions cause by brain-cell damage. These researchers discovered that professional football players:  had triple the risk of death caused by diseases that destroy or damage brain cells compared to other people, had four a times greater risk of dying from ALS or Alzheimer's disease, and had about the same risk of death from Parkinson's disease as the rest of the population. They found that speed-position footballers were over three times more likely to die from a neurodegenerative cause than non-speed position players. These studies are preliminary but offer an interesting perspective to impact of violence in some sports.  More information on these studies can be found at www.fitzsimmonsfirm.com, Christopher Randolph, PhD, et al. Characterization of Mild Cognitive Impairment in Retired NFL Players, and Neurology ® the Official Journal of Medical Journal of Neurology (AAN). 

More research is being conducted to determine whether there is a conclusive link between recurrent concussions and dementia in football and similar contact sports. As much as I enjoy football, I have become increasingly aware of the impact it can have on players. Safety comes first before entertainment. I would rather these players practice safety than forfeit their health.  This doesn’t just apply to adults but also to kids playing contact sports. Make sure they are wearing the proper helmets and equipment for the activity. Always seek treatment first if you think you may have a concussion and encourage others to do the same. Once a first concussion is diagnosed, don't return to the activity that caused it until the symptoms go away and a doctor has given the okay.  Be safe and encourage safety. Now let’s watch some football!

A Holiday Wish

Thanksgiving is that special time of year that we count our blessings and thank God especially for all of our friends and family. We, at Alzheimer’s Services hope all of you had a very Happy Thanksgiving season. We are deeply grateful to all of you who support of our mission. As the holiday season continues, please remember in your prayers those who are stricken with Alzheimer’s disease and cannot remember all the wonderful memories we reflect upon during this time of year.  Also, please remember to pray for their caregivers to have strength, courage, and patience during the difficult journey of caring for those who are affected by this debilitating disease. 

Again, we are grateful for the many blessings and our many successes during 2012, and we feel poised and ready for the challenges ahead because we have the support of people who see our work as important. Please join us soon for a Cause to Remember, so you can see first-hand the person-centered care that takes place, not only in Charlie’s Place, our respite center, but throughout the entire organization. Dates are listed on our website. Again, Happy Holidays!

Debbie Little, Development Director

Change of Seasons, Change of Colors

I had the chance to visit the Texas Hill Country recently and the rich Fall colors from sycamore, maple and oak trees bordered the winding highway to create a most enjoyable ride throughout that special area of my home State.

What an awesome feast for the eyes! An accumulation of emotions surfaced as my eyes focused on tree after tree in passing. I thought about the change of seasons, the change of colors, the change of time, the journey of Alzheimer’s.

Why do these leaves change color anyway? A short Science lesson tells us that plants use glucose as food for energy for growing. The way plants turn water and carbon dioxide into oxygen and sugar is called photosynthesis. A chemical called chlorophyll helps make photosynthesis happen. Chlorophyll is what gives plants their green color. As summer ends and autumn comes, the days get shorter and shorter. This is how the trees "know" to begin getting ready for winter.

During winter, there is not enough light or water for photosynthesis. The trees will rest, and live off the food they stored during the summer. They begin to shut down their food-making factories. The green chlorophyll disappears from the leaves. As the bright green fades away, we begin to see yellow and orange colors. Small amounts of these colors have been in the leaves all along. We just can't see them in the summer, because they are covered up by the green chlorophyll. The bright reds and purples we see in leaves are made mostly in the fall. The brown color of trees like oaks is made from wastes left in the leaves.

I was thinking about these changing colors of leaves, and the Thanksgiving holiday, as I met with a distraught caregiver whose wife has Alzheimer’s. He is definitely in the winter of their lives.  The sun has faded into non-existence for him, so to speak, and his family is changing routines and gatherings, much like the leaves change their colors. The “bright green” has definitely faded from their once “chlorophylled” lives, where the wife/mom took care of the family, organized and prepared holiday gatherings and gloated over children and grandchildren.

When “winter” comes harshly for a caregiver…those days when he/she has given every ounce of strength and emotion in caring for their loved one with the disease and nothing works...we should go to our “food” that we have stored during our “summer” days...those days when there was some cognition with our loved one, the days when he/she was manageable, the days when the whole family enjoyed a myriad of present moments  This “food” or captured memories provides us with a means to sustain us, the opportunities to store that biographical history of our loved ones and opportunities to educate ourselves on the progression and characteristics of the Alzheimer’s journey. Our colors only change when we peel back those layers of green chlorophyll and allow ourselves to bring forth the yellows, and reds and purples, and then, wisely, throw away all the browns, the wastes, which are the regrets, the guilt, the “could’ve/should’ve/would’ve” mantras that occupy our minds in the caregiving process.

So, as the majesty of Fall colors fade, as leaves make piles on the ground, as we change seasons and draw near holiday gatherings like Thanksgiving and Christmas, hold a single leaf in your hand. Think about how its life has changed through the seasons, its purpose in providing food, nurture and protection, and its wonderful aspect of being something of unique beauty that the eyes can behold. 

That’s someone with Alzheimer’s, too. It’s just that the world is sometimes too busy to recognize the change of colors. 

Dana Territo, Director of Services

Recollection Collection Home Care Giver’s Kit

Even when memory fails and abilities diminish, friends and relatives can find activities that engage their loved one by adapting favorite hobbies from the past or trying new ones such as listening to or playing music, doing art projects or making cookies together. The key is to keep trying to include the person in activities even if they're relatively simple.
 

People with dementia may not react the way they did before they got sick, but they still need company and stimulation.  You might see their eyes light up.  They may be able to smile, make a joke, or engage in a way that may surprise you.  

A few months ago, an elderly woman in a skilled-nursing facility was thought to be nonverbal until music therapy was implemented in her daily activities.  Hearing some familiar music she once enjoyed, the woman joined in with words and happy gestures. She is still singing to this day! 

We at Alzheimer’s Services are tweaking some last details to something NEW for our Care Givers!  The Recollection Collection Home Care Giver’s kit.  The kit will include activities for cognitive, sensory, and visual stimulation for your loved one.  These activities are sure to help maintain a meaningful connection with your loved one.  The handy travel case will allow you to travel with it for those holiday trips out of town! We will announce more on this exciting project in the near future!

Preventing Falls

Falls are a common cause of injury in older adults.  Broken hips are just one of the risks of falling.  Plus, the fear of falling may cause a person to limit his or her mobility.  But you can do a lot to reduce the chances that you or someone you care for will fall.  Look below for tips that can help. 

Most serious falls occur at home.

• Look around the house for items that may cause someone to trip and fall.
• Make sure all rugs and mats are skid proof or secured with carpet tape.
• Remove electrical cords from pathways.
• Keep floors and stairways free from clutter.  Pick up papers, books, clothes and shoes.
• Roll up hoses and pick up tools in the yard.

Improve lighting in the home.

• Brighter lights can help a person see better and may prevent a fall.
• Have a lamp or night light near the bed.
• Even if the room is familiar, always turn on a light before walking into a dark area.  Consider using motion-, voice- or clap-activated switches.

Make the bathroom safer.

• Place a non-slip mat in the shower or tub.
• Install grab bars in the shower, tub and next to the toilet.
• If a person’s balance isn’t reliable, a shower bench with non-skid tips can be used in the shower or tub.
• A raised toilet seat is helpful for people who have trouble getting up and down from a regular toilet.

Wear safe shoes.  Use a cane or walker if needed.

• Choose shoes that are easy to walk in and give good support.
• Avoid shoes with slippery soles and those with high heels.
• Using a cane or walker can help you maintain your balance.

Poor vision can lead to a fall.

• A regular eye exam can determine if glasses are needed or if the current glasses are the right strength.
• An eye doctor can also check for cataracts or other conditions that may limit vision.

Regular exercise is important.

• Daily exercise helps maintain balance, flexibility and strength.
• Ask a health care provider about which kinds of exercise are best.

Review medications with a health care provider.

• Some medications or combination of medications can make a person drowsy or lightheaded.  This can increase the risk of falling.

Falls contribute to many serious injuries in older adults.  But falls are often due to hazards that are easy to fix.

New Team Member, Jeri, Shares About Her First Weeks

I am new to the Alzheimer’s Services team and had the opportunity to work my first “Walk to Remember” on October 20. I have participated in the Walk for many years since 1999 in honor of my grandmother who suffered from Alzheimer’s. However, I never realized how much work went into it now that I am “behind the scenes”. Being here has given me an entirely new perspective and coordinating the event next year will be one of my biggest responsibilities.

I was amazed at the amount of support Alzheimer’s Services receives and how so many people are touched by this disease. It was obvious not only by the 8,000+ participants, nearly $300,000 in funds raised and numerous corporate partners and sponsors, but also by the poignant stories I have heard from so many people. Paul and Michele Gates are fighting this battle together, and their role as honorary chairs raised such awareness and inspiration. Nikki Caldwell brought her entire LSU Women’s Basketball Team and spoke of her multiple connections to the disease. Charlie Valluzzo makes this entire event possible year after year along with so many other community leaders and contributors. The Bourgeois family blew me away with their passion, presence, and commitment.  Finally, I must mention the dedicated committee members and hundreds of volunteers who provide immeasurable assistance in making the Walk such a success.

Everyone I have met is incredibly motivated to do whatever it takes and our Director, Barbara Auten, is extremely mission-focused with regards to improving the quality of life for so many.  I am proud to be a part of such a meaningful organization that is working to provide compassion, education, and enrichment to families and their loved ones who battle the challenges of Alzheimer’s. Many thanks to my co-workers who have welcomed me, answered countless questions and made time to share a bit of their world with me!     

I look forward to what this next year will bring!  Hopefully we will be blessed with another glorious day for the Walk on October, 19, 2013!!  

Jeri McCullough, Walk/Run to Remember Coordinator

Alzheimer's

Like snow silently falling 
overnight
As if someone came
And shut a precious light
A light that shone
For so many years
That recalled happiness
And tears

A light that held
The memory of you and me
And all that I love

I can't get out!
I have to stay here
Frustrated, angry
And full of fear

Please look at me
I'm really still here
I'm afraid you'll forget me
And not hold me dear

I wander, repeat
And sometimes stammer
I seemed to have lost
My original manner

Where is the light?
Where have I gone
While I'm still here?
Inside I have this dreadful fear

Be kind
It's only me dear

By Cynthia Hernly