TIPS TO NAVIGATE THE HOLIDAY SEASON

Heading home for the holidays; know the 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s

In addition to a new dessert recipe or family vacation photos, bring an important gift home this holiday season and become educated about the warning signs of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Visiting with relatives over the holidays may raise questions about the physical and cognitive health of family members. Although some change in cognitive ability can occur with age, serious memory problems are not a part of normal aging. Recognizing the difference between normal aging and more serious problems can help you identify when it may be time for your relative to see a doctor.   

The Alzheimer’s Association has seen a rise in calls to its 24-hour helpline, 800-272-3900, during and after the holiday season when people return home and visit with friends and family whom they may not see as frequently during the year. The Alzheimer’s Association encourages anyone to call their helpline if anyone has a question or doubt about the state of an aging family member or friend. 

Every individual may experience one or more of the 10 Warning Signs in different degrees (see below). If you notice any of them, please see a doctor.

Alzheimer’s Association 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s

1. Memory loss that disrupts daily life.  One of the most common signs of Alzheimer's is memory loss, especially forgetting recently learned information. Others include forgetting important dates or events; asking for the same information over and over; relying on memory aides (e.g., reminder notes or electronic devices) or family members for things they used to handle on one’s own. 

What's typical: Sometimes forgetting names or appointments, but remembering them later.

 

2. Challenges in planning or solving problems.  Some people may experience changes in their ability to develop and follow a plan or work with numbers. They may have trouble following a familiar recipe or keeping track of monthly bills. They may have difficulty concentrating and take much longer to do things than they did before.

What's typical: Making occasional errors when balancing a checkbook.

 

3. Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work or at leisure.  People with Alzheimer's often find it hard to complete daily tasks. Sometimes, people may have trouble driving to a familiar location, managing a budget at work or remembering the rules of a favorite game. 

What's typical: Occasionally needing help to use the settings on a microwave or to record a television show. 

4. Confusion with time or place:  People with Alzheimer's can lose track of dates, seasons and the passage of time. They may have trouble understanding something if it is not happening immediately. Sometimes they may forget where they are or how they got there. 

What's typical: Getting confused about the day of the week but figuring it out later.

5. Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships.  For some people, having vision problems is a sign of Alzheimer's. They may have difficulty reading, judging distance and determining color or contrast. In terms of perception, they may pass a mirror and think someone else is in the room. They may not realize they are the person in the mirror. 

What's typical: Vision changes related to cataracts.

6. New problems with words in speaking or writing.  People with Alzheimer's may have trouble following or joining a conversation. They may stop in the middle of a conversation and have no idea how to continue or they may repeat themselves. They may struggle with vocabulary, have problems finding the right word or call things by the wrong name (e.g., calling a "watch" a "hand-clock"). 

What's typical: Sometimes having trouble finding the right word.

7. Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps.  A person with Alzheimer's disease may put things in unusual places. They may lose things and be unable to go back over their steps to find them again. Sometimes, they may accuse others of stealing. This may occur more frequently over time. 

What's typical: Misplacing things from time to time, such as a pair of glasses or the remote control.

8. Decreased or poor judgment.  People with Alzheimer's may experience changes in judgment or decision-making. For example, they may use poor judgment when dealing with money, giving large amounts to telemarketers. They may pay less attention to grooming or keeping themselves clean. 

What's typical: Making a bad decision once in a while.

9. Withdrawal from work or social activities.  A person with Alzheimer's may start to remove themselves from hobbies, social activities, work projects or sports. They may have trouble keeping up with a favorite sports team or remembering how to complete a favorite hobby. They may also avoid being social because of the changes they have experienced. 

What's typical: Sometimes feeling weary of work, family and social obligations.

10. Changes in mood and personality.  The mood and personalities of people with Alzheimer's can change. They can become confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful or anxious. They may be easily upset at home, at work, with friends or in places where they are out of their comfort zone. 

What's typical: Developing very specific ways of doing things and becoming irritable when a routine is disrupted.

Early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias is an important step in getting appropriate treatment, care and support services, following are additional benefits to receiving a diagnosis as early as possible:

Benefits of an early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease 

• Benefit from treatments that may improve symptoms and help maintain a level of independence longer

• Have more time to plan for the future

• Participate in decisions about their care, transportation, living options, financial and legal matters

• Develop a relationship with doctors and care partners

• Benefit from care and support services, making it easier for them and their family to manage the disease

Anyone with questions about Alzheimer’s disease and/or seeking information should contact the Alzheimer’s Association’s 24/7 toll-free helpline at 800-272-3900.  Experts are available to take calls from individuals concerned with their own cognitive health as well as from family members and friends who may be concerned about a loved ones and seeking resources.

Alzheimer’s Association

The Alzheimer’s Association is the world’s leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer's care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research, to provide and enhance care and support for all affected, and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s. Visit alz.org or call 800-272-3900.

Why I Walk... Have an Audrey’s Army moment

by Noel Joyce, West Side Walk Chair

Audrey is my friend.  We’ve laughed together in our bookclub meetings for years.  She’s smart, beautiful, laughs easily, and is one of the kindest, most caring people you’ll ever know.

Last year, after struggling to remember her students’ names, Audrey, an experienced and accomplished teacher, realized something was wrong.  After medical evaluations she was diagnosed with early-onset FTD (fronto-temporal dementia).

Although Audrey is still the same smart, beautiful and compassionate friend, wife and mother, the diagnosis has changed her life.  In her mid-50s, she retired early from teaching.  She and her husband have accelerated many of their life plans: traveling to Hawaii, the shores of Myrtle Beach, as well as other lovely places, with and without their children...all in anticipation of the journey ahead of them as her FTD progresses.

Shortly after her diagnosis, but before many people other than close family and friends were aware, I was recruiting friends to join my team for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s.  I hoped to have every member of our bookclub walk with us or donate to our team.  However, I worried that Audrey might not want the attention.  So I tentatively asked her permission...

“Would you mind if I recruited walkers to support and honor you?  Would you like to be on my team...or I can help you set up your own team?”  I asked Audrey anxiously one night. 

Her eyes lit up as she said “Oh my gosh, this is how they can help us! Everyone has been asking what they can do, and this would be a way for them to help!”

With that enthusiastic response, I got the go-ahead to recruit our bookclub and other friends for my team, and Audrey and her family decided to launch “Audrey’s Army,” their own Walk team of family and friends!

On Walk Day last September, Audrey’s Army arrived in full—daughter Laura, who coordinated much of the team from University of Akron where she is a student, son Jason, from Dayton, sisters from out-of-state, friends and family from near and far—all who will support them in their difficult journey to come.  They walked together behind a giant banner proclaiming “Audrey’s Army MARCHING to End Alzheimer’s!”

I still get goose bumps thinking about my friend’s “Army” of love and support that day.

So why should YOU walk?
Of course...walk to raise funds and awareness for the Alzheimer’s Association as they take the lead in fighting this disease.  But if you have been touched by Alzheimer’s—if you know someone, love someone, care for someone, or have lost someone with Alzheimer’s—walk to have your own “Audrey’s Army” moment! 

Gather friends and family and spend a morning walking, lifting each other up, and fighting the battle together, in great fun and with great hope, for a future without Alzheimer’s

THE END BEGINS WITH YOU

ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION WALK TO END ALZHEIMER’S^TM 2012

The Alzheimer’s Association’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s is a united movement to reclaim the future for millions. This year, The Cleveland Area Chapter is pleased to present two walk events to serve even more individuals in northeast Ohio. Walks will be held in downtown Cleveland and on the west side in Avon.

Walk to End Alzheimer’s will take place on Saturday, September 22 in Avon at the All Pro Freight Stadium and Sunday, Oct. 7 at Tower City in Cleveland. Registration for both walks begins at 8:30 a.m., opening ceremonies begin at 9:30 and the Walks take off at 10:00 a.m. Both walks are three miles long with an alternate one-mile shortcut.  More than 2,500 people from the greater Cleveland area are expected at this year’s events to raise awareness and funds to fight Alzheimer’s disease.

At the downtown event, kids will enjoy meeting the Cleveland Cavaliers’ Moondog, Flower the Clown and the St. Ignatius Jugglers. Other activities at both walks include a photo booth, face painting, crafts and more!  Walkers will also have the opportunity to write a message in honor or memory of a loved one on their own Promise Garden Flower. Walkers will carry the keepsake flowers with them on the route, creating a moving visual to recognize loved ones. 

The event provides an opportunity for the community to learn more about Alzheimer's disease, advocacy opportunities, clinical trial enrollment, and support programs and services of the Alzheimer’s Association.  Each walker will also join in a meaningful tribute ceremony to honor those affected by Alzheimer's disease and kick off the walk.

The Need
Alzheimer’s is the largest underfunded public health threat facing the nation at this time. Alzheimer’s is now the 6^th leading cause of death in America. Among the top 10 causes of death, Alzheimer’s is the only disease with no treatment, cure or way to slow down its progression. 

“As we see the death rates fall for other major health threats such as heart disease, cancer and stroke, there is a correlation with the amount of private and federal funding that has backed the research efforts helping to eradicate those diseases,” said Nancy Udelson, executive director of the Alzheimer’s Association, Cleveland Area Chapter.  “We hope to raise funding so that we can see that same trend happen with Alzheimer’s.” 

The Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the Association’s largest effort to raise public awareness and encourage support for Alzheimer’s research to stop this epidemic.  Funds from the event will go to support research grants as well as the many free services that the Alzheimer’s Association provides to individuals with the disease and their caregivers.

The end of Alzheimer’s disease starts here.  Start or join a team today at alz.org/cleveland or call 216.231.1466.

The Cleveland Brown & Orange will soon turn Blonde & Brunette

Football in Cleveland to Get a Whole New Look for an Important Cause

PUBLIC INVITED TO THE BIG GAME!

June 16 at 2:00 p.m. at Cleveland State University’s Krenzler Field

This football town is about to change its colors…at least for one day.  Blondes vs. Brunettes, a flag football game for women, is coming to Cleveland Saturday, June 16 to support the Alzheimer’s Association Cleveland Area Chapter.  The public is invited to help in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease by coming out to cheer on their favorite team – blonde or brunette!

This fundraising event has been highly successful in other major cities such as Washington DC, Chicago and New York, raising more than $1.5 million for the Alzheimer’s Association nationally. A dedicated group of up and coming young professionals is now bringing the fun to Cleveland!

Hosted by Cleveland State University on Krenzler Field June 16, the big game will feature two teams, divided to reflect the age-old rivalry between Blondes and Brunettes.  Red heads and everyone in between are free agents and get to choose their team.  While the player’s roster is ladies only, men are also involved in the coaching and cheering department. 

How to get Tickets

·         Your $20 donation to the Alzheimer’s Association will get you in to the game. 

·         Donate online at www.bvbcle.org  (or call 216.231.1466)

·         Following your donation, your name will be on the guest list for the big game!

Dear Editor,

I am writing in response to the New York Times article “New Drug Trial Seeks to Stop Alzheimer’s Before it Starts”.  This disease that causes a degenerative effect on the brain distresses many people globally.  Could you imagine the looks in your loved ones eyes when they discuss what will happen to you when the Alzheimer’s kicks in?  Can you imagine being told you could no longer drive your car, a privilege that you worked hard to obtain so many years ago?  Unfortunately, there are 5.4 million people that live with this disease, and many more that the possibility haunts them due to genetics. 
I personally have experienced this when my Grandpa was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s when I was fifteen years old.  What could this mean? Would Grandpa not remember me?  Would his awesome personality change? Would Grandma be okay with this?  To a fifteen year old, these are scary thoughts that are pushed to the back of my brain.  However, when Grandpa’s mind started to drift when I was a junior at John Carroll University and he had a near-death experience, the reality became quite clear.  My time with him was limited. 
To a 76 year old this diagnosis means fear.  Will I remember my love for the simple things in life?  Watching my grandkids swing in my hammock in my South Euclid backyard, listening to the poems my wife has written her whole life, taking walks around the Belvoir block to Mayfield, Green Roads and back, or laughing with my kids, siblings, nieces, and nephews about the good ‘ole days. 
Now, 25 years old, and without one of my “best friends” as Grandma wrote a poem entitled so, I decided it is time to take a stance.  An old professor suggested I get involved with the Alzheimer’s Association, an organization with a mission “to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.”  After some emails, I discovered BvB Cleveland sponsored by the Alzheimer’s Association, or the “blondes vs. brunettes” powder-puff football game designed to raise money to help fight this disease and find a cure.  It already has raised $1.5 million for the cause nationally.  The event will occur on June 16 and is promised to be entertaining and exciting for all ages.
My family was lucky enough to have Grandpa Sonny around until he was 86 years old.  My Uncle and I both wrote speeches to read at his wake, which I would like to share a few excerpts from my uncle’s first: 
“During the Depression in 1926 in the small town of Holy Cross, Kentucky my Dad was born.  His childhood nickname that followed him through life was “Sonny.”  He was the 2nd oldest of 6 kids born.  The family lived on a farm with no plumbing, no electricity, and only a gas stove to warm their home.  Jobs were scarce in Kentucky, so their father decided to move to Collinwood, OH for a better life.
In 1944, Sonny was drafted to serve his country in World War 2.  When he returned home in 1947, he met the 15 year old who would eventually become his wife close to 60 years.  In 1952, my mother’s dream came true and they did indeed marry.  They moved onto her father’s street in Cleveland. 
In 1953 he landed a job with the Shaker Rapid.  He worked as a motorman operator and soon recruited his brothers Bot and Tommy to work by his side.  Eventually, Tommy left the rapid for a career in computers and moved to Georgia.  His brother, Bot, worked by his side close to 27 years, and in 2005 Bot passed away.  When asked about how he felt about his passing, Sonny replied, “I lost my best friend.”
During his work years and while helping raise his three children, Sonny made time for everyone.  his rapid buddies became a second family to Sonny, and he often had them over for “Sonny’s Spaghetti” dinners.  He’d also have them over to make homemade sauerkraut.  He worked split shifts so that afforded him more time to spend with his own children.  He would take his beloved nephew and nieces to the Metroparks and sled riding.  In 1983 Sonny retired from the RTA Rapid after 30 years of devoted service. In his retirement he enjoyed to the fullest his six grandchildren.  He was also able to spend more quality time with his sisters, otherwise known as the “talking heads,” their husbands, and his brother Bot and his wife.”
My childhood on Rushton Road with Grandpa and Grandma is one that will be cherished always.  I would like to share an excerpt of my speech during Grandpa’s later years when the Alzheimer’s kicked in.
“As I grew up, Grandpa grew older, and all of a sudden I was taking care of him, not because I was told to but because I wanted to.  When I transferred to JCU after my party days ‘were over,’ it was Rushton Road that gave me a sense of stability, and a sense of this is who I am.  I would clean for my grandparents.  Let’s face it I cleaned for Grandma; Grandpa just sat in his tan recliner loving his retired life, drinking his black coffee out of his amish mug. 
I would drive them to lunch, which at first Grandpa didn’t love.  The guy wanted to be the rock for his family, but I like to think Grandpa let me drive because he was proud of me and loved me, and wanted to see me grow up.  As he grew older it was the simple things that made him happy: his walks through South Euclid with that infamous hat I would always make fun of him for, sitting in his recliner looking out the front window for any little activity on Rushton Road, feeding his stray cat pal Boris and accidentally letting him in the house one time, his red Christmas vest at the family Christmas party, and his role as (one of) the best Grandpa’s in the world. 
Years passed and I held on to those childhood memories as I went through all my growing pains.  I watched as the proud granddaughter as Grandpa pushed the five younger grandkids in the wheelbarrow, swung them on the hammock or in his hand-made swing, and clapped and laughed with the boys as they danced around. I watched smiling, because I never wanted to let go of the memories that I had with him.  Grandpa reached the end of a life that I can only dream of having – an ever-loving and compassionate wife, three wonderful children who found three loving spouses that all have the family values that were passed down to them, and six grandchildren who will forever tell the memories and stories that have been told throughout the years. 
My last days with Grandpa were spent at the nursing home with me holding his hands, helping him drink his water, and telling him everything is going to be alright. It was my way of expressing the gratitude I have for my childhood memories with him and my amazing mom that he raised.  As I say good bye to Grandpa, in a way I say goodbye to my childhood, and I like to think that the peace I have in letting go of it to move toward my future, is the peace Grandpa feels as he joins God in Heaven.”
In my fondest memories with Grandpa, I am dancing with him at his last birthday we recently celebrated and looking at the joy in my family’s eyes that he was able to take a trip out of the nursing home.  I am writing to create awareness about the disease, and to help find a cure.  As such, please help me in achieving my goal of raising $250 for the BvB Cleveland event!

2012 Champion Award to be Awarded to P. Kelly Tompkins

The Champion Award recognizes and honors individuals for their long-standing commitment and dedication to the mission and vision of the Alzheimer’s Association. 

This year we honor P. Kelly Tompkins whose exemplary fundraising skills have helped raise the level of corporate support for the Association for the last several years, while also serving to increase awareness of both Alzheimer’s disease and the services of the Alzheimer’s Association.   

A former board member of the Cleveland Area Chapter, he currently serves as the Chairperson of the Board of Directors of Magnificat High School.  He also serves on the Great Lakes Science Center Board.  In 2005-2006, Mr. Tompkins served as the 95^th president of the Cleveland Bar Association and is a past Chair of the Cleveland-Marshall College of Law Visiting Committee. 

Professionally, Kelly Tompkins is Executive Vice President – Legal, Government Affairs and Sustainability & Chief Legal Officer at Cliffs Natural Resources, Inc., an international mining and natural resources company with operations in the U.S., Canada, Australia, and Brazil.  He has responsibility for global legal, labor and public affairs, Cliffs’ ongoing relationships with all U.S. and international government and regulatory bodies and the execution and reporting of the company’s increasingly critical sustainable development practices. 

He joined Cliffs in May 2010, having previously been executive vice president and chief financial officer of RPM International, a NYSE-listed, global specialty chemical company. 

Mr. Tompkins received his B.S. degree from Mercyhurst College and his J.D. degree from Cleveland –Marshall College of Law in 1981.  He and his wife, Cathy live in Westlake. 

A CELEBRATION OF HOPE FOR THE FUTURE

CLEVELAND – More than 3,500 families in the Cleveland area depend on the Alzheimer’s Association for assistance in coping with the crushing responsibilities of caring for a loved one with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. At no expense to the families, the organization consults with them on how to care for their loved one and provides support services, educational programs, resources, safety services and referrals.  

To maintain these services, the association will host its annual dinner, A Celebration of Hope, Thursday, April 26, 2012, at 5:30 p.m. at the Renaissance Cleveland Grand Ballroom, 24 Public Square, Cleveland.  The evening includes a cocktail reception, silent auction, program, awards presentation and dinner. Individual tickets start at $200 per person and tables of 10 start at $2,000. For additional information or to register to attend, contact Kelly Morrell at 216-231-1481 or kelly.morrell@alz.org.  

In addition to helping the Cleveland Area Chapter continue to serve local families, funds raised from A Celebration of Hope assist the organization in its efforts to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research. Last year, the annual dinner event raised more than $362,000.  

“As the number of individuals with Alzheimer’s climbs, we find our services in greater demand and look forward to increasing community support,” said Nancy Udelson, executive director of the Alzheimer’s Association Cleveland Area Chapter.  

Highlights of this year’s event include big ticket silent auction items such as:

·         Behind-the-scenes tour of the Columbus Zoo and a meet and greet with Jack Hanna for 6 people

·         Celebrity Golf Outing with legendary former Cavaliers Austin Carr and Larry Nance

·         Four VIP tickets to watch the Daily Show live in New York City with an airfare credit

EVENT HONOREES

Several key advocates from the Cleveland area will be honored at A Celebration of Hope this year.  

P. Kelly Tompkins of Westlake will receive the Champion Award for his long-standing commitment and dedication to the Alzheimer’s Association. A committed philanthropist, Tompkins has been involved with the association as a member of the Board of Trustees, and has served as both a chair and member of the dinner’s Corporate Committee. Tompkins’ exemplary fundraising skills have significantly increased the level of corporate support and awareness of both Alzheimer’s disease and the services of the Alzheimer’s Association.  Tompkins is the Executive Vice President of Legal, Government Affairs and Sustainability at Cliffs Natural Resources. 

Deborah Cloud of Warrensville Heights will receive the Arlene L. Ellis Volunteer of the Year Award given annually to a volunteer who exemplifies dedication, creativity and extraordinary service. Cloud is one of the Alzheimer’s Association’s strongest and most active volunteers in the community.   She has committed both her personal and professional lives to helping caregivers and educating people about the disease and the Alzheimer’s Association.  She frequently presents educational programs, works at health fairs and participates in fundraising events. Cloud also advocates on behalf of the Association in Columbus, speaking to state legislators. She previously served as Chair of the Chapter’s former African American Advisory Council, helping to heighten the awareness of the disease within the African American community. 

Mark A. Smith, Ph.D., formerly of Chagrin Falls, will receive the Jennifer B. Langston Community Service Award (posthumously) given annually to a person, persons or organization that has been instrumental in furthering the projects and programs of the Alzheimer’s Association. Dr. Smith was a renowned Alzheimer’s disease researcher and faculty member at Case Western Reserve University’s Department of Pathology.  He was also the executive director of the American Aging Institute and co-editor-in-chief of the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease.   At the time of his death, Dr. Smith was ranked as the third most prolific Alzheimer’s researcher in the world.  He was instrumental in getting Alzheimer’s researchers to consider antioxidants as a possible treatment for Alzheimer’s.  Both Dr. Smith and his wife, Dr. Gemma Casadesus Smith, launched their first research projects with grants from the Alzheimer’s Association.

got m'boots on!

Cadillacs, Cowboys and Cocktails tonight 5-9

Our second annual Cadillacs, Cowboys and Cocktails is tonight from 5-9. We are raffling an iPad 2. Tickets available at the door.

Well be live blogging with photos tonight right here as well.