MINDFUL MATTERS. New Alzheimer Day Program for Cambridge. You are invited... Open House

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1 MINDFUL MATTERS F ALL Help for Today. Hope for Tomorrow New Alzheimer Day Program for Cambridge The Alzheimer Society of Cambridge is pleased to welcome the Region of Waterloo s Sunnyside Community Alzheimer Program to the Cambridge community. They program is now open at 150 Main Street in Cambridge (Galt). Led by a qualified team of health care professionals; the program provides a stimulating and safe environment for people with mid to late stage Alzheimer s disease and other dementias. Building on the abilities of each participant, the program offers music therapy, arts and crafts, horticulture, exercise programs, baking, reminiscing and community outings. Assistance is available for those who require support with meals, personal care and medication. The benefits of participation in day programs can include a reduction in caregiver stress, increased socialization for the person with dementia, increased appetite, improved sleep habits and a more positive mood. Corrie Bradley, Acting Supervisor, explains that the program aims to build self-esteem and increase opportunity for socialization of participants. One caregiver notes the sense of purpose the day program gives participants, (My husband) sometimes brings home a craft project his face lights up with pride as he shows me his work. For another caregiver, the time to himself is the greatest gift as it allows him to run errands and reconnect with friends. The program is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The cost is $15 per day which includes a hot lunch, snacks and beverages. Transportation is available upon request for an additional cost. For more information, call Corrie Bradley ext Inside this issue: You are invited... Sunnyside Community Alzheimer Program Open House Tuesday October 23, 2012 from 2:00-4:00 pm 2nd floor, 150 Main Street, Cambridge New Day Program 1 Education Events 5 Greeting 2 Volunteer 6 Research 3 Support Services 7 Special Events 4 Your Support 8 Mindful Matters 1 Fall 2012

2 GREETING It has been a happy whirlwind of activity since I joined the Alzheimer Society of Cambridge in the Spring as the Chapter Lead and Public Education Coordinator. I have met many wonderful people that form the Alzheimer Cambridge and North Dumfries community and I am amazed at the enthusiasm of the staff, volunteers and board of directors of this incredible organization. The Board of Directors has actively been searching for a new Executive Director and they have recently hired Jennifer Gillies to fill this role. Jennifer comes to us from Murray Alzheimer Research Education Program at University of Waterloo where she worked as a Postdoctoral Fellow. In addition to Jennifer, I would like to invite you to join me in welcoming several other new staff to our organization: Melissa Campion, Special Events and Executive Assistant Jessica Short, Volunteer Companion Program Coordinator Gina Brohman, Acting First Link Coordinator I would like to thank Justine Lunt, our summer student this year. We are grateful for all of her hard work and dedication and we wish her all the best in the future. A new report published by Alzheimer Society of Ontario states there are more than people over the age of 65 in the Waterloo-Wellington Local Health Integration Network (LHIN) Region living with dementia. Between 2012 and 2020, the total number of seniors with dementia in the region is expected to increase by 34% to more than MISSION STATEMENT The Alzheimer Society of Cambridge is dedicated to supporting people with Alzheimer s disease or related dementias & their caregivers, by providing supportive counselling, information, education, public awareness, advocacy and promotion of research. The increases in the number of people with dementia will intensify strains on our chapter and our health care system. I would like to invite you to get involved with our chapter by volunteering, attending our Coffee Break Kick-Off on September 20 (see page 4 for more details), joining our membership or by donating. By getting involved, you will join a dedicated team of people that all share the Alzheimer Society s common aspiration: Help for Today. Hope for Tomorrow. Jill Mercier, Acting Chapter Lead and Public Education Coordinator BOARD OF DIRECTORS Nancy Kauffman-Lambert......President Noella De Sousa....Past President Michael Mann Vice President Larry Arndt Treasurer John Shannon... Secretary Wendy Cooper Director Brian Hummel Director Val Brooks Director Dave Lukezich..,,. Director STAFF Jennifer Gillies.....Executive Director Jill Mercier...Chapter Lead and Public Education Melissa Campion. Events & Executive Assistant Claire Brown...Dementia Support Counsellor Jessica Short...Volunteer Companion Coordinator Gina Brohman.... First Link Coordinator Jill Ross....Regional Finance Coordinator Mindful Matters 2 Fall 2012

3 RESEARCH Is Coconut Oil an Answer for Alzheimer s disease? There has been a lot of interest this year regarding the possible benefits of coconut oil to prevent or treat Alzheimer s disease. In this article, we will explore what is known about this issue. The claim: The benefit of coconut oil has to do with the role ketones play in keeping the brain nourished. Ketones are what our bodies produce when they convert fat into energy. The primary source of energy for the brain is glucose. In Alzheimer s disease, it s believed that brain cells have difficulty metabolizing glucose. The theory is that ketones that are produced in our bodies when digesting coconut oil may provide an alternative fuel source to keep the brain nourished. The evidence: Currently, there is no research to support or refute the theory that coconut oil can prevent or treat dementia. However, the interest in coconut oil highlights some important questions to consider when evaluating research evidence: Where was the study published? Research results are reported in many places, including the media. For health-care providers, researchers, policymakers and others who rely on research findings, they will typically consult peer-reviewed journals. Peer review is a system whereby an article is evaluated by experts, providing credibility to the research, including assurance that the study s methods and conclusions are appropriate. How was the study carried out? There are many ways researchers could study the effects of something like coconut oil. For example, they could identify a group of people and measure how much coconut oil each one consumes then follow them over time and compare the risk of developing dementia. This type of study is called observational. Researchers study peoples behaviours and link these behaviours to health outcomes. Observational studies can be very powerful. However, observational studies must also be interpreted in context with their susceptibility to bias. In this example, people who consume coconut oil may differ from those who do not in various ways. These differences could explain why dementia is (or is not) more common in one group. For this reason, to obtain stronger evidence of cause and effect researchers conduct randomized controlled trials (RCTs). With RCTs, study participants are randomly assigned to receive an intervention such as a drug, diet or lifestyle program, or not. This random assignment is meant to make the groups as similar as possible, except for having received the intervention being studied. The study participants are followed over time and their health outcomes are compared. The bottom line: The effect of coconut oil on Alzheimer s disease is unclear and more research is required before drawing any firm conclusions. The interest in coconut oil reinforces the value we place on research. It s our best hope of finding effective treatments for Alzheimer s disease and other dementias and improving the quality of life and care for those affected. Source: Alzheimer Society of Ontario (2012) Mindful Matters 3 Fall 2012

4 SPECIAL EVENTS Join Us! Raise your Cup! Coffee Break is the annual national fundraising event for the Alzheimer Society. Throughout September, businesses, organizations and individuals will host Coffee Break events to raise money for the Alzheimer Society of Cambridge. We invite you to host a Coffee Break. Hosting an event is simple. We provide you with a Host Kit, which includes promotional supplies, helpful hints and even coffee. Hosts simply set up a Coffee Break where friends, family and/or co-workers can enjoy a cup of coffee and make a donation or donate for a coffee cup`` decal. Some hosts have become extremely creative in finding a Coffee Break event that works for them. New hosts have begun to host movie nights, card tournaments, barbeques or dress-down days at work. The possibilities are endless! To host a Coffee Break or for more information, please contact Melissa at or admin@alzheimercambridge.on.ca Thank you to our sponsors! COFFEE BREAK KICK-OFF Sept 20, :00 a.m. (Doors Open) 10:30 a.m. (Entertainment) Langs Community Health Centre Room E Concession Rd., Cambridge Featuring Senior Star Contestants! Enjoy musical entertainment by local finalists of Canada s Senior Star a talent competition for people 65+. Donations at door are gratefully appreciated. Contact Melissa for details or admin@alzheimercambridge.on.ca Mindful Matters 4 Fall 2012

5 EDUCATION EVENTS First Link Learning Series Join us for this free education series that assists people with dementia and their families along the journey. First Steps For people with early-stage dementia Topics: Dementia overview, brain changes, planning for future, coping strategies & treatments. Thursdays: September 13, 20, 27 and October 4 from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Next Steps For families of people with early stage dementia Topics: Dementia overview, brain changes, planning for future, coping strategies & treatments. Thursdays: September 13, 20, 27 and October 4 from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Tuesday mornings: October 9, 16, 23 and 30 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Wednesday evenings: November 7, 14, 21 and 28 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Care Essentials For families of people with mid-stage dementia Topics: Dementia progression, communication, day-to-day care and understanding behaviours. Monday evenings: November 5, 12, 19 and 26 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Options for Care Topics: Care options and long-term care placement, information on transitions, coping Thursday, October 11 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Fall Forum The Person Behind the Disease: Exploring the Experiences of Dementia Featuring Robin Smart, MA Public Education Coordinator, Alzheimer Society of Guelph-Wellington Tuesday, September 11, 7:00-8:30 p.m. Langs Community Health Centre 1145 Concession Rd., Cambridge Call to register: Allies in Aging Conference Thursday, October 18 Bingeman Park, Kitchener. Care in Late Stage Topics: Providing care that promotes dignity and comfort at end of life and dealing with grief & loss Monday, December 3 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Pre-registration is required. Call Claire See enclosed brochure for details. Mindful Matters 5 Fall 2012

6 VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT As a non-profit organization, Alzheimer Society of Cambridge relies on the support of our community. This support is conveyed in a number of ways: through donations, fundraising, membership or volunteering. Each action taken by members of our community is equally important, and ensures the continued provision of programs and services that support families affected by Alzheimer s disease and other dementias within our local community. I had the opportunity to speak with one of our volunteers, Val Brooks. Val currently serves on the Board of Directors, as she has for the past 3 years, and actively participates in our Walk for Memories event. Recently Val became a member of our Special Events Committee, bringing to mind something her father often said, If you want something done ask a busy person to do it! I asked Val about the story behind her involvement with our society: My Dad was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in the late 1990's. At the time they lived in Whitby however we wanted to meet a need before the need arouse so we built a home with an in-law suite and brought them to Cambridge. I contacted the Alzheimer Society of Cambridge so I would know what was available when my Mom and I needed help. They helped to make a long slow journey a little easier and became the rainbow in our storm. In 2007, participated in my first "Walk for Memories" with my Dad as I pushed him in his wheelchair. The next year I did it for my Dad as it was just days before he passed away. Since then I have put my heart and soul into the Walk out of honor, love and respect to a very special man I was blessed to have called Dad. The journey with my Dad was truly a very long goodbye but with the help of the Alzheimer Society it made it possible. It's now my turn to do what I can do to help them help others. Volunteering is, or at least should be, a big part of everyone's life. Not only does it help others it becomes a part of who we are. Thinking of others first obviously helps them but in return the warm fuzzy feeling it leaves inside makes every minute worth giving. My heart is in volunteering and if I didn't need the income I would be a full time volunteer. I have put my heart and soul into the Walk for Memories out of honour, love and respect to a very special man I was blessed to have called Dad. Val Brooks There is a quote that says, Volunteers are not paid not because they are worthless, but because they are priceless. Nothing could be more accurate in this line of work or our volunteers. Everyday generous people like Val, volunteer their time within our organization and for that we are extremely grateful. I would like to thank Val for all she has done for the Alzheimer Cambridge and for taking the time to speak with me and letting me share her story. On behalf of all of the staff here at the Alzheimer Society of Cambridge: THANK YOU VOLUNTEERS! -Justine Lunt, Summer Student Mindful Matters 6 Fall 2012

7 SUPPORT SERVICES For information, supportive counselling and discussion group registration, contact Claire Brown at (519) or Discussion Groups for Family Caring at Home For spouses providing care at home and seeking mutual support and understanding. EARLY MEMORY LOSS Discussion Group Continued Caring For people whose spouse lives in a long-term care home. Caring for Parents For adult children wishing to meet with others who are supporting their parent(s) with the disease. For people who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer s disease or other dementias. Join us for coffee, tea & friendship. Are you looking for something fun to do together? Memory Plus is a monthly wellness program for people diagnosed with a dementia and their friends/family. The group meets for fun recreational activities and to increase awareness and knowledge about living with a dementia and to receive mutual support from one another. Mindful Matters 7 Fall 2012

8 THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT The Alzheimer Society of Cambridge is now on Twitter! The Dunfield Cambridge establishes a new standard in Un-Retirement living with a variety of luxury apartment style suites. The Dunfield Cambridge appeals to a broad range of people offering a combination of independent living, assisted living & memory care suites & services personalized to exceed your every expectation. The Dunfield Cambridge is based on principles of enthusiastically enjoying life every day with a full range of fabulous in-house amenities & an extensive & varied activities program that encourage people to live to their full potential at any age. Our vision is to offer a flexible, people first environment in an elegantly appointed residence. Opening Spring Call Nella Be sure to follow us at Concession Rd. Cambridge, ON N3H 4L6 Phone: Fax: Office Hours: Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. In Memoriam We would like to express our sincere sympathy to those who have lost loved ones, and gratefully acknowledge donations made to the Alzheimer Society in their memory. These donations are used to support those who are living with Alzheimer s disease and other dementias. A very special Thank You to all of those who chose the Alzheimer Society of Cambridge. We appreciate your thoughtfulness. Daniel McMenemy Giuseppe Pagliaro C. Walsh Bryson Stella Oliver Robert Wylie George Muir Donna Talbot Hong Chau Audrey Steeves Doris Tripp Hilda Asslter Millicent O Grady Helen Stewart Ann Godall Bernadette Gagne Jantje Roosenboom Emilen Reardon Elizabeth Taggert Peter Sturdy Mindful Matters 8 Fall 2012