FALL/WINTER 2013-14 EDITION Gratitude . . . Pass It On
Newsletter A Daughter’s Story: Caregiving is Not for Sissies
An Encinitas Caregiver Explains Her Husband’s ‘Perfect State of Grace’
By Twyla Cox, Family Caregiver
By Ann Detwiler, Family Caregiver
As a child I thought I was adopted because my mother and I are so different. My mom, Ruth, was the third of ten children born in 1926 to a West Virginia tobacco farmer and his wife. My mother idolized my grandfather, and he in turn taught her the skills she needed on a farm, as well as how to hunt and fish. My mother was raised to be strong, hardworking and fiercely independent. These skills and abilities would serve her well throughout her life. In the early ‘50s she worked bucking rivets in the male-dominated aircraft industry. She earned the respect of the men she worked with and they nicknamed her “Rawhide” because she was tough as leather. She was married to a Navy man by then. They had met on a bus in Huntington, West Virginia in 1949. My father was frequently deployed, sometimes for a year at a time, so my mother raised two boys and two girls virtually as a single mom. Because money was tight, she soon became both mom and dad, the family handyman, and an umbrella mother of the PTA, Cub Scouts, Little League and dance. In 2009, my mom—aka Rawhide—was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Any characteristics I like to think I inherited from my mother were certainly put to the test in
the early stages of our Alzheimer’s journey. She was adamant that she did not need my help. She insisted she could still drive, and would tell me to mind my own business and to leave her alone. Though I knew it was the “disease talking,” I will not pretend that this did not test my patience or hurt my feelings.
Ruth Cox and her daughter, Twyla Cox are part of our Glenner Center Hillcrest family.
It’s been four years now, and while I don’t believe she is cognitively aware of why things are so different for her now, she has settled into her new life. She seems content, but is still feisty and funny and most importantly, now accepts my help. I smile when she tells me, “I don’t know what I’d do without you” and I reply—“you’ll never have to know.” Her short-term memory is virtually gone, but thankfully she still has her sense of humor and is continued on page 6
TABLE OF CONTENTS New Faces at Glenner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Chair’s Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 How to Reach Us . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 From Grouchy to Grateful . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 A Glenner Pioneer Remembers Us . . . . . . . . . . 3 The Center[s] of Activity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5
‘Meine Lieb’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Support Groups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Learn to Be More Kind . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . How to Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Signs and 4 Must-Do’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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It’s always been tough for me to ask for help. However, since my husband Bob’s diagnosis of Alzheimer’s 16 years ago, knowing what to do, where to go and how to be prepared for the next stage is exactly what has helped me cope. Bob and I met on a blind date. I figured that if I didn’t fancy him, I would inform him that his date Ann (me), just wasn’t in town that night. My plan backfired as soon as I laid eyes on him, because I knew in the deepest part of my heart that he was the man I was going to marry. Everyone finds a way to make a marriage last, and keep things calm. Our way was music. A fight never seemed to blow up to quite the level it would have if music stayed playing. Bob was part of a Barbershop Quartet and has always had a beautiful tenor voice, which I still enjoy hearing today. Even our wedding song has been a steadying grace as we move through life. We chose the song “Too Young” by Nat King Cole, because we were sore that our parents thought us too young to marry. Now, I couldn’t think of a more perfect tune. Sometimes when days are especially bad, I reflect on the lyrics “and yet . . . we’re not too young to know . . . this love will last . . . though years may go . . . ” And the years have gone. And our love has lasted. Bob and I have been married 60 years as of this June. Sixteen years ago, in 1997, Bob and I were both working at the same company. One afternoon our boss pulled me into his office and asked if I knew why Bob was having some trouble remembering dates and following directions. We went to see a neurologist who told us Bob had Alzheimer’s disease. I broke down, my three children all cried and our world fell to pieces. Bob was 67 years old. continued on page 7
CHAIR’S CORNER
How to Reach Us SAN DIEGO Hillcrest Center Program Director: Marge Galante, RN, BSN 3686 Fourth Avenue San Diego CA 92103 (619) 543-4704 NORTH COUNTY Encinitas Center Program Director: Sheila Argeanton, BS 335 Saxony Road Encinitas, CA 92024 (760) 635-1895 SOUTH BAY Chula Vista Center Program Director: Bernice Molina, M.S.W. 280 Saylor Drive Chula Vista, CA 91910 (619) 420-1703 CORPORATE OFFICES Chief Executive Officer: Anette Asher 3702 Fourth Avenue San Diego, CA 92103 (619) 543-4700 ONLINE www.glenner.org www.facebook.com/GlennerCenters
‘The Miracle of Gratitude’ Plays Out Daily at Our Centers By Julie Sugita, Chairman of the Board
“The miracle of gratitude is that it shifts your perception to such an extent that it changes the world you see.” —Dr. Robert Holden Recently, a much-beloved staff member, Marge Galante, RN, was honored by KyXy 96.5 and Azusa Pacific University as the recipient of the C.A.R.E. Award. Marge was nominated by grateful family caregiver Twyla Cox for her exemplary care she has given way beyond her duties as Program Director at the Hillcrest Glenner Center. Marge’s passion for families impacted by Alzheimer’s Disease and the quiet leadership she provides to all of us is legendary. When I heard about Marge’s award, I was filled with such a sense of gratitude for her quiet strength that has been such an incredible resource to so many, and as I reflected on Marge, I realized that the Glenner Memory Care Centers have been indeed touched by so many wonderful, dedicated and passionate staff members. Each one has a gift of creating warm relationships with our participants at a time in their lives when relationships are needed the most. And perhaps more in the background is our Board of Directors, which provides through our directors’ hearts, minds and time many volunteer hours of service on behalf of our
Glenner Centers. Each of our 18 members is a leader in his or her field, and brings a special talent to our Board. And like our amazing staff, we are so grateful for each individual. It is just this leadership by our staff and board that propels Glenner forward as we search for new care techniques, program offerings and resource services in the coming year. We strive to keep the Glenner Memory Care Centers at the forefront of adult day services for those with Alzheimer’s Disease and other memory impairment diseases. As fall brings thoughts of nostalgia and holidays ahead, let’s open our heart to that sense of gratitude for all we do have as sometimes it’s right there, in plain sight. We might just need a little shift in our perception.
Julie Sugita, DDS, MS, CLPF, is the Chair of the Glenner Centers’ Board of Directors.
Glenner Welcomes New Programs and Community Relations Directors Gloria and Marshall will work out of our Corporate Office in Hillcrest.
Gloria de Aragon Baker
Gloria de Aragon Baker is our new Director of Programs and Development. The Havana, Cuba native brings to Glenner an extensive background in international publishing, education, fundraising, experience as a licensed administrator at White Sands La Jolla, and a passion for serving Alzheimer patients and their families. Spanish-English bilingual, conversant in French and Italian, and able to work effectively with persons from other cultures and walks of life, Gloria’s exceptional interpersonal skills will build strong relationships with those we serve.
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Marshall Stanek
Marshall Stanek, Community Relations Director, joined the Glenner Memory Care Centers in July after more than 15 years in senior executive roles. Experiencing firsthand the challenges, confusion and lack of knowledge in what it takes to care for his elderly parents, he understands the difficulties that families go through in caring for a parent or grandparent. Marshall is out in the community listening to the needs, wants and concerns that healthcare providers face and family caregivers struggle with in our San Diego region. He and his wife of more than 20 years have three children.
GRATITUDE . . . PASS IT ON
How to Go From Grouchy to Grateful on a Daily Basis By Cynthia Koch
Welcome to the age of the Gratitude Boom. With all the blogs, books, podcasts and articles on this topic, it’s almost like a new attraction at Disneyland. (”Please fasten your seatbelts, and turn your frown upside down. Sit back, relax, and thank you for riding with us on the gratitude train.”) If only there were such a thing because, let’s face it, it’s not always easy to say thank you when faced with tough decisions or when watching someone you love suffer. As much as we like to scoff and say that practicing gratitude is only for Zen-inspired hippies, it’s getting harder to ignore the compilation of research showing a direct correlation between an active practice of gratitude and profound, positive effects on health and wellness, significant increases in happiness, and stronger connectedness, kinder behavior and commitment in relationships and marriages. The marriage between gratitude and better health and well-being is clear. The University of California, Berkeley recently received a $3 million grant from the John Templeton Foundation to commission 14 new research projects to study gratitude and its effects on our health and well-being. The good news for us grouches is that we too can obtain the benefits of gratitude, founded on the theories of Aristotle. You see, Aristotle viewed gratitude as a virtue, not a trait. Since virtues are learned, taught and cultivated—this means that gratitude can be learned, taught and cultivated. Here are a few ways to turn Grouchy into Grateful on a daily basis: Mornings, Grouchiness and Gratefulness—Make gratefulness part of your routine. I drink my coffee out of my “Life’s a Beach” coffee cup, and smile every morning because I live by several of the most beautiful beaches in the USA.
The Law of Substitution—Use your negative thinking to your advantage. “I hate that I always have to drive” becomes “I’m really happy I’m driving, because she’s a terrible driver!” Doodles into Dogma—Do you ever get caught in a long conversation you don’t want to be in? I’ve found a great trick! I simply doodle and practice “inactive listening.” Here’s how you do it: Throw in an occasional “yes,” or “mmmhmm” while you draw out beautiful pictures of the word “patience” or “sunshine,” or something you are grateful for that day. Cards and Letters—This one is a bit more serious. It’s important to tell people why you love them. Take a moment while you’re eating dinner, or write a personal letter or a card to your spouse, child, grandchild, or friend—tell them specifically what about them you love or enjoy. Even if you don’t give the card or letter to them directly, reading it over when you’re having an awful day reminds you of the blessings you have all around you. Just Write It Down—It’s pretty simple. Emmons and McCullough found that people who simply write down five things once per week that they are grateful for, were 25% more optimistic, happy and exercised 1.5 hours more per week. Forget weight loss fads—this gravy train of gratitude may even help you lose weight! It may not be natural at first, but even the grouchiest of us can practice gratitude. Cynthia Koch is the Community Engagement Associate in our Corporate Office.
One of the First Glenner Caregivers Remembers Us By Anne Saita
Dorothy Page remembers when she first realized her mother had serious memory loss. At the funeral service for her husband, Emily Page turned to her daughter and asked, “Who’s that in that box?” The family thought it was shock caused by her husband’s death, but a doctor immediately identified her reactions as Alzheimer’s disease. Emily was 74 years of age. At that time, there were few options for family caregivers like Dorothy, who was single and had a thriving career at General Dynamics that she didn’t want to abandon. She found people who would help care for her mother in their homes, but often the arrangements were short-lived. Either her mother would wander because the homes weren’t secure or the
treatment was substandard to meet her mother’s unique needs. Then one day she came home and found her mother had put a pitcher of Kool-Aid on the stove to heat. Emily’s family knew then that she needed full time help. Dorothy heard about a brand new place in Hillcrest that provided adult day care specifically for those frail seniors with dementia. They sang, danced, played musical instruments and over time formed a bond. The place felt like home—safe, comforting, secured and filled with activities. That place later became known as the George G. Glenner Alzheimer’s Family Centers and today is The Glenner Memory Care Centers.
“Mom enjoyed being there,” Dorothy recalled. “And it was the first peaceful moment I’d had in a long time.” Over time, the center staff grew to be like extended family, even trying to find emergency shelter for her mother when Dorothy required sudden eye surgery. Dorothy said she never forgot what the Glenner Center did for her and her mother, who passed in 1992. She is among those who plan to remember our non-profit organization in her trust so that the peace and hope she experienced continues for generations to come. Thank you, Dorothy, for being one of the first to join our Glenner community as one of its first caregivers . . . and for remaining a part of our family all these decades later. THE GLENNER MEMORY CARE CENTERS |
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An Impact Snapshot
Measuring Gratititude . . . 5,000 10,800 35,742
Newsletters are delivered each year in San Diego
We are a 100% local not-forprofit spending our funds only in San Diego County. Here are some of the ways your donations were used in 2012-2013.
Facebook users reached our community page Pages were viewed on our website
211
Participants attended adult day programming in 2012. Of these 211 particitpants:
62 were mildly impaired 84 moderately impaired and 59 severely impaired
“My mission in life became to help others. . . . It [volunteering] gives me back double what I give it . . .” Trudy Lemen, Treasured Volunteer
1,756
Hours donated by volunteers like Trudy to assist our Adult Day Programming staff and participants.
FREE counseling and support benefitted
2,381
families who were searching for answers and options.
150,000
hours of face-to-face care were given in 2012. Among these therapies were pet therapy, art therapy, music therapy, physical activity, community service projects, dance therapy, gardening and more!
$22,910 of FREE professional care given to 395 adults with dementia in 2012-13 while caregivers attended one of our support groups.
3,375 Hours of vital support groups benefitted 260 caregivers.
This Year’s Major Funders We wish to express our thanks to everyone who gave from their heart this year, regardless of the amount. Here is a list of our major funders for the year as of September 30. A full list of donors is available on the Donate page of our Web site at www.glenner.org. The Del Mar Healthcare Fund at the San Diego Foundation Kearny Mesa Convalescent Hospital & Nursing Home
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Alpha Chi Chapter of Alpha Beta Zeta Sorority Marc and Joanne Price Las Primeras Albert Yatrofsky
Sandy Weiss The Country Friends of Rancho Santa Fe The Jay L. Smith Foundation The McBeth Foundation
2012 Pariticipants Level of Impairment Mild Moderate Severe
y
Encinitas The Encinitas Center staff includes Jade Lim, R.N.; Rocio Molina, lead activity assistant; Lisa Pena, program assistant; Uriel Perez, activity coordinator; Sheila Argeanton, program director/social work; and Osciris “O.C.” Ramirez; program assistant. Not shown but very much appreciated: Cora Sirio, program assistant, and Lucia Szuch, R.N.
175,000 Did you know? Since 1982, when Joy and Dr. Glenner first opened The Glenner Memory Care Centers, we have served over 175,000 families in the San Diego area!
Wednesday Support Groups Hillcrest 3:00–4:30pm 3702 Fourth Avenue San Diego
Hillcrest The Hillcrest Center staff includes in the front row, L-R: Shannon Santos, program assistant; Mariana Garcia, program assistant In the back row, L-R: Maria Stefanic, activity coordinator; Tina Rakowski, R.N.; Margaret Galante, R.N. and program director; Vera Johnson, housekeeper. Not shown but very much appreciated: Annette Fosselman, program assistant; Nicole Purnell, program assistant; Theresa Gonzalez, program assistant; Yanira Muniz, secretary; Sandra Ambrosi, R.N.
Chula Vista 3:00–4:30pm 280 Saylor Drive Chula Vista
Encinitas 10:00–11:30am 335 Saxony Road Encinitas Free care will be provided for your adult loved one.
South Bay The South Bay Center staff includes from left to right in the back row: Moyses Oliden, program assistant; Jesus Leon, C.N.A., program assistant; Rebecca Zazueta, lead program assistant; Ana Salas, activities coordinator; Cindy Avila, R.N.; Patricia Campbell, administrative assistant. The front row includes Laura Aribuabo, housekeeper/program assistant, and Bernice Molina, M.S.W., program director and social worker. Not shown but very much appreciated are: Carmelita Allanigue and Andrea Rojas, program assistants; Nina Caldwell, R.N. and Lois Lerma, R.N. THE GLENNER MEMORY CARE CENTERS |
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VOLUNTEER PROFILE
‘Meine Liebe’: How one volunteer went from being ‘my love’ to ‘our love’ here at Glenner By Cynthia Koch
“I still remember when Bill brought home a little paper heart that said ‘meine liebe’ on Valentine’s Day from Glenner.” Trudy’s dark blue eyes mist over and her voice trembles when she speaks of her late husband, Bill. “It was in his handwriting—I know he probably had help to write it, but I treasured it, and still do to this day…” After Bill passed, she was so grateful for the support and the family she found at The Glenner Memory Care Centers that she wanted to give back somehow. So Trudy started to volunteer, and slowly started to feel a sense of living that she had lost when her husband passed. “My mission in life became to help others . . . It [volunteering] gives me back double what I give it . . . even when I’m feeling down, I come in and when I see a smile on one of the faces here, it is all I need to put a smile on mine.” Trudy has her own beautiful smile, which lights up her eyes, and an entire room. Once she started volunteering, more ways to help out began to open up right before her eyes! In the beginning, she assisted the participants at Glenner during the day. Then, she decided to adopt a small rescue dog named Sarah. Soon after, through friends she had met in the support group at Glenner, she was introduced to an opera club where she now volunteers as well. “I love music. I sing songs with the participants at Glenner, but I can’t sing a stitch of opera,” she admits with a roaring laugh. Music is Trudy’s passion and, in fact, it was through the music program at Glenner that Trudy saw and still sees value and meaning in the programming. A former military man, Bill enjoyed Judy Garland’s rendition of “Somewhere over the Rainbow,” but wouldn’t be caught singing a single note when he was at home. Trudy still remembers the shock of walking in to see him smiling, swaying and singing with the group at music time. With a twinkle always in her beautiful eyes and her infectious laugh, it’s not difficult to see why Glenner staff describe Trudy as “an inspirational and creative woman who helps us out so much,” “a true treasure” and say that “she’s there right when we need her, and gives one-on-one, hands-on care”. Life is not always pleasant as a caregiver to an individual with dementia. It was Trudy’s own experience as a caregiver during the
A Daughter’s Story,
tough times that makes her invaluable as a volunteer. Trudy learned that she needed to find moments of laughter, and moments of joy. Some wonderful moments she recounts with laughter are her dinners out with “The Liars Club”—a group of lifetime friends that Trudy first met in her support group. The club name was a way for these caregivers to laugh as they learned what Dr. Phil meant when he said, “Would you rather be right, or be happy?” Trudy explains it best in her own words. “You know, I had to learn a lot as a caregiver, but the one key thing that I learned is that it’s so important to just agree—and not to argue. When someone says ‘Those are really nice blue shoes,’ I say ‘Thank you! I love my blue shoes.’” Trudy’s shoes are white. “It sounds like we’re bad people, right? But you know what— keeping myself and my husband happy was okay! It’s less complicated that way, and there are more happy memories.” Sometimes a little white lie meant the difference between a calm and happy night, and a difficult night filled with confusion. Trudy continues to bring smiles to the faces of our participants, and they continue to put a smile on her face. She hopes that someone she helps to paint a picture or to write a card will take it home one day and give someone else a treasured memory and possession. One smile can make a whole day brighter.
Bill was Trudy Lemen’s husband. Trudy was Bill’s one true ‘liebe’ (German for love). Trudy Lemen
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very quick witted. She still throws out one-liner comebacks from the Mountain State colloquialisms of her youth. Her caregiver calls her the West Virginia Mountain Momma, referring to a line from the John Denver song. We laugh a lot and when she tells me I’m bossy, I simply reply that I learned it from her. After all—I am my mother’s daughter. The century-old little blue house on the corner of 4th Ave and Pennsylvania in Hillcrest has been a regular stop on our journey—the Glenner Memory Care Center. I had visited several daycare facilities, but knew this was the one for my mother when I walked in the door. The staff is amazing—fun-loving, kindhearted, gentle, caring and compassionate. Having always been social, my mom looks forward to going there. When I pick her up, she tells me “I had a thoroughly enjoyable day.” Of course, if I ask her what she did she cannot tell me because she doesn’t remember, but whatever it was she enjoyed it. These days, that’s all that matters. I’ve learned that it takes strength to ask for help, and I encourage caregivers to seek out resources and services, most of which are free.
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The Glenner Center is a safe haven for my mother, and the weekly support group has become the same to me. People with whom I have a common bond welcome me. It is a time and place to learn, laugh and cry, to share your experiences and your feelings of stress, guilt, frustration and sometimes resentment with people who understand what you are going through. I am constantly amazed and inspired by the stories I hear of strength, will and dogged determination to protect and care for our loved ones. We are often reminded by our facilitator and one another to take care of ourselves, first and foremost. As my mother and I continue on our journey, I am grateful to know that the Glenner Centers will continue to be a beacon on this unchartered course of ours. I find comfort in that, because as early 20th century journalist and humorist Henry Louis Mencken wrote, “Old age is not for sissies.” I agree, but would add, “Caregiving is not for sissies, either.”
There are Many Ways to Support Our Mission We always welcome cash donations—checks, credit card payments and good ol’ dollar bills—to help support our mission to provide high quality adult day programs and family support services to the growing number of San Diegans suffering with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. We also know that some of you want to give to us but lack the cash resources to make a considerable gift. That’s why we encourage you to call us about our Planned Giving Program, where we’ll work with you to make a charitable contribution of stocks, real estate, pensions, retirement accounts and other assets now and in the future. Depending on your plan and your gift, you can have a meaningful impact while also: • lowering your income taxes • enjoying income for life • eliminating capital gains taxes • reducing estate and inheritance taxes As you consider your legacy and philanthropic strategy, consider making a gift to Glenner— and making a difference to so many of your neighbors, coworkers, customers and friends. For more information on how on the Glenner Planned Giving Program, call (619) 543-4700.
Perfect State of Grace,
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In the beginning, I remember it was like a big fog of too much information, and too many choices to understand. Bob soon started in program at UCSD to give us access to the neurologists and the follow up, and I tried a few support groups before I arrived at The Glenner Memory Care Center’s doors. As soon as I started attending the support group, I began to feel a sense of relief. Here I found direction from Sheila and the support staff, and I finally started to understand what the next steps are. When Bob first came to the adult day program, I was surprised that he was so happy. What most people don’t realize is that with this disease, there’s not much a person can do. He can’t sit and read a book. He can’t turn on the TV and watch a movie. My kids keep buying different DVDs for Bob—but what they don’t realize is that we can watch the same movie over and over and over again, and it’s like watching it for the first time. We watch A River Runs Through It night after night, and Bob loves it like the first time we watched it. The activities that they have here at Glenner keep him entertained. He’s exhausted and worn out from a full day of activities when he comes home from the day’s programming. Then he’ll sleep peacefully through the night. Keeping him occupied, awake and engaged is the greatest thing that Glenner does. If there is any piece of advice that I can give to someone who is going through this type of thing—it’s to get the help. Don’t put it off. And be prepared. It’s coming. You will need to take the next step. Go to a support group—any support group. Here, you will find someone to help you make the tough decisions, and you will find the information you need. Here you will find that you are not alone, and it’s okay to ask for help. There’s perhaps one thing that has made this less tough. My saving grace is that Bob has always been happy. Everything is wonderful. He knows nothing about what is happening to him. He just thinks that sometimes he forgets things—which is the normal sign of aging. I’m grateful for that. In a roundabout way, he’s in a perfect state of grace.
Bob and Ann Detwiler enjoy the shaded outdoor area at Glenner Center Encinitas as they discuss 60 years of marriage.
Learning to Be More Kind— to Yourself and to Others By Anne Saita
One of our most popular blog posts this year dealt with research to teach people to be more compassionate. We thought we’d reproduce it here in case you or someone you know could benefit from the findings, especially with the upcoming holidays and the strains they can create on relationships. Could you or someone you know stand to be a little more compassionate? Now there’s a study that suggests compassion can be developed through training. The study published in the journal Psychological Science focused on training young adults in an ancient Buddhist technique known as “compassion meditation.” People focused on visualizing someone suffering and helping them to alleviate that hurt through repeated phrases focused on ease and joy. The study group first focused on loved ones and then themselves before moving on to strangers. The last exercise was to apply the practice to someone they considered difficult, such as a coworker or troublesome relative. “It’s kind of like weight training,” reported Helen Weng, a psychology graduate student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where the study was conducted. “Using this systematic approach, we found that people can actually build up their compassion ‘muscle’ and respond to others’ suffering with care and a desire to help.” Next, the same group was trained to become more altruistic, giving more to others instead of themselves. Participants played an Internetbased game with two anonymous players, one a “victim” and the other a “dictator.” Each of the three was given money to spend at will and watched as the dictator player shared very little money with the victim. “We found that people trained in compassion were more likely to spend their own money altruistically to help someone who was treated unfairly than those who were trained in cognitive reappraisal,” Weng said. Other exercises are explained in the article, all of which point to promising results. So if you or someone you know are lacking an appropriate level of compassion in general or in a specific situation, such as siblings sharing in the care of a loved one with a memory impairment, do know that it’s possible to change the way they think and respond and to become a little less selfish and a little more kind. It just takes training the brain to think differently about others around them. Anne Saita is the Marketing and Development Manager for the Glenner Centers. THE GLENNER MEMORY CARE CENTERS |
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NON-PROFIT ORG U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 2672 San Diego, CA 92199
3702 Fourth Avenue • San Diego, CA 92103
10 Signs It Might Be Alzheimer’s (And What You May Be Able to Do About It) 1. Forgetting Things at Work Especially things you did or still do all the time. 2. Difficulty Performing Familiar Tasks Like forgetting a familiar driving route. 3. Problems with Language Can’t remember a good friend’s name or find the word for familiar objects, like “fork.” 4. Loss of Initiative Over time, we start to self-isolate and have less incentive to go out into the real world and interact for fear of failing at simple tasks. 5. Poor or Decreased Judgment Mismanaging money is a big red flag and can cost a household if it’s not caught soon enough. 6. Problem with Abstract Thinking Everything is taken literally because abstract concepts can no longer be comprehended as well. 7. Misplacing Things (More Often) The ‘key’ here is not just that you lost your keys or mobile phone but you can’t retrace your steps to find them either. 8. Changes in Mood Behavior From the range of emotions, including anger, frustration, and sadness as the realization something is wrong starts to sink in. 9. Changes in Personality Afterall, we are the sum of our life experiences and when memories erode, they change who we are. 10. Disorientation (Especially Regarding Time and Place) Such as wearing your pajamas to church when you previously wore your Sunday best.
Four Steps You Can Take Now 1. Exercise 15-30 Minutes Daily A walk is good, but even armchair aerobics will keep blood circulating to the brain and also will help reduce the risk of falls later in life. 2. Exercise the Brain Daily Remember the brain adapts to repetitive exercises, so don’t just do the crossword puzzles each day, learn a new language and develop new hobbies. 3. Eat Well Dark, leafy veggies, certain types of fish, nuts, whole grains—all good for the brain. 4. Stay Socially Connected This is HUGE. Meeting in person with friends or just being out in public and around other people works your brain in ways that watching television, reading to yourself, ‘socializing’ online and even talking on the telephone do not.
Learn more at www.glenner.org