In honor of National Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, the New Canaan YMCA hosted an informative community lecture in partnership with Stamford Health, Waveny Lifecare Network, and the Alzheimer’s Association, Connecticut Chapter on June 5.
The lecture included insightful information about dementia by Dr. Tzivia Moreen, geriatrician at Stamford Health, including types, risk factors, current research, and recommendations. Waveny Lifecare Network also shared an overview of the organization’s Navigator program for individuals with dementia and their caregivers living in New Canaan. The lecture concluded with supportive resources for individuals with dementia and their caregivers living in Connecticut from the Alzheimer’s Association, Connecticut Chapter.
Dementia Types
Dementia is a decline in mental capacity that interferes with daily life and activities, and comprises a group of conditions that affect thinking, memory, and reasoning. Dr. Moreen of Stamford Health shared that Dementia develops into different types, including Alzheimer’s, Vascular dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), and Frontotemporal dementia, in addition to other types that occur with other comorbidities.
- Alzheimer’s is a progressive and neurodegenerative disorder that affects the brain and causes a decline in cognitive function, primarily in memory and thinking.
- Vascular dementia is caused by damage to blood vessels in the brain, leading to reduced blood flow and oxygen supply, and may result in memory loss, difficulty thinking, and behavioral changes.
- DLB is a progressive form of dementia characterized by the accumulation of protein clumps in the brain, called Lewy bodies. DLB disrupts brain function, leading to a range of symptoms that affect thinking, mood, behavior, and movement.
- Frontotemporal dementia involves the progressive degeneration of the brain’s frontal and temporal lobes, affecting behavior, personality, language, and movement.
Risk Factors
Dr. Moreen shared several risk factors for developing dementia, such as vascular risk, including heart disease, atrial fibrillation, hypertension, and high cholesterol; osteoporosis in women; vitamin D deficiency; and genetic risk.
Current Research & Early Detection
Dementia is not just one disease, and early detection is complex. Dr. Moreen shared that there is no specific biomarker to detect dementia; however, she recommends early and repeat evaluation.
Dementia research is still in progress, and therefore, so is the ability to provide medicine to treat its progressive symptoms. As dementia research continues to advance, Dr. Moreen shared that scientists are beginning to use artificial intelligence (AI) as a tool to help sort through large amounts of complex information, including subtle patterns and differences. With AI as a new addition to dementia research, it may enable scientists to find and detect the disease earlier, better understand the genetics of dementia, and find targets for new medications.
Recommendations
Dr. Moreen emphasized the importance of what can currently be done for patients and families, including early evaluation, support, and caregiving, and encourages anyone affected by the disease to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle.
For over 10 years, the New Canaan YMCA and Stamford Health have partnered to provide the community with an on-site wellness nurse coordinator, doctor referrals, blood pressure screenings, expert health lectures, and on-site physical therapy. To learn more about dementia care at Stamford Hospital, visit www.stamfordhealth.org.
Waveny Lifecare Network Navigator Program
Kathleen Benevento, Executive Director of Navigation at Waveny Lifecare Network, shared an overview of The Navigator: Alzheimer’s and Dementia at Home, a grant-funded program in partnership with the New Canaan Community Foundation at no cost to New Canaan residents. The program offers 24/7 support and guidance to families caring for loved ones with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia, in addition to an adult day program option exclusive to Navigator clients to provide respite time to caregivers while their loved ones enjoy socialization and activity.
To learn more about the Waveny Lifecare Network’s Navigator program for New Canaan residents, visit www.waveny.org.
Alzheimer’s Association, CT Chapter
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, over seven million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s. Mary-Kay Harrity, Advisory Board Member of the Alzheimer’s Association, Connecticut Chapter, concluded the lecture by sharing resources, including the organization’s 24/7 Helpline (800-272-3900) a free service open to anyone with concerns about Alzheimer’s or other dementia, over 50 virtual and in-person support groups, early-stage social engagement programs, dementia care consultations, a variety of educational programs for caregivers, and a newly released app, My ALZ Journey, designed for those newly diagnosed and their caregivers.
To learn more about the Alzheimer’s Association, Connecticut Chapter, visit www.alz.org/ct.