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Maine Chapter E-News               December 2011

Alzheimer's Families and the Holidays:  
Tips for enjoying the season.
The holidays are a time when family and friends come together and share memories, laughs, and good cheer.  But for families living with Alzheimer's the holidays can also be a difficult time.  Caregiving responsibilities layered on top of keeping up with holiday traditions can take its toll on Alzheimer's families, especially the caregiver.  The person with Alzheimer's may also feel a sense of loss during the holidays.  With some planning and adjusted expectations, your celebrations can be filled with joy and magical moments to cherish forever.
 

 Click Here for Tips

 

Education
 
Know the 10 Signs:
This family education program aims to increase awareness of the warning signs of Alzheimer's and the benefits of early detection and early diagnosis.
 
This program is FREE!
 
Location:
SeniorsPlus Edu Center
8 Falcon Road
Lewiston, ME
 
Date & Time:
Monday, January 23, 2012
10 to 11 a.m.
 
Registration:
cindy.beck@alz.org or 207.772.0115
 
The Basics: Memory Loss, Dementia and Alzheimer's
This workshop is for anyone who would like to know more about Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.

This program is FREE!
 
Location:
SeniorsPlus Edu Center
8 Falcon Road
Lewiston, ME
 
Date & Time:
Monday, January 23, 2012
12 noon to 2 p.m.
 
Registration:
cindy.beck@alz.org or 207.772.0115

  

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Maine Chapter: 207.772.0115

 

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Alzheimer's Association

Maine Chapter

383 U.S. Route One

Suite 2C

Scarborough, ME 04074

Know the 10 Warning Signs During the Holidays:

Does your family know the difference between age-related changes and the first signs of dementia?

 

 10 signs

Spending time with family during the holidays can raise questions about the cognitive health of loved ones.   With Alzheimer's in particular, it is important to know what is and what is not normal aging. 

 

 Click Here for the 10 Warning Signs

 

Advocacy: Please Make Your Voice Heard!  

 

state capitol dome

There's been lots happening on the advocacy front in Maine!  Here are a few highlights:

 

We were pleased to have the opportunity to meet with Commissioner of Health & Human Services Mary Mayhew on December 9th.

LT and M. Mayhew 2

The Commissioner heard about the needs and challenges faced by individuals and family caregivers across our state who are impacted by Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, learned more about our programs and services, and discussed our joint effort with the Department to develop Maine's first ever State Plan on Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.  

  

The Association submitted testimony in opposition of the Governor's proposed DHHS SFY 12/13 Supplemental Budget MaineCare cuts with emphasis on the proposed elimination of PNMI funding.  Thanks to all who participated in the public hearings on December 14th.  Please share your concerns with Members of the Joint Standing Committees on Appropriations & Financial Affairs and Health & Human Services, as well as your own State Senator and Representative. 

 

The task force pursuant to LD 859 was convened by DHHS in October.  The Alz. Assoc., Maine Chapter is leading the way as we, together with other stakeholders, are working to develop Maine's first State Plan on Alzheimer's and  related dementias. 

 

Click here for further information about these and other state advocacy initiatives. And please join the cause and sign up to become a Maine Alzheimer's Advocate.  

 

For more information:

jill.conover@alz.org or 207.772.0115

Veiw the 2011 Walk to End Alzheimer's Audio Slideshow:

The Maine Chapter celebrates a record-breaking year!

 

 

The 2011 Walk to End Alzheimer's broke all previous records. Over 2,700 walkers from all counties raised
over $420,000.  This audio slideshow highlights the 2011 Walk and celebrates the efforts of the event volunteers, sponsors, and walkers.

 

Click Here for Slideshow 

 

Searching for Cecy:  Reflections on Alzheimer's

A portion of the proceeds from book sales will benefit the Alzheimer's Association, Maine Chapter.

 

In this beautifully written and illustrated tribute, poet Judy Prescott reflects on her mother's unexpected journey through the rough seas of Alzheimer's and her own struggle to find peace.

 

Click Here to Buy the Book

Dementia and Driving Resource Center:

Does your family need help with  a conversation about driving?

 

Ideally, families should talk openly about driving soon after a diagnosis of Alzheimer's.  Making a decision about when it is time to stop driving can be difficult, but dealing with the issue early on can help ease the transition. 

 
Click on the link below to watch how four families deal with different issues related to dementia and driving:

 

Click Here for Driving Resources

Online Holiday Auction a Success:

Nearly $11,000 was raised in support of Maine Chapter programs and services.

 

The 2011 Online Auction ran for ten days during Alzheimer's Awareness Month in November. 

 

Thanks to the individuals and businesses that donated over 180 items.  Our 4th Annual Online Auction will take place in November 2012.  We hope to expand our list of auction items to add even more variety for bidders.