Florida Gulf Coast Chapter

 

Manatee Update 

December 2013

In This Issue
Thank You!
Support Groups
Number of Gene Variants Linked to Alzheimer's Disease Doubles
The Genetics of Alzheimer's
Help Identify Risk Genes
Care for the Caregiver: How Heavy is This Glass of Water?
Early Stage Programs
Calendar
All programs are free to attend unless otherwise specified.
  

December 4th Caregiver Education The ABC's of Caregiving at Emeritus at College Park 5612 26th Street west, Bradenton; 10:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m.

 

December 4th Caregiver Education: Celebrating the Holidays at Hidden Lakes Living, 1200 57th Avenue West, Bradenton; 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. 

 

December 5th Caregiver Education How Acupuncture can Alleviate Stress at Freedom Village, 6410 21st Avenue West, Bradenton: 11:30a.m.-1:30 p.m. Please RSVP for a free lunch: 941-798-8200.

 

December 10th Caregiver Education Navigating Life Changes: Help for You and Help at Home at H2U Cortez, 6670 Cortez Road West Street West, Bradenton; 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.

 

December 11th Caregiver Education Celebrating the Holidays at Windsor Reflections, 8230 Nature's Way, Lakewood Ranch; 10:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m.

 

December 17th Memory Screens at H2U Cortez, 6670 Cortez Road West, Bradenton: 9:00am-12:00pm call 941-792-0211 to schedule a screening.

 

December 17th Caregiver Education Navigating Life Changes: Community and Social Opportunities at H2U Cortez, 6670 Cortez Road West Street West, Bradenton; 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.

 

December 19th    Caregiver Education Taking Care of Yourself An Overall Wellness Guide at Summerfield Assisted Living, 3409 26th Street West, Bradenton; 10:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m.

 

Coming in January

 

January 4th Health Fair Senior Expo, The Gardens, 11300 US Hwy 301 North, Parrish. 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

 

January 8th Caregiver Education The ABC's of Caregiving at Emeritus at College Park, 5612 26th Street West, Bradenton; 10:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m.

 

January 8th Caregiver Education The Shine Insurance Program How Does it Help Seniors at Hidden Lakes Living, 1200 54th Avenue West, Bradenton; 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.
 

Indicates programs presented by the Alzheimer's Association- Florida Gulf Coast Chapter.
Thank You!
Lori Sims, Vice President Development
Alzheimer's Association- Florida Gulf Coast Chapter

Thank you to all Walkers, Families, Caregivers, Advocates and Friends who joined this year's Walk to End Alzheimer's!

Each of the 11 Walks was an immensely bonding experience that brought together thousands of people who raised funds for the Alzheimer's Association. We, at the Florida Gulf Coast Chapter, recognize that each gift represents a real person, with a unique story of hope, inspiration, and dedication.

We are most appreciative of those who shared their stories during the Promise Garden ceremony. Thanks to the community Walk chairs and the committees for their unwavering commitment.

Please visit our website, www.alz.org/flgulfcoast and click on Walk to End Alzheimer's and Walker News
to see the results of each Walk, along with special photos of those who participated. Also, for more in depth photographic coverage, visit our Facebook page
Support Groups

Chapter affiliated support groups are for family members, caregivers, and others interested in learning more about Alzheimer's disease. Meetings are open to everyone and free of charge. Support group facilitators have received training as required by Chapter and National Alzheimer's Association standards. For program information and to verify meeting dates, times, and locations, please use the telephone contacts listed below. For other questions or for respite care information so you can attend a group, call your local office or 1- 800-272-3900.

 

Message Boards: The Alzheimer's Association message boards and chat rooms are your online communication forum. Our message boards have over 9,000 registered members from around the United States, and many more people who simply browse the stories and information that is offered 24 hours a day. Join the Alzheimer's Association online community.

  

Anna Maria Island
Island Branch Library
5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach
2nd Friday of each month at 2:00 p.m.
Facilitator: Sue Fox (941) 365-8883

Bradenton
Clare Bridge Bradenton
6101 Pointe West Boulevard
4th Tuesday of each month at 2:30 p.m.
Facilitator: Deborah Luther/ Hope Winburn
Clare Bridge phone (941) 795-5533

Summerfield Assisted Living
3409 26th Street West
3rd Wednesday of each month at 12:00 p.m.
Facilitator: Pam Green/ Mary Alice O'Connor

(941) 751-7200  Free lunch with RSVP

Windsor Oaks
2614 43rd Street West
4th Thursday of each month at 10:00 a.m.
Facilitators: Linda Delaberti/ Lulu Meyer

(941) 798-9701 
 
Westminster Manor
1700 21st Avenue West
Every Wednesday of each month 3:45 p.m.
Facilitator Carol Parham (941) 746-6549

Hidden Lakes Living
1200 54th Avenue West
3rd Tuesday at 10:00 a.m.

 

Men's Support Group

Hidden Lakes Living
1200 54th Avenue West
4th Tuesday at 1:00 p.m.
Facilitators: Skip Bergoine/Elisha Cunero
(941) 254-7990

Lakewood Ranch
Windsor Reflections
8230 Nature's Way
2nd Tuesday of each month at 11:00 a.m.
Lunch provided with RSVP
Facilitator: Julie Gartside (941) 957-1400

Windsor Reflections
Younger Onset support Group
8230 Nature's Way
2nd Tuesday of each month at 11:00 a.m.
Lunch provided with RSVP at (941) 957-1400
Facilitator: Sue Fox

Ellenton
H2U of Blake Medical Center
7042 US Hwy 301 North
3rd Friday of each month
Facilitators: Sue Fox (941) 365-8883

* Indicates Free Respite is provided by the support group host during the support group meeting. Please call in advance for reservations.  
Quick Links
  
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Number of Gene Variants Linked to Alzheimer's Disease Doubles
gene Scientists have discovered eleven new genes that may be tied to the late-onset form of Alzheimer's disease, a new study shows. Eleven gene variants had previously been linked to late-onset Alzheimer's, including the APOE-e4 gene that appeared to have the strongest impact on risk.

 

The study, a meta-analysis, International Genomics of Alzheimer's Project, finding these results, was published online by Nature Genetics. 
  
The International Genomics of Alzheimer's Project (IGAP) is a collaboration formed to discover and map the genes that contribute to Alzheimer's. The formation of IGAP in 2011 was supported by the Alzheimer's Association and the Fondation Plan Alzheimer.

 

This collaborative effort, spanning universities from both Europe and the United States, combines the knowledge, staff, and resources of four groups that conduct research on Alzheimer's disease genetics.

 

They identified as many new Alzheimer's-related genes in this one study as have been found in the last 15 years combined. The findings expand the scope of our understanding of Alzheimer's to new areas, including the immune system, where a genetic overlap was identified with other neurodegenerative diseases such as multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease.  This is extremely important work in taking our ability to detect and treat Alzheimer's disease to the next level. Identification of genes that contribute to Alzheimer's risk and influence the progression of disease may:

  • Help lead us to the cause of the disease.
  • Identify proteins and other new targets for drug development.
  • Provide genetic methods for determining which people are at greatest risk for Alzheimer's when preventative measures become available.

More details on the research findings

  • Pooling resources through IGAP, the collaborative team collected 74,076 patients and controls from 15 countries.
  • The researchers found genes that confirmed known biological pathways of Alzheimer's disease, including the role of the amyloid (SORL1, CASS4) and tau (CASS4, FERMT2).
  • Additional genes related to cell migration (PTK2B), lipid transport, and endocytosis (SORL1) were also confirmed.
  • Newly discovered genes involved in the immune response and inflammation (HLA-DRB5/DRB1, INPP5D, MEF2C).
  • New hypotheses emerged related to hippocampal synaptic function (MEF2C, PTK2B), the cytoskeleton and axonal transport (CELF1, NME8, CASS4), as well as myeloid and microglial cell functions (INPP5D).
  • The researchers say that one of the more significant new genetic associations was found in the HLA-DRB5 - DRB1 region, which plays a role in the immune system and inflammatory response. This region has also been associated with multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease, suggesting that the diseases where abnormal proteins accumulate in the brain may involve a common mechanism.

Learn more

The Genetics of Alzheimer's

The Genetics of Alzheimer's, 2010

Help Identify Risk Genes
In 2003, the Alzheimer's Association partnered with the National Institute on Aging to begin recruiting participants for the National Alzheimer's Disease Genetics Study, a federal initiative to collect and bank blood samples from families with several members who developed Alzheimer's disease late in life. The goal is to identify additional Alzheimer's risk genes. The study continues to seek participants.
Caregiver Jewels
Emily Reese, Program Specialist, AAFGCC
  
Caregiver Jewels is a column featuring tips from family and professional caregivers throughout our 17 county service area. These "golden nuggets" represent caregiving strategies and tricks of the trade.
  

For the column to be a success we need your input! It may be a "golden nugget" you say to get your loved one to attend a program or an activity to redirect their attention. Whether your tip is a diamond, emerald or ruby - all are valuable! So, please share the wealth! Send your tip to [email protected] or contact your

local office. 

 

December Tip

How Heavy is This Glass of Water?

 

A Young lady confidently walked around the room while leading and explaining stress management to an audience with a raised glass of water. Everyone knew she was going to ask the ultimate question, "half empty or half full?"

 

She fooled them all ... "How heavy is this glass of water?" she inquired with a smile.

 

Answers called out ranged from 8 oz. to 20 oz.

glass of water_Photo courtesy photos-public-domain.com
Photo courtesy photos-public-domain.com

 

She replied, "The absolute weight doesn't matter. It depends on how long I hold it.

 

If I hold it for a minute, that's not a problem. If I hold it for an hour, I'll have an ache in my right arm. If I hold it for a day, you'll have to call an ambulance. In each case it's the same weight, but the longer I hold it, the heavier it becomes." She continued, "and that's the way it is with stress. If we carry our burdens all of the time, sooner or later, as the burden feels increasingly heavy, we won't be able to carry on."

 

As with the glass of water, you have to put it down for a while and rest before holding it again. When we're refreshed, we can carry on with the burden - holding stress longer and better for each time we've practiced.

 

So, as early in the evening as you can, put all your burdens down. Don't carry them through the evening and into the night... Pick them up tomorrow.

 

(Jill Andrew, Alzheimer's Association support group facilitator at Superior Residence, heard this story during a training. The author is unknown.)

  

Note: The information in this column is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional or medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. 

Early Stage Programs
BASE with AA logo If you or someone you care about is in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia please call our office. We have resources to help!

One program, BASE (beginning Alzheimer's support and education) offers a place to learn and gain support from peers and professionals.
If you have questions, concerns or just wish to talk to someone please feel free to contact us. 

Sincerely,

 

Sue Fox M.A., Program Specialist
Manatee Office
Alzheimer's Association- Florida Gulf Coast Chapter
3277A Fruitville Road, Suite 1, Sarasota, FL 34237
Office phone: 941-365-8883
Facsimile: 941-365-8885

Email: [email protected]


These Programs Partially Underwritten Through the Support of

WCFAAA    

Alzheimer's Association - Florida Gulf Coast Chapter
Chapter Headquarters, 14010 Roosevelt Blvd., Suite 709, Clearwater, FL 33762 Telephone: 727.578.2558

National Headquarters-Alzheimer's Association National Office, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601

Alzheimer's Association is a not-for-profit  501(c)(3) organization � 2010 Alzheimer's Association. All rights reserved. 

24/7 Helpline: 1.800.272.3900