Florida Gulf Coast Chapter
Polk, Highlands, Hardee, Hendry, & Glades Counties

 

eNews Update 

December 2013

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

 

Polk County
 
December 4, 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Caregiver Education: When Grandma is Not Grandma Anymore at Alzheimer's Association,  1000 American Superior Blvd, Winter Haven . Contact (863) 292-9210 for RSVP Presented by Chris Wilcox, Program Specialist, AAFGCC. This presentation offers insight into the behavioral challenges that can arise in people with Alzheimer's disease and related disorders.  It offers communication strategies and tips on how to manage difficult behaviors. RSVP for seating and refreshment purposes: 863-292-9210  /   [email protected].

 

December 6, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Free Memory Screenings and Information / Resources on the Memory Mobile at Fun Fest and Jamboree, Strawberry Festival Grounds, 2202 West Reynolds Street, Plant City, FL 33563. Information: 1-888-670-0040 or 813-653-1988. Live Entertainment, Free Bingo, Prize-A-Palooza, Games, Free Health Screenings, Prizes, Giveaways and More! 

 

December 10, 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Caregiver Education: Basics of Alzheimer's at Alzheimer's Association, 1000 American Superior Blvd, Winter Haven. Topics addressed include an overview of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias including warning signs of Alzheimer's and the stages of the disease. In addition an overview of services offered by the Alzheimer's Association - Florida Gulf Coast Chapter. Limited seating; please contact (863) 292-9210 for RSVP. 
 

December 11, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Caregiver Seminars: Understanding Dementia Care with Teepa Snow, (for family and professional caregivers)

  • Seminar 1: Helping Throughout the Journey of Dementia: Understanding progression and how to provide the right care and support at the right time for best interactions and outcomes.
  • Seminar 2: Providing Service and Support Throughout the Progression of Dementia: Learn how to modify communication and interaction skills, control the environment, and support and guide others for better outcomes and care for people living with dementia.

St John the Devine Episcopal Church, 1015 Del Webb Blvd East, Sun City Center.

To register Call 813-677-1400 or visit

www.seniorhelpers.com/UDC-Seminar-Series

 

December 12, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Caregiver Seminars: Understanding Dementia Care with Teepa Snow, (for family and professional caregivers)

 

  • Seminar 1: Helping Throughout the Journey of Dementia: Understanding progression and how to provide the right care and support at the right time for best interactions and outcomes.
  • Seminar 2: Providing Service and Support Throughout the Progression of Dementia: Learn how to modify communication and interaction skills, control the environment, and support and guide others for better outcomes and care for people living with dementia.

Highland Park Church of the Nazarene, Families Ministries Building, 4730 Lakeland Highlands Road, Lakeland. Registration required. Family caregivers sign up hereProfessionals sign up here. CEUS for professionals. FREE respite, pre-registration required. Please call 863-686-7333

with any questions.

 

December 17, 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.- Caregiver Education: Handling Holidays at Valencia Hills Health & Rehab, 1350 Sleepy Hill Rd, Lakeland.  Don't let the holidays overwhelm you. Learn to manage the holidays to fit you and your loved ones new routine. This personation covers tips and tricks to minimize stress during holidays and family gatherings. RSVP for seating and refreshment purposes: 863-292-9210 / 

[email protected]

  
December 18, 10:30 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. Caregiver Education: When Grandma is Not Grandma Anymore at Cypress Lakes 10000 US 98 North, Lakeland, (863) 859-2136. Support Group follows with facilitator: Alyss Ervolina. To attend RSVP to Gwen Snook for gate pass (863-859-2136).
This presentation offers insight into the behavioral challenges that can arise in people with Alzheimer's disease and related disorders.  It offers communication strategies and tips on how to manage difficult behaviors.
  

Highlands County

 

December 9, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Free Memory Screenings and Information / Resources on the Memory Mobile at Oaks at Avon. Contact Cindy Canales for more information (863) 385-3444 / [email protected]

 

Hendry County

 

December 16, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. 

Free Memory Screenings and Information / Resources on the Memory Mobile at Clewiston Health Department. Contact Cindy Canales for more information (863) 385-3444 / [email protected]

 

Glades County

 

December 17, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Free Memory Screenings and Information / Resources on the Memory Mobile at Glades County Health Department. Contact Cindy Canales for more information (863) 385-3444  [email protected]
  
Indicates programs presented by the Alzheimer's Association- Florida Gulf Coast Chapter.
Support Groups

 

Alzheimer's Association-Florida Gulf Coast 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.

 

Early Stage and Care Partner Groups

 

Beyond BASE Early Stage

The Estates at Carpenters
1001 Carpenters Way, Lakeland, (863) 858-3847

1st Friday, 1:30 p.m.
Early Stage Transition: Brady Beatty

Facilitators: Stefanie Thompson and Lori Garrard

Register call (863) 292-9210

 

Coffee Club

(social club for caregivers and people with late early to mid- stage dementia)

 

Lakeland

Highland Park Church, Family Ministry Bldg.

4730 Lakeland Highlands Rd, Lakeland

(863) 647-3518

1st Tuesday, 10:30 a.m.
For more information contact Stefanie Thompson

(863) 292-9210 / [email protected]

 

Caregiver Support Groups

 

Auburndale

Good Shepherd Hospice

105 Arneson Avenue, Auburndale (863) 297-1880

3rd Friday, 10:00 a.m. Facilitator: Cindy Clouse

 

Davenport / Haines City
Heart of Florida Regional Medical Center
Cafeteria Conference Room

40100 US Hwy 27 North
1st Thursday, 10:00 a.m.

Facilitator: Stacie Cleveland

Lakeland
Hawthorne Inn -Lakeland* (Lunch Provided)
6150 Lakeland Highlands Road, (863) 644-6414
1st Thursday, 1:00 p.m.

Facilitators: Diane Wilson and Michelle Sharpe

 

Savannah Cottage* (Lunch Provided)
605 Carpenter's Way, Lakeland, (863) 815-9411

1st Friday, 12:00 p.m.

Facilitator: Mary Jo Williams
 

Southland Suites* (Lunch Provided)

4250 Lakeland Highlands Rd., Lakeland

(863) 701-7820

2nd Tuesday, 1:00 p.m.

Facilitators: Donna Schoenenberger and Jo Lewis

 

Emeritus at Lakeland
2111 Lakeland Hills Blvd., Lakeland

(863) 688-1126
2nd Wed., 2:00 p.m., Facilitator: Pam Flanders

 

Cypress Lakes
10000 US 98 North, Lakeland, (863) 859-2136
3rd Thursday, 10:30 a.m.

Facilitator: Alyss Ervolina

To attend RSVP to Gwen Snook for gate pass.

 

Arbor Oaks

4141 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland

(863) 774-3187

4th Monday, 4:00 p.m. Facilitator: Michelle Sharp
 

Lake Placid

Alzheimer's Association FGCC:

Lake Placid Memorial Library-Conference Room

205 West Interlake Blvd.

First Thursday of each month at 10:00 a.m.

Facilitator: Cindy Canales (863) 385-3444

 

Lake Wales

Water's Edge of Lake Wales
10 Grove Avenue West, Lake Wales
3rd Thursday, 10:30 a.m.
Facilitator: Suzanne Lull (863) 206-0470

 

Lake Wales Public Library
290 Cypress Gardens Lane, Lake Wales
4th Monday, 1:00 p.m.
Facilitator: Suzanne Lull, (863) 206-0470

 

Lithia

Life Church at FishHawk

6420 Lithia Pinecrest Rd., Lithia

1st Monday, 7:00 p.m.

Facilitator: Eddie Broom (813) 681-6503

 

Plant City
First Baptist Church
503 North Palmer Street, Plant City

2nd Tues., 2:00 p.m., Facilitators: Bill Barr and

Stefanie Thompson (863) 292-9210
 

Poinciana

Baltic Room
385 Village Drive at Solivita, Poinciana

4th Thursday, 10:00 a.m.

Facilitator: Nancy Callahan, (863) 496-1136
 
Sebring

Alzheimer's Association FGCC:
The George Sebring Conference Room
134 North Ridgewood Drive
First Tuesday of each month at 1:30 p.m.
Facilitator: Cindy Canales (863) 385-3444

 

Alzheimer's Association FGCC:

Sebring Public Library- Conference Room

319 West Center Ave

Second Friday of each month at 10:00 a.m.

Facilitator: Cindy Canales (863) 385-3444

 

Thonotosassa

Stone Ledge Manor

12006 McIntosh Road, Thonotosassa

(813) 571-4117 

3rd Monday, 6:00 p.m.

Facilitator: Stormie Thayer

 

Winter Haven
St. John's United Methodist Church

1800 Cypress Gardens Blvd., Winter Haven

Meet in Church Library

1st Thursday, 6:00 p.m.,

Facilitator: Larry Powell, (863)292-9210

 

Florida Blue

385 Cypress Gardens Blvd., Winter Haven

2nd Monday, 3:00 p.m.  Snacks provided. 

Facilitator: Chris Wilcox, (863) 292-9210

 

Brookdale Senior Living- Sterling House
6110 Cypress Gardens Blvd. (863) 318-8055

3rd Monday, 3:00 p.m.

Facilitator: Chris Wilcox, (863) 292-9210

 

Hawthorne Inn of Winter Haven (Lunch Provided)

625 Overlook Drive, Winter Haven (863) 324-2212
3rd Wed., 11:30 a.m.

Facilitator: Chris Wilcox, (863) 292-9210

 

* 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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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
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.
Holidays
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 the caregiver and the person with dementia. 
 
With some planning and adjusted expectations,  celebrations can be filled with joy and magical moments to cherish forever.
Adjusting expectations.
  • Familiarize others with your situation as well as with your loved ones. 
  • Give yourself permission to do only what you can reasonably manage.
  • Choose holiday activities and traditions that are most important to you.
  • Host a small family dinner instead of a throwing a big holiday party.
  • Consider serving a catered or takeout holiday meal. Many grocery stores and restaurants offer meals to go.
  • Start a new tradition. Have a potluck dinner where family or friends each bring a dish.

Maintain normal routines so that holiday preparations do not become disruptive or trigger confusion for the person with dementia. Remember, taking on too many tasks can wear on you and the person. So, keep it simple.
     
Keep holiday activities safe, and manageable.
and involve the person with dementia.

  • Bake favorite holiday recipes together. The person can stir batter or decorate cookies.
  • Play familiar holiday songs from their past (not your past). 
  • Read cards you receive together. Reminisce about people using photos from picture albums to help trigger past memories.

Adapt gift giving.

  • Encourage people to buy useful gifts for the person such as an identification bracelet (available through MedicAlert� + Alzheimer's Association Safe Return�, www.alz.org); comfortable, easy-to-remove clothing; audiotapes of favorite music; videos; and photo albums.
  • Advise people not to give gifts such as dangerous tools or instruments, utensils, challenging board games, complicated electronic equipment or pets.
  • Depending on his or her abilities, get the person involved in giving gifts. For example, someone who once enjoyed cooking may enjoy baking cookies and packing them in tins or boxes. Or, you may want to buy the gift and allow the person to wrap it.
  • Gifts for you: suggest a gift certificate or a day of respite. Ask for something that will help you out as you care for your loved one, like a cleaning or household chore service.

To learn more on this topic go here.

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. 

Help Understanding Medicare

SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) has several enrollment events scheduled where counselors will be available to assist clients review their Medicare plans. SHINE does not represent any insurance companies and as always SHINE services are free, unbiased and confidential.      Appointments can be scheduled by calling 1-800-96-ELDER (1-800-963-5337).   

~ 12/03/2013- Lake Morton Senior Center, 803 E. Palmetto Street, Lakeland (10 am- 1pm).

 

~ 12/05/2013- Lake Wales Senior Center, 129 E. Stuart Avenue, Lake Wales (9 am - 4 pm).

If you have questions, concerns or just wish to talk to someone please feel free to contact us.  

Polk County Office

 

Stefanie Thompson, Senior Program Specialist /

Director of Early Stage Programs

Email: [email protected]

 

Chris Wilcox, Program Specialist           

[email protected] 

  

1000 American Superior Blvd.

Winter Haven, FL 33880

Telephone (863) 292-9210

Facsimile (863) 292-9603

 

Highlands, Hardee, Hendry, and Glades Counties

 

Cindy Canales, Program Specialist

134 N. Ridgewood Drive, Suite 17

Sebring, FL  33870

Telephone (863) 385-3444

Facsimile (863) 385-0305

Email [email protected]

 

Alzheimer's Association Florida Gulf Coast Chapter
Website: www.alz.org/flgulfcoast

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