Florida Gulf Coast Chapter

Sarasota Update

December 2013

In This Issue

Support Groups

Holidays

Thank You!

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.

November 21, Caregiver Training, Basics of Alzheimer's Disease. Elsie Quirk Library, 100 West Dearborn Street, Englewood, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

November 26, Caregiver Training, Alzheimer's Disease verses Normal Aging. Villa Grande at Sarasota, 4 Maggie Lane, Sarasota, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

December 4, Memory Screenings, Villa Grande at Sarasota, 4 Maggie Lane, Sarasota, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (Please call to make an appointment, Gary Bostedor, 941-366-2200)

December 5, Caregiver Training, Better Communications. Summit at Venice, 200 Nassau Street North, Venice, 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

December 6, Caregiver Training, Basics of Alzheimer's Disease. Senior Friendship Center, 1888 Brother Geenen Way, Sarasota, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

December 6, Caregiver Training, Basics of Alzheimer's Disease. Comfort Keepers, 3619 Webber Street, Sarasota, 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

December 10, Caregiver Training, Family Issues and Caregiver Stress, Windsor of Venice, 1600 Center Road, Venice, 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

December 11, Caregiver Training, Is it time for Placement? Hyatt Regency Sarasota, 1000 Boulevard of the Arts, Sarasota, 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. (Seating limited call Nancy Clanton, 941-404-7888)

December 16, Caregiver Training, Celebrating the Holidays and Safety at Home. Y.M.C.A. of Venice, 701 Center Road, Venice, 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

December 17, Caregiver Training, Celebrating the Holidays and Safety at Home. Villa Grand at Sarasota, 4 Maggie Lane, Sarasota, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

December 20, Caregiver Training, Family Issues and Caregiver Stress. Horizon Bay, 730 Osprey Avenue, Sarasota, 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Upcoming in January

January 2, Caregiver Training, Family Issues and Caregiver Stress. Summit at Venice, 200 Nassau Street North, Venice, 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

January 3, Caregiver Training, Basics of Alzheimer's Disease. Senior Friendship Center, 1888 Brother Geenen Way, Sarasota, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m

January 3, Caregiver Training, Basics of Alzheimer's Disease. Comfort Keepers, 3619 Webber Street, Sarasota, 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

January 7, Caregiver Training, Understanding Challenging Behaviors. Clare Bridge Sarasota, 8450 McIntosh Road, Sarasota, 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

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 .

Arden Courts
5509 Swift Road, (34231)
First Wednesday @ 5:30 p.m.
Erin Killian, 941-925-3900
Nikki Rodney, 941-925-3900

Clare Bridge Sarasota
8450 McIntosh Road (34238)
Second Tuesday @ 4:00 p.m.
Jerri Andree, 941-928-4753

Senior Friendship Center
Caregiver Resource Center
1820 Brother Geenen Way (34236)
Every Thursday @ 10:00 a.m.
Paula Falk, 941-556-3268

SMH Memory Disorder Clinic

Senior Friendship Center For Healthy Aging
Dwyer Bldg., 1st Floor
1888 Brother Geenen Way (34236)
Third Thursday @ 9:30 a.m.
Kathleen Houseweart, 941-917-7197
(Dual support group for Mild Cognitive
Impairment & Early Stage patients & families)

Palmer Ranch Healthcare
5111 Palmer Ranch Parkway (34238)
Third Wednesday at 10:00 a.m.
Susan Garbett, 941-358-1209

Genesis Healthcare at Springwood Center

4602 Northgate Court
Third Wednesday @ 3:00 p.m.
Amy Paine, 941-355-2913

Pines of Sarasota
1501 N. Orange Ave.
Third Thursday @ 2:00 p.m.
Ann Modercin, 941-365-0250

Emeritus of Colonial Park Club
4730 Bee Ridge Road (34233)
First Tuesday @ 6:00 p.m.
Maggie DiFranco & Julie Schechter,
941-378-4414

Emeritus of Sarasota

5501 Swift Road (34231)

First Tuesday @ 6:00 p.m.
Tamsin Dayment & Jared Swan,

941- 922-8778

*Cabot Reserve on the Green

4450 8th Street (34232)

First Friday @ 2:30 p.m.

Renee Downton, 941-377-3231

Horizon Bay

730 Osprey Avenue (34236)

Third Friday @ 12:00 p.m.

Front Desk, 941-955-4646

Katie Scott, 941-365-8883

(Light Lunch is provided)

Heron House

3221 Fruitville Road (34237)

COMING SOON

Inspired Living at Sarasota

1900 Phillippi Shores Drive (34231)

Second Wednesday @ 5:30 p.m.

COMING JANUARY 2014

Florida Blue Center

285 North Cattleman Road (34243)

COMING JANUARY 2014

VENICE

Aston Gardens @ Pelican Point
9000 Ibis Way (34292)
First Wednesday @ 3:00 p.m.
Pat Quigley, 941-484-9494

Pinebrook Nursing Center
1240 Pinebrook Road (34285)
Third Monday @ 2:30 p.m.
(Family social and support group)
Connie Gens, 941-488-6733

Senior Friendship Center/Venice
2350 Scenic Drive (34293)
Every Tuesday @ 10:00 a.m./ 2:00 p.m.
Phyllis Balliett, 941-584-0050

Windsor of Venice
1600 Center Road (34292)
Second Saturday @ 10:00 a.m.
Front Desk, 941-408-2600

Josh Harris, 941-451-4135

Trinity Presbyterian Church
4365 State Road (34285)
Third Friday @ 1:00 p.m.
Jo Stephens, 941-475-7053

Front Office, 941-493-0018

*Summit At Venice

200 North Nassau Street

First Thursday @ 3:30 p.m.

Front Desk, 941-485-2404

ENGLEWOOD

Emeritus at River Oaks
925 South River Road (34223)
Third Wednesday @ 10:00 a.m.
Sherri Blanchard, 941-474-8600

Elsie Quirk Library
100 W. Dearborn St.
Last Wednesday @ 6:30 p.m.
Phyllis Balliett, 941-584-0050

* Indicates Free Respite is provided by the support group host during the support group meeting. Please call in advance for reservations.

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.

To learn more on this topic go here.

Quick Links

Walk to End Alzheimer's

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

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, 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 reesee@alzflgulf.org 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.

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

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,

Katie Scott
Program Specialist
Alzheimer's Association Florida Gulf Coast Chapter
Sarasota County Office
3277-A Fruitville Road, Suite 1
Sarasota, Florida 34237
Email: scottk@alzflgulf.org
Office: (941) 365-8883
Facsimile: (941) 365-8885

Website: www.alz.org/flgulfcoast

These Programs Partially Underwritten Through the Support of

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

24/7 Helpline: 1.800.272.3900