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Recognizing & Preventing Wandering
 Alzheimer's disease causes millions of Americans to lose their ability to recognize familiar places and faces, thus increasing their risk of wandering and getting lost. Many people cannot remember their name or address. They may become easily disoriented, even in their own neighborhood.
Six in 10 people with Alzheimer's disease will wander and it can happen during any stage of the disease.
Who is at risk of wandering? Anyone who has memory problems and is able to walk is at risk for wandering. Even in the early stages of dementia, a person can become disoriented or confused for a period of time. It's important to plan ahead for this type of situation. Be on the lookout for the following warning signs:
- Returns from a regular walk or drive later than usual
- Tries to fulfill former obligations, such as going to work
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Here for you 24/7
(800) 272-3900
 The Alzheimer's Association 24/7 Helpline provides reliable information and support to all those who need assistance. Call us toll-free anytime day or night at 1.800.272.3900.
(http://www.alz.org/care)
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Tips for going out in public
Coping with Alzheimer's disease is challenging for everyone involved. Difficult or unusual behaviors can be hard to explain to strangers. Sadly, embarrassment and stigma prevent many from going out and enjoying the activities they used to. But there are little things you can do to increase understanding and enable yourselves to enjoy getting out of the house.
People with Alzheimer's disease slowly become less self-aware and less inhibited. They are unable to remember social norms or how they are expected to behave in certain situations. This can lead to strange or irrational behaviors. Additionally, people with dementia may not have the mental reserve to cope with stress in a socially appropriate fashion. They may not be able to express their needs, and then become agitated and irritable.
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The Alzheimer's Association® recently launched "I Have Alzheimer's Disease," a new section of alz.org. This robust site offers information and tools to empower a growing group of individuals living in the early stage of Alzheimer's or another dementia to live their best life for as long as possible. "The Association obtained input from people living in the early stage of the disease, including members of our Early-Stage Advisory Group. We found that individuals in this stage need to do more than learn about the disease. They want to know how others have handled receiving a diagnosis and what they are doing to lead a fulfilling life," said Monica Moreno, director, early-stage initiatives, Alzheimer's Association. "These Web pages are designed to do exactly that and more."
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New CJD support group
Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) is the most common human form of a group of rare, fatal brain disorders known as prion diseases.
The Cleveland Area Chapter now offers a support group for people with CJD and their caregivers. The group meets the first Wednesday of the month at 6:00 pm at our main office, 23215 Commerce Park, Suite 300 in Beachwood. The group is facilitated by Alzheimer's Association staff and Dr. Brian Appleby.
About Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease
Prion diseases, such as Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, occur when prion protein, which is found throughout the body but whose normal function isn't yet known, begins folding into an abnormal three-dimensional shape. This shape change gradually triggers prion protein in the brain to fold into the same abnormal shape.
Through a process scientists don't yet understand, misfolded prion protein destroys brain cells. Resulting damage leads to rapid decline in thinking and reasoning as well as involuntary muscle movements, confusion, difficulty walking and mood changes. Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease causes a type of dementia that gets worse unusually fast. More common causes of dementia, such as Alzheimer's, dementia with Lewy bodies and frontotemporal dementia, typically progress more slowly.
CJD is rare, occurring in about one in 1 million people annually worldwide.
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Sneak in some nutrition
Key Lime Pie Smoothie
INGREDIENTS: 
- 1 cup Vanilla Ensure or other nutritional drink
- 1/4 cup (2 ounces) fresh or bottled Key lime juice
- 1/2 cup diced and peeled Granny Smith apple
- 1/2 cup ice
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar (or 2 packages of sugar substitute used for baking)
DIRECTIONS:
Combine all ingredients together in the jar of a blender. Blend on high until smooth.
Makes: 2 1-cup servings
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Upcoming Classes
Free, local classes for caregivers
The Cleveland Area Chapter provides a variety of educational programs and classes with up to date, informative and practical information about Alzheimer's disease, dementia and memory loss. We have classes designed to serve the general public, health care professionals, individuals with Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia, their family members and friends.
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Our Helpline is here for you 24/7
Call (800) 272-3900
The Alzheimer's Association 24/7 Helpline provides reliable information and support to all those who need assistance. Call us toll-free anytime day or night at 1.800.272.3900.
(http://www.alz.org/care)
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 About Us
The Alzheimer's Association Cleveland Area Chapter serves Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake and Lorain counties with offices in Ashtabula, Avon, Beachwood, Chardon and Mentor. The Association's mission is to eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. The disease currently affects more than five million American adults (more than 56,000 in Northeast Ohio) and is the 6th leading cause of death in the country.  
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