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Splaine Consulting May 2023 Newsletter
Promoting Healthy Aging to Reduce the Risk of Dementia: A Public Health Imperative
Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias place an enormous burden on individuals, families, health and long-term care systems, and governmental budgets.
As the burden escalates with rising prevalence, attention has increasingly focused on how the risk of developing dementia can be
reduced. The public health agenda to reduce dementia risk factor prevalence may yield significant savings to government and healthcare budgets, while improving the health and well-being of middle-aged and older adults.
Possible modifiable risk factors for cognitive decline and/or dementia may include diabetes, hypertension, physical inactivity, smoking, and obesity. Other risk factors include poor quality sleep, a poor diet, traumatic brain injury, and social isolation. Inequity factors such as education, air quality, economic status, neighborhood environments, social support, access to care, and racial discrimination can also elevate dementia risk.
Learn more about proposed public health action plans and resources to address and reduce dementia risk factors HERE.
engAGED Virtual Summit
engAGED and Commit to Connect Social Engagement Virtual Summit will be May 9 and 10 from 1pm – 4pm EST each day. The Virtual Summit will bring together national, state and local leaders for interactive sessions highlighting the latest research, innovative programs, and tools and resources for the aging and disability networks. Day one will focus on environmental, structural and social factors that contribute to social isolation and loneliness within rural communities and how organizations can develop programs, activities and practices that address these factors to help consumers stay engaged and connected. Day two will focus on supporting unpaid caregivers, including diverse family caregivers, and how organizations can increase outreach, build partnerships and strengthen services to help family caregivers engage with their community. Register HERE.
We support an online community and Facebook page devoted to people living alone with dementia. Learn more about the Living Alone and Connected Community here.
Older Americans Month
Established in 1963, Older Americans Month (OAM) is celebrated every May. Led by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), OAM is a time for us to acknowledge the contributions and achievements of older Americans, highlight important trends, and strengthen our commitment to honoring our older citizens.
For more information, visit the official OAM website and join the conversation using #OlderAmericansMonth.
Murray Grossman, 1952-2023
We are deeply saddened by the recent passing of Dr. Murray Grossman, MDCM, EdD.
Dr. Grossman was an internationally recognized leader in FTD science, a founding member of AFTD’s Medical Advisory Council (MAC), a neurology professor at the University of Pennsylvania, founder of Penn FTD Center, and author to many scientific papers. Dr. Grossman focused his research on Alzheimer’s and related dementias. He will best be remembered for his kindness and support to AFTD founder Helen Anne Comstock.
Music Mends Minds
Music Mends Minds is a nonprofit organization that uses music to help elders cope with neurodegenerative diseases across the globe.
Music Mends Minds also offers zoom sessions hosted by board certified music therapists! Sessions are free, fun, and therapeutic.
When: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 11:30am – 12:30pm PST. ~ CLICK HERE TO JOIN ~ Meeting ID: 637 887 7508
Living Alone and Connected!
Living Alone and Connected! is a private Facebook group for persons living alone with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. Living Alone and Connected! was created to lessen the effects social isolation many people with dementia often face, isolation that was
exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Living Alone and Connected! hosts virtual events from museum tours to educational programs to happy hours. The group is a platform for members to receive emotional support, share questions or ideas, and find resources regarding their condition and lifestyle. Join or share the Living Alone and Connected! group!
Those who care for people living alone with dementia can benefit from the Living Alone and Connected Facebook public page which provides resources to those family, friends, and caregivers who support people living alone with dementia. Follow the Living Alone and Connected page today!
Check out our upcoming events on art therapy, technology, research, nutrition, and more! See events HERE. Living Alone and Connected! is hosted and moderated by Cognitive Solutions, LLC. Living Alone and Connected! is supported in part by a cooperative agreement #90ADPI0067-01-00 from the Administration on Aging (AoA), Alzheimer’s Disease Program Initiative (ADPI) and cooperative agreement NVADPI0082 from the Neighbor Network of Northern Nevada.
