Loveland Magazine

LOVELAND MAGAZINE

News and Events from the Loveland, Ohio Area

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Since 2004

Tag: Alzheimer’s disease

  • Alzheimer’s Association Virtual Program on Finding the Right Healthcare

    Alzheimer’s Association Virtual Program on Finding the Right Healthcare

    Pam Walker, healthcare navigator with Kettering Health will guide attendees through finding the right healthcare providers and services during a virtual expert series program

    The healthcare system has become more complicated, expensive and confusing– especially as people age. Patients are required to identify the best way to start in the healthcare system, to be familiar with a multitude of organizations, to move through the system, and find the right services.

    Pam Walker, healthcare navigator with Kettering Health will guide attendees through finding the right healthcare providers and services during a virtual expert series program on Thurs., Oct. 24, from 6:30 – 8 PM.

    Registration is required by calling the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900. Provide an email when registering to receive the Zoom link to participate.

    As the featured expert, Ms. Walker will help individuals and families who are overwhelmed with healthcare needs understand how and where to find the right doctor, providers and healthcare services.

    “Dementia is a progressive condition, and people with dementia often have individualized needs that change according to the different stages of their condition,” said Dayna Ritchey, program director of the Alzheimer’s Association Greater Cincinnati and Miami Valley Chapters. “As a result, they often require care from multiple health and social care services and providers across diverse settings as they experience transitions in care over the duration of their illness.”

    “Unfortunately, dementia care is often fragmented, uncoordinated, and difficult to navigate,” continued Ritchey. “People with dementia and their caregivers often have a lack of knowledge and information about dementia and available support services, as well as limited access to relevant health and social care.”

    “We are fortunate to present an expert such as Pam who understands and navigates the healthcare system every day to help patients and families who face serious medical conditions.” said Ritchey. “Attendees will gain confidence in how to effectively advocate for themselves or loved ones.”

    There are 236,200 Ohioans 65 and older living with Alzheimer’s disease, according to the Alzheimer’s Association 2024 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures. More than 4,900 Ohioans died from Alzheimer’s in 2021. A total of 414,000 Ohio caregivers provide 624 million hours of unpaid care each year valued at over $11.4 billion.

    To learn more about Alzheimer’s or other dementia and to access free local support and resources, visit alz.org/cincinnati or call the Greater Cincinnati Chapter at 513.721.4284 or the 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900.

  • In CINCINNATI: 5 Things We Learned About Alzheimer’s in 2023

    In CINCINNATI: 5 Things We Learned About Alzheimer’s in 2023

    Cincinnati, Ohio – 2024—2023 was a landmark year for Alzheimer’s disease research, including advancements in treatment, risk factors and diagnosis of Alzheimer’s and other dementias. In this new era of Alzheimer’s treatments, here are five significant discoveries from this year:

    1. There are now three newly approved treatments for Alzheimer’s, with a fourth on the way.

    In July 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted traditional approval for Leqembi for treatment of mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer’s and mild Alzheimer’s dementia. This treatment, while not a cure, slows cognitive decline and can give people with early Alzheimer’s more time to maintain their independence.

    The FDA granted accelerated approval to Aduhelm for the same purpose in June 2021. At the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) in July 2023, Eli Lilly reported positive results for a third treatment — donanemab — in that same population. The company expects FDA action by the end of 2023.

    In May, the FDA approved brexpiprazole for agitation in people with Alzheimer’s disease. This is the first FDA-approved treatment for Alzheimer’s-related agitation, which is experienced by about 45% of Alzheimer’s patients. According to research published in May 2023, there are more than 140 therapies being tested that target multiple aspects of Alzheimer’s.

    1. Hearing aids could slow cognitive decline for at-risk older adults. 

    In the largest clinical trial to investigate whether a hearing loss treatment intervention can reduce risk of cognitive decline, researchers found that older adults with hearing loss, who were at higher risk of cognitive decline, cut their cognitive decline in half by using hearing aids for three years.

    1. Blood tests for Alzheimer’s are coming soon, and could improve diagnosis and treatment.

    Blood tests show promise for improving, and possibly even redefining, future Alzheimer’s diagnosis. Advancements reported for the first time at AAIC 2023 demonstrate the simplicity and value to doctors of blood-based biomarkers for Alzheimer’s.

    Blood tests are already being implemented in Alzheimer’s drug trials for further proof of their effectiveness. And they are incorporated into proposed new diagnostic and staging criteria for the disease. Blood tests — once verified, and approved by the FDA — would offer a noninvasive and cost-effective option in identifying blood-based markers for the disease.

    1. First-ever U.S. county-level Alzheimer’s prevalence estimates. 

    The first-ever county-level estimates of the prevalence of people with Alzheimer’s dementia — in all 3,142 United States counties — were reported at AAIC 2023. For counties with a population of 10,000 or more people 65 or older, researchers estimated the highest Alzheimer’s prevalence rates in Ohio.

    The researchers identified certain characteristics that may explain the higher prevalence in these counties, including older average age and higher percentages of Black and Hispanic residents.

    According to the Alzheimer’s Association, these stats can help public health officials determine the burden on the health care system, and better pinpoint areas of high risk and high need — for example, for culturally-sensitive health support and caregiver training services.

    1. Chronic constipation is associated with poor cognitive function. 

    Approximately 16% of the world’s population struggles with constipation. That prevalence is even higher among older adults. This year, researchers reported that less frequent bowel movements were associated with significantly worse cognitive function.

    Compared to those with bowel movements once daily, people with bowel movements every three days or more had worse memory and thinking equal to three additional years of cognitive aging. These results stress the importance of clinicians discussing gut health, especially constipation, with their older patients, including how to prevent constipation.

    There are 220,000 Ohioans 65 and older living with Alzheimer’s disease, according to the Alzheimer’s Association 2023 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures. That number is expected to hit 250,000 by 2025. A total of 493,000 Ohio caregivers provide 736 million hours of unpaid care each year.

    Those concerned about themselves or a loved one can contact the Alzheimer’s Association Greater Cincinnati Chapter at 513.721.4284 to schedule a care consultation and be connected to local resources.

    To learn more about Alzheimer’s or other related dementia, or to access free tools and resources, visit alz.org or call the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900.

    ____________________

    Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures, an annual report released by the Alzheimer’s Association, reveals the burden of Alzheimer’s and dementia on individuals, caregivers, government and the nation’s health care system.

    The accompanying special report, The Patient Journey in an Era of New Treatments, examines the importance of conversations about memory at the earliest point of concern, as well as a knowledgeable, accessible care team to diagnose, monitor disease progression and treat when appropriate. This is especially true now, in an era when treatments that change the underlying biology of Alzheimer’s are available.

  • AARP Ohio calls on lawmakers to pass legislation to provide dementia training to first responders

    AARP Ohio calls on lawmakers to pass legislation to provide dementia training to first responders

    AARP Ohio also asks the General Assembly to support bills that benefit Ohio’s 50 plus population as they age in place

    Columbus, Ohio – Today, AARP called on Ohio lawmakers to pass House Bill 23, commonsense legislation that would help Ohio’s family caregivers who have a loved-one with Alzheimer’s Disease or other dementia. The bill would develop education and require training for first responders addressing difficult situations for individuals with dementia.

    The bill will

    • help develop and train the peace officers and specified emergency medical service personnel to recognize the key signs of Alzheimer’s and related dementia
    • train peace officers and specified emergency medical service personnel to appropriately interact with persons living with dementia
    • educate peace officers and specified emergency medical service personnel on how to best intervene in situations where these individuals may be at risk of abuse and neglect.

    “The symptoms of dementia aren’t always consistent, or even easily recognizable. You know the ones providing care or have provided care for someone with dementia need all of the help and support they can get,” said Veronica McCreary Hall, a retired nurse, an AARP Ohio volunteer and former family caregiver for her father, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease. “Ohio’s first responders can play a critical role in keeping them safe and protected.”

    There are an estimated 220,000 individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia in Ohio, with a projection to see nearly a 20% increase in those living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias by 2030. 421,000 family caregivers bear the burden of the disease in Ohio, with 614 million hours of unpaid care.

    “Mandatory training for first responders will help protect vulnerable Ohioans with Alzheimer’s Disease or other related dementia, while giving their families peace of mind,” said Holly Holtzen, state director for AARP Ohio. “Passing this legislation is a step in the right direction and could impact hundreds of thousands of lives.”

    AARP Ohio also supports additional legislation that will benefit Ohioans and help keep them safe and secure.

    • House Bill 305/Senate Bill 220
      This bipartisan bill would cap the price of insulin at no more than $35 for a 30-day supply.
       
    • House Bill 461
      House Bill 461 will establish a private room per-day rate to be added to a facility’s daily Medicaid rate.  Medicaid will pay facilities an additional reimbursement for each resident housed in a private room. Nursing facilities will be incentivized to offer single-occupancy rooms, ultimately increasing safety in nursing home residents.
       
    • House Bill 625/Senate Bill 325
      The quality of resident care and nursing home operations and performance is often related to rates and reimbursements. AARP Ohio is urging lawmakers to pass legislation that would increase Medicaid rates in 2023 for nursing homes. The bill would also be a major benefit for nursing facilities, as incentive payments may be related to direct staff retention.
       
    • House Bill 419
      Elder abuse is on the rise, yet it often goes unreported. AARP urges the passage of this legislation to ensure mandatory reports are filed.
  • Summer food tips to improve heart and overall health

    Summer food tips to improve heart and overall health

    Joe Higgins photo
    Joe Higgins

    By Joe Higgins,

    Looking to add some healthy variety to your diet this summer? Look no further!

    Ohio University’s College of Health Sciences and Professions (CHSP) offers six nutritious tips all yours for the tasting.

    1. Grilled fish

    The sun is shining and the grill is hot. Now it just needs some salmon!

    Selena Baker, MS, RDN, LD, a nutrition counselor at CHSP’s WellWorks, suggests lining the grill with a piece of parchment paper and placing your salmon on top to keep the dish moist.

    “Spread it with some Dijon mustard, fresh garlic and cracked black pepper,” she said. “The vinegar in the mustard will neutralize the mildly fishy smell if you’re sensitive to that. Lemon juice and malt vinegar have the same effect. Once it’s done, unwrap your packet and you’ve got super moist salmon on the grill!”

    2. More fish!

    Tuna steaks marinated in avocado oil can add more of the coveted Omega-3 heart-healthy fatty acid to the menu. Baker said avocado oil has a similar fatty acid profile to olive oil but can take the heat better due to a higher smoke point. She also suggests a simple lunch using white albacore tuna.

    “Open your white albacore, drain it, throw it directly in a Tupperware-type container and add olive oil or avocado oil mayonnaise. It has heart-healthy fat and half the fat of regular mayo. Add in some Mrs. Dash (the garlic blend) and you have lots of flavor ready to go,” said Baker. “If you have time, mince in some onion, carrots, celery or whatever you want.”

    3. Let’s get nuts

    Vegetarians or vegans looking for Omega-3 benefits can try walnuts. Baker said eating a 1-ounce portion of nuts most days of the week is a good goal and added that walnuts also contain fiber, potassium, protein and other heart-healthy fats.

    4. The power of tomatoes

    Scientific results are still mixed when it comes to lycopene in tomatoes but Baker said there are definitely some positive links between lycopene and good prostate health.

    Lycopene isn’t destroyed by cooking and tomatoes are also a good source of potassium which plays a role in healthy blood pressure.

    “Try a whole wheat pasta salad,” said Baker. “Lightly steam, sauté or grill a bunch of veggies and toss on some vinaigrette or whatever dressing you like. Dice up some sundried tomatoes and you’ll get that concentrated flavor, sweetness and unique texture which is great in a pasta salad along with some marinated artichokes and sautéed zucchini.”

    5. Lentil Sloppy Joes

    “Lentils are so good. I love the lentil sloppy joes served on a whole wheat bun with a slice of swiss cheese,” said Baker. “If you want to explore a family-friendly plant protein, lentils are a great, fast-cooking option.”

    (A recipe for this delicious dish is listed below the article.)

    6. MIND your diet

    Along with a healthy body, a healthy mind is desirable. Baker recommends trying the MIND diet — a take on the popular Mediterranean Diet and the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension Diet. The MIND diet is associated with a lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease and calls for: more than six servings per week of green leafy vegetables, one serving per day of other vegetables, five servings per week of nuts, two servings per week of berries, three meals of beans per week, three servings per day of whole grains, one meal per week of fish, two meals per week of poultry and the use of olive oil as the primary cooking oil along with one glass of wine per day.

    Finally, Baker offers the reminder that with the hot sun and all the summer fun, it’s important to stay hydrated!

    Lentil Sloppy Joe (credit sparkpeople.com)

    1 cup uncooked lentils

    4 cups water

    1 tbsp olive oil

    1 medium yellow onion, small dice

    1 green bell pepper, small dice

    2 cloves garlic, minced

    3 tbsp chili powder

    2 tsp salt

    1 (8-oz) can tomato sauce

    ¼ cup tomato paste

    2-3 tbsp maple syrup

    1 tbsp prepared yellow mustard

    Pour lentils and water into small saucepan. Cover and bring to boil. Lower heat and simmer for 20 minutes or until lentils are soft. Drain and set aside.

    About 10 minutes before lentils are ready, preheat a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat. Sauté onion and pepper in the oil for seven minutes or until softened. Add garlic and sauté for one minute more.

    Stir in the cooked lentils, chili powder, oregano and salt. Add the tomato sauce and tomato paste and cook for 10 minutes. Add maple syrup and mustard and heat.

    Turn off the heat and let the pot sit on the warm burner for about 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

    Serves five people at 142 calories per serving.

    Selena Baker offers healthy cooking classes throughout the year at WellWorks. For more information visit ohio.edu/wellworks or call 740.593.2093.