Knowing Alzheimer's

Right at Home Glendale owner Doug Dickstein had the great pleasure of working every now and then with Griffith Park Senior Center's Stephanie Vendig during his tenure as co-chair of the Silver Lake Neighborhood Council in 2006-08. Stephanie also writes a monthly column for the Los Feliz Ledger, a local paper serving the Los Feliz, Atwater Village and Silver Lake areas. Below is a re-print of her most recent article.

Alzheimer’s, for us older adults, is cause for anxiety, especially since this disease, a brain disorder that affects memory, thinking, and reasoning skills, is connected to our aging.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association’s 2009 report just released, nearly 5.3 million Americans suffer from Alzheimer’s disease; most develop symptoms after age 60. This number is expected to double within 20 years. In fact, 50% of us, 85 and older, will probably succumb to Alzheimer’s or other related dementia conditions. Total healthcare costs are three times higher for Americans with Alzheimer’s and other dementia than for other people age 65 and older, putting a financial burden on both families and programs.

Alzheimer’s is prevalent for various reasons. People are living longer. This means that more people will exhibit the full impact of dementia because it takes time to develop. Previously, you would die of other conditions before you die of Alzheimer’s. Because women live longer than men, their incidence is higher. In addition, the large group of “Baby Boomers”—78 million—is now reaching the age when the disease becomes evident. And finally, there is no cure at this time to restrain the increase.

In early stages, called “mild cognitive impairment,” the person shows a pattern of deficient memory and reduced performance on cognitive tests, but is still maintaining activities of daily living. In addition, depression, irritability, anxiety, aggression, and apathy are more apparent. Where once it seemed useless to get a diagnosis as early as possible, it is now worthwhile because studies into the earliest stages of the disease suggest that certain behaviors may slow cognitive decline, or that specific medication might slow the progression.

The saddest feature of Alzheimer’s and dementia is the toll on the person’s family who become caregivers. As a person’s behavior becomes more unpredictable, it is the caregiver who must increasingly be the manager of the person’s life. The stress and the time necessary to make sure that the person is safe and functioning is all consuming.

Check out Leeza’s Place about support groups and activities for the caregiver. (323) 932-5414 or ywyte@leezasplace.org. The Los Angeles City Dept. of Aging, with its multipurpose centers, provides resources for training, support groups, case management, and in-home respite care or adult day care: (213) 252-4030 or (800) 510-2020.

For comprehensive information on Alzheimer’s Disease and other related dementia conditions, go to www.nia.nih.gov/Alzheimers, www.alz.org (Alzheimer’s Association), www.mayoclinic.com, www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus. If you don’t have a computer, come to GPACC and get help there.

Senior Classes Offered by No. Hollywood Poly Adult School

Brain Fitness:
Based on UCLA’s Department on Aging, this course offers information on brain structure, ways to protect and practice memory skills, to live well. Tuesdays, 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m., The Piedmont, 6750 Whitsett, North Hollywood and Wednesdays from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Valley Storefront, 12821 Victory Blvd, North Hollywood.

Popular Music Appreciation:
Historical study of America’s Tin Pan Alley composers, using film, documentary, lyrics, life stories and discussion format. Tuesdays from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., The Valley Village Senior Apartments, 12111 Chandler Boulevard, Valley Village and Wednesdays at The Sunrise, 4610 Coldwater Blvd, Studio City.

Piedmont Music Ensemble (Chorus):
Learn about rhythm, breathing techniques, harmony singing while rehearsing the great songs of the 1930s and 1940s as well as Beatles music. No professional experience necessary. Tuesdays, 4:30-6:30 p.m., The Piedmont, 6750 Whitsett, North Hollywood.

Intergenerational Tutoring:
Job-training in tutor-mentoring with opportunity to practice skills with high school students needing assistance with exit exams. Thursdays 10 a.m.- 12 p.m., The Valley Village Senior Apartments, 12111 Chandler Blvd., Valley Village.