Winter 2012

GOVERNING BOARD

Agnes Vallejos Executive Director

George Miles Finance Director

Siobhan Mitchell Director of Operations

Melissa Spiers Outreach & Corporate Initiatives Director

Myles Copeland Communications & Advocacy Director

Chris McCaffrey Greater Albuquerque Regional Manager

Christina Boothe Development Director

Theresa Burch Administrative Assistant

Ann Breen Veterans Savvy Caregiver Program Coordinator

REGIONAl OffIcEs

Annabelle Montoya Northeastern Regional Manager

Katie Roper Northwestern Regional Manager

Priscilla Lujan Southeastern Regional Manager

Maia Sideris-Dorame Southwestern Regional Manager

Hope Cardenas Bi-lingual Outreach Coordinator

ContaCt InformatIon9500 Montgomery Blvd. NE, Suite 121 Albuquerque, NM 87111 505-266-4473 | 24/7 HELPLINE: 1-800-272-3900 www.alz.org/newmexico

President’s Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Executive Director Message . . . . . . 4

Advocacy Update . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Helpline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7 Chris’s Corner

Special Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-9 2012 Family Caregivers Conference

Upcoming Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Education Calendar . . . . . . . . . . 10-11

2012 Walk to End Alzheimer’s . . 12-13

Memorial Donations . . . . . . . . . . 14-15

General Donations . . . . . . . . . . . 16-17

Program Focus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Could Dancing Prevent Alzheimer’s?

Opportunities for Giving . . back cover

cHAPTER sTAff

New Mexico ChapterInside stories

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Our MissionTo 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.

Our VisionA world without

Alzheimer’s disease.

for a complete list of statewide support Groups,

please contact our office at 505.266.4473 or view our website at

www.alz.org/newmexico

Dan Monte President

John Attwood Past President

Leo LaBarge Vice President

Tori Chouinard Secretary

Brad Cates Treasurer

Mary Galvez Member at Large

Tracy Ayers Director

Marcy Baysinger Director

Kiran Bhaskar Director

Charlie Blanco Director

Jim Cook Director

Yasmine Dunbar Director

Daniel Faulkner Director

Bill Hudson Director

Lisa Lachmann Director

Barbara Michels Director

Vale Pelletier Director

Carol Schaffer Director

Rick Spragins Director

Linda Sudderth Director

From the President

“That must be hard,” is

the response I usually

get when people find

out about my work

with the Alzheimer’s

Association, New

Mexico Chapter.

I understand why they would think so. The disease is terrible. It strips loved ones away before our very eyes. In excruciatingly slow fashion, we are forgotten. Our moms, dads, spouses resemble themselves less each day. There is no cure.

The previous paragraph was depressing just to write, so it is little wonder people think that working with the Association, “must be hard.”

But it’s not. The Alzheimer’s Association is

where people come to make things better.

In the rear corner of the office is a small, private meeting space. Pamphlets detailing every aspect of Alzheimer’s disease, from caregiver stress, to warning signs to bracelets that prevent a loved one from wandering, are organized in wall-mounted racks. Arranged inside are a table and four chairs, which look like they belong in a countryside bed and breakfast. Dubbed “the Family Room,” it is not particularly homey.

Here, Chris McCaffrey works minor acts of magic. More often than not, families come to him on the verge of crisis. They have finally concluded, by diagnosis or incident, that something is seriously wrong with their loved one.

The Alzheimer’s Association’s Regional Manager in Albuquerque, Chris has been counseling people for more than two decades. With his straight-forward and empathetic demeanor, he conveys the harsh realities of Alzheimer’s disease and the effect it has on behaviors. Families exchange their fear of the unknown for understanding. Freed from unreasonable expectations and the accompanying distress, these families

are better equipped to take their loved ones as they are.

This is not a finger-snap process. The Association offers its free, seven-week Savvy Caregiver Program, homework and all, to afford families an opportunity to sharpen the tools that will improve their caregiving lot.

There is no cure for Alzheimer’s and, with your help, we are working on that, too. Through the research you help fund, and the legislative change you spur, I have become increasingly confident over the past year that we will bring about a world without Alzheimer’s.

This disease is devastating. I hate seeing what it does on a daily basis, and we can enhance life, for caregivers today and for our children tomorrow. That’s why working with the Alzheimer’s Association is not hard at all.

Dan Monte

2013 Entertainment Books

are available for sale at our Albuquerque Office, 505.266.4473

or you can contact Carolyn Pettit at 505.299.8770.

A portion of each book sale benefits the Alzheimer’s

Association, New Mexico Chapter.

Rewarding Work

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Advocacy Update

What would you change about the way New Mexico dealswith dementia.That is the essential question being addressed by the State Alzheimer’s Task Force. Composed of 20 different organizations and stakeholder groups, the Task Force faces a deadline of Nov. 1, 2013 to deliver recommendations regarding how New Mexico should address dementia to the Governor’s office.

Facing a potentially overwhelming problem, the Task Force has siphoned its challenges into five different work groups analyzing, respectively, quality of care, public awareness, healthcare system capacity, needs of caregivers, and research.

The impetus for the Task Force came from House Memorial 20, introduced during the 2012 Legislature

State Alzheimer’s Plan Makes Progress by New Mexico Representative Danice Picraux, a longtime public health advocate, and unanimously passed by the State House of Representatives. A representative since 1991, Picraux retired following the 2012 session, and fellow long-time member of the Health and Human Services Committee Dede Feldman described this memorial as consistent with Picraux’s career.

“She has been advocating for public health measures for 20 years,” said Feldman. “She’s persistent and effective.”

“With Representative Picraux, she has been very in tune with the needs of our community,” echoed New Mexico State Senator Linda M. Lopez. “She has always been an outspoken advocate for groups of constituents who needed more of a voice.”

Feldman, who introduced a similar Alzheimer’s plan memorial to the 2012 New Mexico State Senate, said the recent legislative push reflects the urgency of the Alzheimer’s epidemic.

“Until we have a cure for Alzheimer’s, and until we have a way of supporting caregivers, we need to focus in this area,” said Feldman. “It’s a major factor in healthcare costs in the future, and it is draining families throughout the country of energy and resources.”

Retta Ward, Secretary of the New Mexico Department of Aging and Long-Term Services, convened the Task Force in April and expressed hope that the group would accomplish substantive improvement in the state’s approach to dementia.

“I am very encouraged by the broad range of participants, and the level of commitment and dedication Task Force members are bringing to this important work,” said Ward. “We are making excellent progress in the development of a State Alzheimer’s Plan, and I am confident this plan will become a working document to guide our state in addressing Alzheimer’s and other dementias.”

If you know a

caregiver of

someone with

Alzheimer’s disease,

thank them.

This sounds so simple, nearly trite, that it is easy to miss the broader implications of this request.

In 2011, unpaid family and friends provided 17.4 billion hours of care, with an approximate monetary value of $210 billion dollars. For perspective, government spending on healthcare over that period was about $960 billion, between Medicaid and Medicare. Unpaid Alzheimer’s caregiver provide service equal to more than one fifth of our entire government healthcare budget.

Naturally, family caregivers do not think in these terms. They think of their own love for mom, their duty to dad, or what would befall their spouse left alone. Almost universally, caregivers do not regard their path as a choice.

This orientation prevents too many caregivers from recognizing that their work is an act of good. Whether born of love or obligation — or the calling

of professional caregivers — caregivers deliver a service, not only to their loved one, but to their community at large. They are heroes, doing a duty asked for by none, and helping a country whose healthcare systems would collapse without them.

Failure to recognize this can wall caregivers off from the support they deserve. “This is my problem. I’ll deal with it,” is a noble attitude common to many families facing dementia, but it has an isolating effect. Increasingly cut off as Alzheimer’s progresses, caregivers face increasing stress.

The truth is that Alzheimer’s is our problem. Our community and our country would be overwhelmed without these caregivers. They need to see the good they do for us all, in the good done for their loved one. We owe them education, support and tools for the journey they walk on behalf of us all.

If you know a caregiver, thank them.

From the Executive Director

The New Mexico Alzheimer’s Task Force is seeking your feedback.

Alzheimer’s Day at the LegislatureFeb. 19, 2013 8am-1pm

Agnes Vallejos

THANK YOU TO OUR ANNUAL PARTNERS for more information on becoming an Annual Partner, please contact Melissa Spiers, Outreach Director at 505.266.4473

Helpline

Dear Tired,

You’ve discovered one of the secrets of dementia. It is a family disease. In fact, family members are often harder hit by the effects of the disease than the individual with the diagnosis. Each family is its own culturally unique unit, and therefore responds to the crisis in its own unique way. Families are also comprised of individuals, each of

whom brings their own personalities and role-expectations to the table. This can make for a pretty chaotic situation if it’s not managed well. As the primary caregiver, you now find yourself in the de facto role of team leader. This may not have been what you had in mind when you agreed to tackle the job, but it is a critical part of the job description. Effectively utilizing family as a caregiving resource doesn’t just

make your life easier. It can vastly improve the quality of life for your father, and give all family members a greater sense of satisfaction.

Achieving the goal of caregiving-family harmony requires that you understand two things: what gets in the way-barriers-and what clears the way-aids. It may seem like there are tons of barriers, but most of the issues you are dealing with probably fall into

one of three categories: • Lack of experience. Family

members may avoid spending time with the person with dementia if they don’t know what to expect. They may not have any models of how to deal with the situation or the ways that dementia manifests behaviorally. There are many myths associated with the disease as well. All of these factors can make the disease a frightening mystery that they simply don’t know how to approach. Also, the family member probably isn’t aware of how much work is involved in caretaking, or they feel inadequately equipped to be “hands-on.” If the disease remains a mystery, they are not as likely to offer help and understanding.

• Lack of role flexibility. Many of us have roles, both in society and within our families. Parents often see themselves as the providers and have great difficulty accepting help from their children. The oldest child in a large sibling group plays a much different role than the youngest. These roles are often dictated by generational and cultural factors as well. The team leader has to recognize and acknowledge these roles, while asking others for a greater degree in role flexibility.

• Denial. This is a very common problem in family caregiving situations. It can create a lot of conflict within the family, and a lot of frustration and resentment on the part of the primary caregiver. It is important to realize that denial is not an emotion. It is a defense mechanism. Denial is what we do in order to not have to feel emotions that hurt. Grief, loss, fear and other emotions are sometimes too hard to face. The person in denial is usually not lazy or uncaring, but afraid. Confrontation and anger are typically not effective methods of dealing with someone who is scared. Acknowledging their feelings and empathizing with them is a strategy that is far more likely to enlist

their help and support. Creating opportunities for the person in denial to spend more significant amounts of time with the person with dementia can also help them face their denial.Now that we have an idea of what

can hinder family involvement, let’s look at some things that make it easier for family members to more actively participate:• Knowledge and skill. If lack of

experience creates fear and anxiety about the mystery of dementia, then knowledge and skill are the best ways to demystify the disease. Give family members the chance to observe your loved one’s behaviors and how you intervene. Don’t expect them to be alone with your loved one until they have some safe exposure to the caregiving process. Don’t take for granted that they should “just know,” because they probably don’t. Share your knowledge with them in a non-judgmental way. When you have an opportunity to improve your own knowledge about the disease, include family members in the process.

• Have a plan. Be prepared when family members offer to help. Too often, someone asks if we need anything and our response is “No thanks, we’re fine.” Have a list of small tasks that would be helpful to you or your loved one prepared. Then, if the opportunity arises for some help, you are not caught off guard. Family members are much more likely to work together effectively if there is an organized effort to work towards a common goal. The Alzheimer’s Association website has links to tools that help even long distance family members create and follow caregiving plans. Go to www.alz.org for more information.

• Communication. This often seems obvious, but is also one of the most overlooked ways to facilitate greater family harmony. Tell people directly what works, what doesn’t, what you need from them to be

an effective caregiver. It’s easy to believe that “they should know,” but this assumption does not get you the support or help that you need. Communicating emotions to one another will also foster a greater sense of understanding among family members. When family members understand what is happening for others emotionally, they are more likely to be supportive.

A few last suggestions: • Expand your expectations of

help beyond your siblings. Aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces, grandchildren and in-laws are all potential resources for support and help. Don’t be afraid to ask.

• Consider redefining what the word “help” means. If your definition of help is “I want you to come in and do exactly what I do in the exact same way that I do it” you may be setting yourself up to be disappointed, and setting family members up to fail. Not everyone is equipped with the skills, availability, or emotional wherewithal to be a primary caregiver. Try to capitalize on individuals’ strengths, and allow them to contribute what they can. Your brother may not ever be able to bathe your father, but he might be willing to take care of the shopping and some meal preparation. A 13-year-old grandchild is probably not the best equipped person to stay the weekend with your parents, but may come regularly to maintain the yard. Your out-of-state sister does not have the availability to spend the amount of time in the home that you do, but she might willingly contribute financially in order for you to hire someone to provide you some relief. Expanding your definition of help not only gives you more support, but allows family members to share in the satisfaction of being contributing members of a collaborative caregiving family.

Helpline Q & A information contributed by Chris McCaffrey, Greater Albuquerque Regional Manager

Dear Chris,

My Dad was diagnosed with dementia about three

years ago. My mom did a great job taking care of

him for the first year and a half, but she is beginning

to have some medical and physical issues of her

own that make it almost impossible for her to

be the primary caregiver. After discussing the

situation with my three siblings, it was decided that

I would move in with our parents to care for them in

their home. I agreed to the decision because two of my

siblings live out of state, and while the third sibling lives

here, she is married and has a family of her own. I was prepared for

a pretty big change in my lifestyle and knew it was a big job, but I figured that, with

four of us to share the responsibilities, it was going to be pretty manageable. A year

and a half later however, I realize that I’ve been abandoned here to do everything!

I get a lot of advice and criticism, but no actual help even from the sister who

lives here. I think two of them are in denial about how far progressed my father’s

condition has become. They speak with him on the phone for 10 minutes, and say

he sounds fine to them, but neither one of them has seen him in nearly a year. These

are my sibling’s parents too. How do I make them step up to the plate and help me?

Signed,

Tired of being an only child

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Chris’s Corner

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of behavioral, medical, legal and pharmaceutical experts to engage caregivers in practical education.

Anderson particularly appreciated the opportunity afforded by the conference to connect with fellow caregivers.

“Being able to share experiences is so beneficial,” said Anderson.

Based in Las Cruces, Alzheimer’s Association, New Mexico Chapter Regional Manager Maia Sideris-Dorame regarded the event’s robust attendance as indicative of Alzheimer’s disease’s impact on her community.

“It continues to surprise me how big the need is,” said Sideris-Dorame. “I’m glad we’re here to help.”

The Community Hero of the Year Award, meanwhile, was presented to Grace Daniel. Registered Nurse Case Manager for University of New Mexico Hospital over the past five years, and a caregiver for her own mother, Daniel was lauded by her nominator for having “has logged thousands of hours in ensuring caregivers receive the training and recognition they deserve.”

Special Events Special Events

Margaret Anderson was not going to go through this alone.

Anderson’s husband was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2006. A retired nurse, she immediately set about learning all she could of the disease.

Family caregivers are disturbingly common, with roughly five percent of the population delivering care to a loved one with Alzheimer’s. Despite this, the life of an Alzheimer’s caregiver can be isolating, even in a bustling city. Faced with behaviors they do not understand and shared memories that diminish with each passing day, old friends and family often become scarce.

Living in Silver City, Margaret found

Celebrating caregivers for the work they do and delivering practical education to assist in their daily lives, the 2012 Family Caregiver Conference drew more than 400 people to Sandia Resort and Casino on November 3rd.

Presented by United Healthcare and hosted by the City of Albuquerque/Bernalillo County Area Agency on Aging and the Alzheimer’s Association, the Conference presented special recognition to a pair of distinguished caregivers.

herself caregiving for Alzheimer’s in a more rural outpost, with fewer resources. Not one to sit idly by waiting for help, Margaret founded an Alzheimer’s Association support group.

She was also among the first to register for the Alzheimer’s Association’s First Annual Southern Regional Caregiver Conference.

Held at Las Cruces’ Hotel Encanto on Saturday, June 30, the conference brought one-stop, in-depth caregiver education to Southern New Mexico for the first time.

“I thought it was absolutely wonderful,” said Anderson. “I think it was a tremendous help to everyone here in this area that is a caregiver.”

Attended by nearly 100 caregivers, the conference drew together a host

The Marian Vallejos Caregiver of the Year Award recognizes a caregiver who has exemplified extraordinary dedication to assuring the highest quality of life for their care recipient. A caregiver to both her husband and her mother while pursuing her degree full time at the University of New Mexico, volunteering with the Veterans Integration Center and raising her five-year-old son, Navy Veteran Odetha Hill claimed this year’s award and attendant $500 cash prize.

Southern Regional Family Caregiver Conference

2012 Family Caregiver ConferenceTHANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

For information on participating in any (or all!) of these activities, please call us at 505-266-4473

Alzheimer’s Association New Mexico 2013 Events

Alzheimer’s Day at the legislature Roundhouse, Santa Fe Tuesday, February 19, 2013

“Dancing stars” Gala Hyatt Regency Albuquerque Saturday, April 13, 2013

Professional conference TBD (May/June)

southern Region family caregiver conference TBD (May/June)

Walk to End Alzheimer’s September 7th, 2013-Las Cruces & FarmingtonSeptember 14th, 2013-Santa FeSeptember 21st, 2013-AlbuquerqueSeptember 28th, 2013-Los Alamos & Roswell

unfOREgettable Golf classic Tanoan Country Club-Albuquerque October 7th, 2013 Family Caregiver Conference

family caregiver conference Sandia Resort & Casino-AlbuquerqueNovember 2nd, 2013

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

Addus Health Care

Cardinal Health

Comfort Keepers

Elmcroft Senior Living

Footprints

Heritage Home Health Care & Hospice

Home Instead Senior Care

New Mexico Bank & Trust

Northridge Alzheimer’s Special Care Center

Preferred Assisted Living

RBC Wealth Management

Rio Grande Properties

Rocky Mountain Mortgage

The Retreat Alzheimer’s Specialty Care

Vista Care Hospice

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Education Calendar

Calendar Key:Savvy Caregiver

Seven-week course which helps caregivers develop practical skill in caring for their loved one and themselves.

Cuidando Con Respeto Two-day linguistic and cultural translation of Savvy Caregiver.

Basics of Alzheimer’s Disease Pathology, warnings signs, risk factors and scope of the disease.

Know the 10 Warning Signs Warning signs and prevention of Alzheimer’s.

Living with Alzheimer’s Describes different stages of Alzheimer’s, and assists in preparedness.

NORTHWEST REGIONRegional Manager-Katie Roper3300 N. Butler, Suite 221Farmington, NM 87401(505) 326-3680katie.roper@alz.org

Jan. 7, 12-1:30pmWalk Committee LuncheonZion Lutheran Church7455 Foothills DriveFarmington, NM 87402

Jan. 15, 10am-12pmBasics of Alzheimer’s Northside Senior Center607 N. 4th St, Gallup NM 87301

Jan. 22, 10am-12pm Living with Alzheimer’s: For Caregivers — Early-Stage Sycamore Community Center1051 Sycamore StreetFarmington, NM 87401

Jan. 29, 10am-12pmLiving with Alzheimer’s: For Caregivers — Middle-Stage Sycamore Community Center1051 Sycamore StreetFarmington, NM 87401

Jan. 10-Feb. 21, 10am-12pm (Thursdays)Savvy CaregiverSycamore Community Center1051 Sycamore StreetFarmington, NM 87401(Note – Jan. 17th & Feb. 7 & 21 sessions will be held at Zion Lutheran Church, 7455 Foothills Drive, Farmington, NM 87402)

Feb. 5, 10am-12pmLiving with Alzheimer’s: For Caregivers — Late-StageSycamore Community Center1051 Sycamore StreetFarmington, NM 87401

Feb. 19, 10am-12pmLegal and Financial Issues Sycamore Community Center 1051 Sycamore StreetFarmington, NM 87401

Feb. 26, 10am-12pm The Basics of Alzheimer’s Disease Chama, TBA

March 5, 10-11amThe Basics of Alzheimer’s Disease Sycamore Community Center 1051 Sycamore StreetFarmington, NM 87401

March 12, 10am-12pmKnow the 10 Warning SignsNorthside Senior Center 607 N. 4th St.Gallup, NM 87301

March 26, 9-11amCoffee Chat Sycamore Community Center 1051 Sycamore StreetFarmington, NM 87401

March 14-April 25, 10am-12pm (Thursdays)Savvy CaregiverSycamore Community Center 1051 Sycamore StreetFarmington, NM 87401(Note – April 11th session will be held at Zion Lutheran Church, 7455 Foothills Drive,Farmington, NM 87402)

April 2, 10am-12pmLiving with Alzheimer’s: For Caregivers — Early-StageSycamore Community Center 1051 Sycamore StreetFarmington, NM 87401

April 9, 10am-12pmLiving with Alzheimer’s: For Caregivers — Middle-StageSycamore Community Center 1051 Sycamore StreetFarmington, NM 87401

April 16, 10am-12pmLiving with Alzheimer’s: For Caregivers — Late-StageSycamore Community Center 1051 Sycamore StreetFarmington, NM 87401

April 30, 10am-12pmKnow the 10 Warning SignsChama, TBA

May 7, TBA The Basics of Alzheimer’s Disease Sycamore Community Center 1051 Sycamore StreetFarmington, NM 87401

May 14, 10am-12pmLegal and Financial Issues Northside Senior Center 607 N. 4th St. Gallup, NM 87301

May 16-June 27, 10am-12pm (Thursdays)Savvy CaregiverSycamore Community Center1051 Sycamore StreetFarmington, NM 87401(Note – May 16th session will be held at Zion Lutheran Church, 7455 Foothills Drive,Farmington, NM 87402)

June 4, 10am-11amThe Basics of Alzheimer’s Disease Sycamore Community Center 1051 Sycamore StreetFarmington, NM 87401

June 18, 9-11amCoffee Chat Sycamore Community Center 1051 Sycamore StreetFarmington, NM 87401

NORTHEAST REGIONRegional Manager- Annabelle Montoya811 St. Michael’s Dr., Suite 106 Santa Fe, NM 87505(505) 473-1297annabelle.montoya@alz.org

Jan. 6, 10am-3pmChallenges & Gifts of Alzheimer’sUnitarian Universal Church of Santa Fe107 Barcelona RoadSanta Fe, NM 87502

Jan. 9-Feb. 13, 10am-12pm (Wednesdays)Savvy CaregiverHands Across Cultures89 La Puebla RoadArroyo Seco, NM 87532

Jan. 18, 2-4pmCommunication & BehaviorsAlzheimer’s Association Office811 St. Michael’s Suite 106Santa Fe, NM 87505

Feb. 4, 9am-12pm Elder Care & Home SafetyPresbyterian Church1100 N. Paseo de OnateEspanola, NM 87532

February 5, 1-4pmElder Care & Home SafetyPresbyterian Church 1100 N. Paseo de OnateEspanola NM 87232

Feb. 13–March 27, 10am-12pm (Wednesdays)Savvy CaregiverSt. Bede’s Episcopal Church1601 S. St. Francis DriveSanta Fe, NM 87505

February 19, 1-4pmElder Care & Home SafetyTBD-Call for details

Feb. 21, 2-4pmCommunication & BehaviorsAlzheimer’s Association Office811 St. Michael’s Suite 106Santa Fe, NM 87505

Feb. 25, 9am-12pmElder Care & Home SafetyLa Clinica del Pueblo de Rio ArribaHighway 84, County Road 0324, #14Tierra Amarilla, NM 87575

March 21, 2-4pmCommunication & BehaviorsAlzheimer’s Association Office811 St. Michael’s Suite 106Santa Fe, NM 87505

April 3-May 15, 9-11am (Wednesdays)Savvy CaregiverLas Vegas, NMLocation TBA

April 18, 2-4pmCommunication & BehaviorsAlzheimer’s Association Office811 St. Michael’s Suite 106Santa Fe, NM 87505

May 16, 2-4pmCommunication & BehaviorsAlzheimer’s Association Office811 St. Michael’s Suite 106Santa Fe, NM 87505

May 20-June 24, 1-3pm (Mondays)Savvy CaregiverAspen Ridge1010 Sombrillo CourtLos Alamos 87544

May 22-June 26, 1-3pm (Wednesdays)Savvy CaregiverTaos Talpa Senior CenterState Road 585Taos, NM 87571

May 3 &4, Fri. 1-5pm & Sat. 9am-2pmCuidando con RespectoSan Isidro Catholic Church3552 Agua Fria Street Santa Fe, NM 87504

May 24, 10:30am-2pmLiving with Alzheimer’s Raton Senior Center901 South Third Street Raton, NM 87740

May 6, Time TBDElder Care & Home SafetyOptions Home Health CareKit Carson Electric CompanyTaos, NM 87571

June 20, 2-4pmCommunication & BehaviorsAlzheimer’s Association Office811 St. Michael’s Suite 106Santa Fe, NM 87505

GREATER ALBUQUERQUE REGIONRegional Manager-Chris McCaffrey9500 Montgomery Blvd. NE, Suite 121 Albuquerque, NM 87111(505) 266-4473chris.mccaffrey@alz.org

Jan. 8-Feb. 19, 5:30-7:30pm (Tuesdays)Savvy CaregiverAlzheimer’s Association Office9500 Montgomery Blvd NE, Suite 121Albuquerque, NM 87111

Jan. 10-Feb. 21 10am-12pm (Thursdays)Savvy CaregiverAlzheimer’s Association Office9500 Montgomery Blvd Ne, Suite 121Albuquerque, NM 87111

ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION, NEW MEXICO CHAPTER January - June 2012

Jan. 23, 12-1pmPersonal Safety in Public, on the Road and at HomePresented by Steve Sink, Senior Crime Prevention Manager, APD Alzheimer’s Association Office9500 Montgomery Blvd NE, Suite 121Albuquerque, NM 87111

Feb. 6, 10:30am-12pmAlzheimer’s Q & ASocorro Senior Center1410 Ake Ave.Socorro, NM 87801

Feb. 20, 12-1pmActivities You Can Do at HomePresented by Kim O’Roark, Recreation Through the AgesAlzheimer’s Association Office9500 Montgomery Blvd NE, Suite 121Albuquerque, NM 87111

March 5-April 16, 5:30-7:30pm (Tuesdays)Savvy CaregiverAlzheimer’s Association Office9500 Montgomery Blvd NE, Suite 121Albuquerque, NM 87111

March 7-April 18, 10am-12pm (Thursdays)Savvy CaregiverAlzheimer’s Association Office9500 Montgomery Blvd NE, Suite 121Albuquerque, NM 87111

March 27, 12-1pmUnderstanding Guardianship IssuesPresented By Mary Galvez MA, CMC, NCG Professional Care ManagerAlzheimer’s Association Office9500 Montgomery Blvd NE, Suite 121Albuquerque, NM 87111

April 30-June 11, 5:30-7:30pm (Tuesdays)Savvy CaregiverAlzheimer’s Association Office9500 Montgomery Blvd NE, Suite 121Albuquerque, NM 87111

April 17, 12-1pmPharmacy Issues in DementiaPresented by Annabel Roberts, Pharm. D-Owner of Vida PharmacyAlzheimer’s Association Office9500 Montgomery Blvd NE, Suite 121Albuquerque, NM 87111

May 2-June 13, 10am-12pm (Thursdays)Savvy CaregiverAlzheimer’s Association Office9500 Montgomery Blvd NE, Suite 121Albuquerque, NM 87111

May 22, 12-1pmMedicare & Medicaid BenefitsPresented by Judith Schrandt, AttorneyAlzheimer’s Association Office9500 Montgomery Blvd NE, Suite 121Albuquerque, NM 87111

June 25-Aug. 6, 5:30-7:30pm (Tuesdays)Savvy CaregiverAlzheimer’s Association Office9500 Montgomery Blvd NE, Suite 121Albuquerque, NM 87111

June 27- Aug. 8, 10am-12pm (Thursdays)Savvy CaregiverAlzheimer’s Association Office9500 Montgomery Blvd NE, Suite 121Albuquerque, NM 87111

June 19, 12-1pmNecessary Conversations-Dealing with the Options & Benefits of Advance Funeral PlanningPresented by Barbara Stewart-Community Liaison, French Funerals-CremationsAlzheimer’s Association Office9500 Montgomery Blvd NE, Suite 121Albuquerque, NM 87111

SOUTHWEST REGIONRegional Manager- Maia Sideris-Dorame1121 Mall Drive, Suite C Las Cruces, NM 88011(575) 647-3868maia.sideris-dorame@alz.org

Jan. 3-Feb. 7, 11am-1pm (Thursdays)Savvy CaregiverGila Regional Medical Center 1313 E 32nd street Silver City, NM 88061

January 18th, 12-1pmThe Basics of Alzheimer’s Disease Alzheimer’s Association Office1121 Mall Drive, Suite C Las Cruces, NM 88011

January 22, 5-7pmLegal Issues and the Basics115 B. Main Street Reserve, NM 87830

Feb. 2, 11am-3pmLiving with Alzheimer’s: For Caregivers — Early- Middle- & Late-StageCatron County Wellness Center115 B. Main Street Reserve, NM 87830

Feb. 15, 12-1pmLiving with Alzheimer’s: For Caregivers — Early-StageAlzheimer’s Association Office1121 Mall Drive, Suite CLas Cruces, NM 88011

Feb. 12, 11am-1pmThe Basics of Alzheimer’s Disease Alamogordo Senior Center2201 Puerto Rico AveAlamogordo, NM 88310

Feb. 26th, 11am-1pmLiving with Alzheimer’s: For Caregivers — Early-StageAlamogordo Senior Center2201 Puerto Rico AveAlamogordo, NM 88310

Feb. 1-April 5, 1:30-3:30pm (Fridays)Savvy CaregiverAlzheimer’s Association Office1121 Mall Drive, Suite CLas Cruces, NM 88011

Feb. 21, 5:30-7:30pmLiving with Alzheimer’s: For Caregivers — Early-StageSierra Health Care Center (Tea Room)1400 N. Silver St.Truth of Consequences, NM 87901

March 5th, 11am-1pmLiving with Alzheimer’s: For Caregivers — Middle-StageAlamogordo Senior Center 2201 Puerto Rico AveAlamogordo, NM 88310

March 12, 11am-1pmLiving with Alzheimer’s: For Caregivers — Late-StageAlamogordo Senior Center 2201 Puerto Rico AveAlamogordo, NM 88310

March 15, 12-1pmLiving with Alzheimer’s: For Caregivers — Late-StageAlzheimer’s Association Office1121 Mall Drive, Suite CLas Cruces, NM 88011

March 14, 5:30-7:30pmLiving with Alzheimer’s: For Caregivers — Middle-StageSierra Health Care Center (Tea Room)1400 N. Silver St.Truth of Consequences, NM 87901

March 20-April 24, 10am-12pm (Wednesdays)Savvy CaregiverDeming Senior Citizens800 South Granite StreetDeming, NM 88030

March 28, 10am-12pmLiving with Alzheimer’s: For Caregivers — Early-StageDeming Senior Citizens800 South Granite StreetDeming, NM 88030

April 11, 5:30-7:30pmLiving with Alzheimer’s: For Caregivers — Late-StageSierra Health Care Center (Tea Room)1400 N. Silver St.Truth of Consequences, NM 87901

April 19, 12-1pmLiving with Alzheimer’s: For Caregivers — Late-StageAlzheimer’s Association Office1121 Mall Drive, Suite CLas Cruces, NM 88011

April 25, 10am-12pmLiving with Alzheimer’s: For Caregivers — Middle-StageDeming Senior Citizens800 south Granite StreetDeming, NM 88030

May 2-June 13, 11am-1pm (Thursdays)Savvy CaregiverAlamogordo Senior Center2201 Puerto Rico AveAlamogordo, NM 88310

May 17, 12-1pmThe Basics of Alzheimer’s Disease (Spanish)Alzheimer’s Association Office1121 Mall Drive, Suite C Las Cruces, NM 88011

May 24, 10am-12pmLiving with Alzheimer’s: For Caregivers — Late-StageDeming Senior Citizens800 south Granite StreetDeming, NM 88030

May 21-June 25, 11am-1pm (Tuesdays)Savvy CaregiverSierra Health Care Center (Tea Room)1400 N. Silver St.Truth of Consequences, NM 87901

June 21st, 12-1pmCaregiver Self Care (Spanish)Alzheimer’s Association Office1121 Mall Drive, Suite CLas Cruces, NM 88011

SOUTHEAST REGIONRegional Manager-Priscilla Lujan404 ½ N. Kentucky Roswell, NM 88201(575) 624-1552priscilla.lujan@alz.org

Jan. 9-Feb. 13, 9-11am (Wednesdays)Savvy CaregiverRuidoso Senior Center501 Sudderth Dr. Ruidoso NM 88345

Jan. 10, 9-10am & 6-7pmKnow the 10 Warning SignsRoswell Adult and Senior Center807 N MissouriRoswell, NM 88201

Jan. 25, 10-11amThe Basics of Alzheimer’s Disease Hobbs Senior Center200 E ParkHobbs, NM 88240

Feb. 7, 9-10am & 6-7pmThe Basics of Alzheimer’s Disease Roswell Adult and Senior Center807 N Missouri Roswell, NM 88201

Feb. 26, 10:30-11:30am Safety in the HomeCarlsbad Senior Center2814 San Jose Blvd. Carlsbad, NM 88220

March 6-April 10, 9-11am (Wednesdays)Savvy CaregiverRoswell Joy Center1822 N Montana Roswell, NM 88201

March 14, 9-10am & 6-7pm Safety in the HomeRoswell Adult and Senior Center 807 N Missouri Roswell, NM 88201

March 19, 9:30-10:30amSafety in the HomeLa Casa Senior Center 1120 Cameo St. Clovis, NM 88101

April 11, 9-10am & 6am-7amLiving with Alzheimer’s: For Caregivers — Early-StageRoswell Adult and Senior Center 807 N Missouri Roswell, NM 88201

April 24, 9:30-10:30am Safety in the HomeArtesia Senior Center 202 W Chisum Ave. Artesia, NM 88210

May 3-June 7, 9:30-11:30am (Fridays)Savvy CaregiverHobbs Senior Center200 E Park Hobbs, NM 88240

May 9, 9-10am & 6-7pmLiving with Alzheimer’s: For Caregivers — Middle-StageRoswell Adult & Senior Center 807 N Missouri Roswell, NM 88201

May 14, 10:30-11:30am Safety in the HomeRoswell Joy Center 1822 N Montana Roswell NM 88201

May 15, 10:30-11:30am Safety in the HomeHagerman Joy Center503 E Argyle Hageman, NM 88232

June 13, 9-10am & 6-7pmLiving with Alzheimer’s: For Caregivers — Late-StageRoswell Adult and Senior Center807 N Missouri Roswell, NM 88201

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The 2012 Walk to End Alzheimer’s was New Mexico’s largest to date, eclipsing 2000 people

statewide for the first time. Records were set by each of the six cities in which Walk was

held, as more people than ever turned out in Albuquerque Farmington, Las Cruces, Los

Alamos, Roswell, and Santa Fe. Las Cruces, in particular, made stunning gains, as a crowd

of 409 people braved a rainy morning for an event that raised more than $50,000. That

represented growth of more than 70 percent in attendance and 100 percent in fundraising

over 2011.

AlbuquerqueAddusAlbuquerque NeuroscienceAlliance Home Healthcare & HospiceAmbercareAtria Vista Del RioCare Improvement PlusDecadesDecisions in CareEthicon Endo SurgeryEye Associates of New MexicoGeriatric Care ManagementHaven CareHeritage Home Healthcare & HospiceHyattKrispy Kreme DonutsLos Alamos National BankNMACCNorthridge Alzheimer’s Special Care CenterRams Booster ClubRBC Wealth ManagementWoodmark at UptownZia Trust

Farmington7 to 11AmerigroupAnimas Credit Union

Arches IncBasin Home Health & HospiceBatteries PlusCedar Ridge InnEye Associates of New MexicoHome DepotPinon Family PharmacySun GlassZebidiah’s

Las CrucesAmbercareArbors of Del ReyCare Improvement PlusCasa Arena BlancaComfort Keepers-Las CrucesCoordinated Home HealthCottonbloomGood Samaritan SocietyHaciendas at Grace VillageHome Instead Senior Care-Las CrucesLas Cruces Association of RealtorsMesilla Valley HospiceMesilla Valley HospitalMy Physician IncPreferred Assisted LivingSouthwest Center on AgingTender Care Home Health Care

Los AlamosG & S CorporationLos Alamos Medical CenterLos Alamos National BankKRSN 1490 AM

RoswellAmerigroupCasa Maria Health Care Center &

Pecos Valley RehabComfort Keepers-RoswellEye Associates of New MexicoSunset Villa Care CenterWheatfields Senior LivingXcel Energy

Santa FeAmbercareChugach Management Comfort Keepers-Santa FeEye Associates of NMKingston Residence of Santa FeLos Alamos National BankSierra Vista Retirement CommunityVista Care Hospice

Thank you to our Sponsors

2012 Top Walk to End Alheimer’s Teams

Walk to End Alzheimer’sWalk to End Alzheimer’s

Albuquerque

Purple Paddlefoots $11,018.08The Retreat Rebels $6,763.00Rebel Walkers $5,485.00David M. Esquibel Family and Friends $5,199.00Giving a hand to end Alzheimer’s $3,701.08

Las Cruces

Sunbridge Striders from Northrise $13,525.00Christine’s Cadets $2,652.00Encompass: Walking to Remember $2,050.00APS $1,660.00Casa Bella/Preferred Assisted Living $1,635.00

Farmington

Polly’s Purple Pack $1,205.00NW phase 3 $1,100.00Nickie’s Hope $938.00Hannah Montana $498.63

Los Alamos

Strive for Five $2,472.05Betty Ehart Senior Center $2,010.00Team Bjarke $1,615.00White Rock Senior Center $1,132.00For Jo, Aline and Joyce $900.00

Roswell

Comfort Keepers $2,150.00Sunbridge at Mission Arch Care Center $2,083.23Sunset Villa $1,890.60Rebecca Ponder Genworth Life Insurance $1,878.00It’s a Family Affair $1,600.00

Santa Fe

Leading the Way $2,620.00Ponce de Leon Pacers $2,124.05Choo Choo’s Train $1,535.00Addus Cares $1,203.00ALTSD-Santa Fe $680.00

Many thanks to our Statewide Sponsors...United Healthcare & Dex

Esther Adams Mr. and Mrs. Ernest BurtonBill Adkins Barbara MichelsJoe Arnoff Trails West, Management AccountAlbert Arsenault C. Coffell Mary Hughes Patricia Hughes and Paul PittmanHelen Lucia Baczek Jana LichlyterRhea J. Butler Ann MagetteriLena Camarco Jayme Baca-OrtizHarold Chaffee Shelia PalmBob Cook Diana WorleyEllie Depaoli Dorothy EddlemanLelia Dix-Smith Perfection Honda Dee WeeksPatricia Duke Mr. and Mrs. Robert Anderson Annette Breno Mr. and Mrs. Gail Carteaux Mr. and Mrs. William Duke Mr. and Mrs. Dan Peacock Dale Snyder Lowell Thomas Sharon Wachter

Norval Edward Duncan Tony SanchezJohn Ford Redwood Regional Medical Group Carol RozhonArt Frawley Ardella Green Barbara MichelsEdith Gibson Clarence Ashcraft Ernest Ashcraft Juanita Collier Jean Egbert Kenneth Elswick Russell Elswick Mr. and Mrs. Donnie Gibson Ardella Green Lois Hatley Jean Johns Mr. and Mrs. Albert Martin Lynn Meiers and Patricia Williams Barbara Michels Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Reams Mr. and Mrs. Mark TateDee Jaramillo Mr. and Mrs. Jon LittleDarlene Jelinek James HughesOpal Johnson Rebha Cribbs

Billie Kershaw Theresa Brundage and George Boghosian Garner Revocable Trust (Charles Garner) Evelyn ReiffertJames Lamb Long Mr. and Mrs. John ZiliusFaye McClain Mr. and Mrs. Raymod HaleMrs. D. McCoy Patricia Birkett Shiori JohnsonGene McCrary Mr. and Mrs. Charles PoeJim Najjar Mr. and Mrs. Robert Ghattas Mr. and Mrs. Doris TaylorHoward Neighbor Mary NeighborJean Pekara Barbara MichelsAnn Pope Mr. and Mrs. Albert GriffinDelphia Ramkin Mr. and Mrs. Philip ThompsonEllie Sanchez Terry Beeson and Rhenda Beeson Ruth Blumershine Chant Associates, Inc. Martha Day Ardella Green Sharel King Barbara Michels

Randall Murff Netherwood Park Church of Christ Joan Parsons Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Roche R. Shoemaker Beryl Strong and Jo Lynn Strong Tyler Radiology Associates, PAPatty Sue Scott David ScottDorothy Stevens Ardella GreenGloria Treadwell H. Tom TaylorMarguerite Troll Mr. and Mrs. Jean FlanaganMarlene Tuthill Sandy Jorgenson Mr. and Mrs. Nancy Klein Mr. and Mrs. Edward McCullough Daniel Smith Clinton Tuthill Yingling Aircraft, Inc.

Mr. Van Luhrs Marie Hillerman Edwain Hughes Marie ReedMargaret Christine Walton Stella WellsBetty Waugh Mr. and Mrs. George Knoll Elaine SteeleLyman Weaver Vernon King Mr. and Mrs. George RobertsLoretta Werderits Shirley AndersonChrystine Willard Marvin PotterNorma Wyatt Wanda Talasek and Ed Talasek, Jr.David Wyllinger Judy JohansonDena Yaskiel Rachel Gross and Terry DumosJane Yowell Grace Barney Dr. and Ms. Paul Mehne

Jiel Zeigler Ardella GreenEric de Boer Barry Abel Corrales Society of Artists Inc.

In Honor Of...Jeanne Coffman Phyllis Bateman Neil Dailey Mr. and Mrs. Robert Gott Edna McNeil Linda McNiel Robert McNielDavid Esquibel Corina GutmanFloyd Marquez Camille Vigil

In Memory & in Honor of In Memory & in Honor of

14 15

Thank you for your continued support of the Alzheimer’s Association, New Mexico Chapter. We honor and remember those that we’ve lost to the disease and continue to fight for our vision…

A world without Alzheimer’s disease.

[July 1, 2012 to December 1, 2012]

Abel, BarryAbove and Beyond EventsAckermann, NancyAlbuquerque Community FoundationAllen, DorothyAmos, MaryAnderson, RobertAnderson, ShirleyArmijo, OliviaAshcraft, ClarenceAshcraft, ErnestAuguston, RonaldAustin, AlanBaca-Ortiz, JaymeBarnes, F. AnneBarney, GraceBateman, PhyllisBatteries Plus #342Beeson, TerryBehar, SamuelBell, FloydBell, JamesBenningfield, SandraBenson, ShirleyBerg, PamelaBergahus, DonnaBinder, MitchellBirkett, PatriciaBlumershine, RuthBoice, DiannBorst, mattBowers, JanetBPOE #1119Braaten, LarryBray, KennethBreen, LarryBreno, AnnetteBrewer, JamesBrockmann, JohnBrown, BelleBrundage, TheresaBryans, KevinBurns, DonaldBurton, ErnestCardinal Health FoundationCarr, SloanCarroll, PatriciaCarteaux, GailCarver, LarryCastillo, ClaraCates, BillChant Associates, Inc.Charles, Betty

Cheshire, KeithChouinard, VictoriaClaycomb, GranCoffell, C.Colclaser, JudithCollier, JuanitaCollins, MarieCommunity Health Charities of NMCon Alma Health FoundationCorrales Society of Artists Inc.Cribbs, RebhaDailey, NeilDavenport, CaraDavis, AliceDavis, CarolDay, MarthaDobbs, RobertDow, BeverlyDuderstadt, EdwardDuke, WilliamDunbar, YasmineDunham, RobertDuran, SandraDurden, LeeDylla, StevenEarle, IsabelEaston, KeithEddleman, DorothyEgbert, JeanEisenhardt, GaeElecta Chapter 13, Order of the Eastern StarElliott, BillEllis, WaltElswick, KennethElswick, RussellEsquibel, DavidFlanagan, JeanFleming, RobertFlores, KristinFlynn, MichaelFox, DavidFrame, TerranceFraternal Order of EaglesFraternal Order of Eagles Auxillary #4038Freeman, CliffFritz, PaulineGalloway, NancyGalvez, MaryGarcia, DoloresGarcia, ElaineGarduno, Rudy

Garner, CharlesGhattas, RobertGibson, DonnieGolder, TimGott, RobertGranfors, StephanieGreen, ArdellaGreenwalt, MaryGriffin, AlbertGross, RachelGuadagnoli, ShanGutman, CorinaGunter, Jane & JohnGygox-Cordova, EileenHale, RaymodHanson, AnnHanson, JohnHarris, JoshHatley, LoisHaury, CourtneyHead, MiltonHillerman, MarieHorn, ClaudetteHughes, EdwainHughes, JamesHughes, MaryHughes, PatriciaHull, BettyHurtado, ViolaJA Fink Rolloff Dumpster, Inc.Jobe, PeggyJohanson, JudyJohns, JeanJohnson, AlvinJohnson, HelenJohnson, ShioriJorgenson, SandyJ.T.M. Enterprises, LLCKalgren, JohnKempter, DaleKern, ChristinaKing, SharelKing, VernonKivi, JeannineKlein, NancyKnief, RonaldKnights of Columbus, San Juan Council No. 3448Knoll, GeorgeKoppenhaver, RitaLachmann, LisaLas Vegas BPOE #408, P.E.R Association

16 17

Lichlyter, JanaLinton, TerryLittle, JonLivermore, BonnieLogsdon, GaryLooker, JuniperLord, MikeLoughlin, AndrewLowe, DeborahLucero, IreneLujan, PriscillaLuke, JoanMacGillivray, JamesMagetteri, AnnMagrath, JosephMaher, ChristineMartin, AlbertMartinez, JoeMartinez, ModestoMartinez-Newton, GloriaMcateer, LindaMcCullough, EdwardMcGookey, LeannMcKinney, DavidMcKinstry, JamesMcLain, ColetteMcNeil, EdnaMcNiel, LindaMcNiel, RobertMehne, PaulMeiers, LynnMertz, Michael & JeanetteMichels, Barbara & GaryMiller, MildredMillion, CarolMilton, ShirleyMonte, DanMurff, RandallNARFE Chapter 182Negron-Esposito, AsiaNeighbor, MaryNetherwood Park Church of ChristNew Mexico Gaming, LLCNichols, JanOswald, JimOwen, RichardOwens, BarbaraPalm, SheliaParsons, JoanPatrick, LPeacock, DanPeck, SusanPerkins, Roger

Peters, MD, DavidPeterson, GeorgePetri, SusanPettit, CarolynPinney, EdwardPinon, SuzannePitts, BrettPNM Resources FoundationPoe, CharlesPoitras, VernonPotter, MarvinPueblo of SandiaQureshi, SandraRaborn, JanelleRachele, HenryRader, TeriRandall, MardenaRappaport, StuartReams, RonaldRedwood Regional Medical GroupReed, MarieReiffert EvelynRevera, LMSW, RobertaReyes, JosephReyna, CarmenRhodes, TheresaRider, RegnerRiggs, RogerRising, HaroldRivera, AgnesRoberts, GeorgeRoche, ThomasRodriquez, BelindaRomero, JacquelineRoss, FrankRozhon, CarolSackett, PaulSalas, HeatherSalas, RobertaSanchez, TonySandoval, AnneSanta Fe Community FoundationSasser, PatSchoenfelder, RobertScott, DavidScott, JohnSelbe, JaneShaffer-Gant, JessicaShaw, MarilynSheriff ’s Posse, Inc. of Los AlamosShinto, JamesShoemaker, R.Smith, Daniel

Snyder, DaleSolari, SilvioSoto, VirginiaSouthwest Center on AgingSteele, ElaineStellar Senior Housing Experts, LLCStevens, BayStilles, PhyllisStrickland, Jo AnnStrong, BerylStuart, BrandonTalasek, WandaTate, MarkTaylor, DorisTaylor, H. TomTaylor, JayThomas, CaroleThomas, CarrollThomas, LowellThompson, PhilipThompson, SusanTinkertown MuseumToppin, SharonToya, PeggyTras, PeterTratechaud, PaulTrujillo, IreneTurner, LeighTuthill, ClintonTyler, JudyTyler Radiology Associates, PAUlibarri, DeniseValdez, LorraineVargas, TeresaVigil, CamilleVolek, MaribethWachter, SharonWalkford, SusanneWaterman BeLonge, MaralieWeeks, DeeWells, RobertWells, StellaWero, NathanielWexler, JospehWidgren, ErnaWilkinson, MarilynWilliams, Sam & KayWischkaemper, MikeWood, CharlesWorley, DianaYingling Aircraft, Inc.Young, GaryZilius, John

General Donations General Donations

Program Focus

Joanne Houghteling had

an affinity for throw rugs.

Arranged throughout her

home, they were, for her, an

essential part of the decor.

Her occupational therapist regarded them as a series of accidents waiting to happen.Considering the effect Joanne’s dementia was likely to have on her gait, the throw rugs would have to go.

Not surprisingly, Joanne was not pleased.

Under standard circumstances, dementia caregiving is a devastating grind. More than sixty percent of Alzheimer’s caregivers rate their stress as high or very high, and one-third suffer from depression. Add to that a week pleading your throw-rug case to someone who is steadily losing their grasp on cause and effect, and you have the makings of a breakdown.

“When she thinks about something, she obsesses about it,” says Scott Houghteling, Joanne’s husband of

56 years. Scott says the throw rug purge,

“really set her off.” In the past, Scott might have

exhausted himself past empty attempting to convince Joanne of the necessity of heeding the therapist’s recommendation. Instead, he helped her crochet.

This diversion technique, engaging a loved one in some activity they enjoy rather than in an argument, was a lesson Scott took from his recent study in the Savvy Caregiver Program. Offered by the Alzheimer’s Association, New Mexico Chapter without charge to participants, this evidence-based seven-week class has been demonstrated to increase caregiver understanding of the progression of Alzheimer’s disease and its impact on behavior. Developing caregiver capacity for devising and deploying behavioral interventions, the program has been shown to mitigate stress for people caring for loved ones with Alzheimer’s.

Family and friends provide an estimated $210 billion in unpaid care for people with Alzheimer’s in the United States, $1.3 billion here in New Mexico. Were this burden to fall more directly upon existing systems, like Medicaid, the effect would be crushing.

The Alzheimer’s caregiving situation only promises to become more dire. By 2030, New Mexico will be one of six states with more residents over the age of 65 than under the age of 18. Affect-ing one in eight people 65 and older, Alzheimer’s disease promises to roughly triple its U.S. population by 2050, to more than 15 million. As baby boomers reach retirement and their risk for Alzheimer’s rises, the general picture is of a shrinking workforce faced with expanding Alzheimer’s caregiving needs.

In this context, fostering skill and diminishing stress for caregivers like Scott is essential. With 27 classes held statewide in such varied places as Taos, Gallup, Farmington, Roswell, Santa Fe, Las Cruces, Jemez Pueblo, Clovis, Alamogordo, Silver City, Los Alamos and Albuquerque, the Savvy Caregiver program trained 216 New Mexicans in Fiscal Year 2012.

From Scott’s perspective, his time in the seven-week program was well spent. Having gained the clinical knowledge to identify activities which use Joanne’s abilities to keep her happily involved, Scott spends less time and precious energy fussing with his beloved wife.

“You don’t win an argument with an Alzheimer’s,” says Scott, echoing a Savvy Caregiver mantra. “She has taken up crocheting (and) I haven’t heard one thing about the rugs in the last two weeks.”

Scott has learned, too, that he needs to be increasingly directive as the disease progresses, telling more and less asking.

“Giving her a choice,” Scott says, “just tears her up, because she can’t make up her mind.”

Supporting his wife with Alzheimer’s has not magically become a lark.

“It has changed our lifestyle completely,” says Scott. “We used to go out to eat. We used to go out to friend’s homes. We used to entertain a lot. That has all ceased.”

The Savvy Caregiver Program has presented him with valuable tools for this difficult endeavor. Among his takeaways from this education, Scott lists renewed patience and an enhanced ability to choose his own reactions to Alzheimer’s behavior.

“Right now,” Scott Says, “it’s working.”

“Savvy” Class Provides Tools for CaregiversBrain Health by Ballroom

1918

Education

There are two big risk factors for Alzheimer’s over which we have no control, age and genetics. Among people 65 and older, one in eight have Alzheimer’s disease. So long as we’re above ground, that rate keeps climbing, hitting one in two among people 85 and older. Family history of Alzheimer’s is similarly beyond our influence.

“When folks at the Alzheimer’s Association talk about brain health, they note that our greatest defenses against this disease are physical health and variety of mental activity. Dancing is the top-rated activity to prevent Alzheimer’s, because it engages both mind and body. It requires that you memorize steps and rhythms, which keeps the brain sharp. It has good cardiovascular benefits and is a very social activity. A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2003, found dance was the only physical activity that benefited the brain. This was attributed to the cerebral rather than the physical aspect of dance. Dance offers variety not available with most other activities.

Mounting research has indicated a link between vascular health and brain health. The exercise of dancing increases blood flow as it gets heart and breathing rate up. The music stimulates us to move more vigorously and continuously. It is also a healthy tool for combating mixed dementia, which is a combination of Alzheimer’s

and stroke-caused dementia. In a 2003 study of nearly 500 people by the Albert Einstein Center in the Bronx, N.Y., dancing was the only regular physical activity associated with a significant decrease in the incidence of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. Among the participants in the study, those who danced frequently -- three or four times a week -- showed 76-percent less incidence of dementia compared with those who danced only once a week or not at all.

Muscle confusion is a popular term in physical training. Human bodies benefit more by engaging in a variety of different motions, rather than repeatedly performing the same ones. Dancing challenges the body to move in very different ways than normal activity, even a dance walk is different than regular walking down the street. In this instance, the body is being told “raise your rib cage, move from the standing leg, swivel your hips without moving your chest, shoulders down, head up, lift one hip up not out, engage all your muscles but keep it soft” and the winner contra body motion. Now put it all together and while you are dancing and having fun, your brain is working — very hard!

Your brain benefits most from exerting in different ways. While doing crossword puzzles every day may be a nice diversion, pushing mental capacity in more challenging directions, as

happens in dancing, is even better. The Alzheimer’s Association describes this as building cognitive reserve. The more of our brain we activate in different types of work, the more resilient it will be dealing with the gunk that may still develop between neurons. The continual challenge of learning to dance keeps brain neurons firing in new ways. What is fascinating is that feeling a little frustrated, even confused, with our dance practice is good for the brain. It means the brain is building new neural pathways as we learn different steps and muscle coordination.

If you’ve ever tried to cha-cha for the first time, you know the mental and physical challenge this poses. You can virtually feel the brain strain, as new neural pathways are laid to guide the body in its journey across the floor. Simultaneously, your body is moving in unfamiliar fashion. We do this over and over until it becomes graceful. When you think you have “mastered” a dance and get comfortable, your body is moving but your brain has stopped working as hard. The same pattern of dance done repeatedly with no change becomes just like any other daily routine — maybe even a little boring. Learning new dances, different combinations of movement, increasing skill levels keeps dancing fresh, life more interesting and that equals a happy, vibrant, youthful brain. When your brain is happy so are you!

Could dancing prevent Alzheimer’s? A mounting body of research says, “yes.”

Alzheimer’s Disease & Related Disorders Association, Inc NM Chapter9500 Montgomery Boulevard NE, Suite 121Albuquerque, NM 87111

Invest in a world without Alzheimer’s.

you’ll get in return.

©20

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