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June is Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month

The Chadron Record - 6/18/2018

June is Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month, and the Alzheimer's Association and the Aging Office of Western Nebraska, together with Alzheimer's advocates from across the state, are encouraging families to talk about memory and cognition concerns and seek assistance from health professionals in the early stages of the disease. These advocates know first-hand that an early diagnosis offers many benefits, including access to more effective medical and lifestyle interventions and the ability to take an active role in planning with family members for the future.

To help people understand early symptoms of Alzheimer's or behaviors that merit discussion, the Alzheimer's Association offers 10 Warning Signs. Should these signs appear, it is important to talk about them with the person experiencing symptoms and encourage them to speak with a medical professional.

"Unfortunately, we see families avoiding discussion about cognitive changes experienced. Sometimes this is due to feeling fear or anxiety about the possibility of having a form a dementia. Other times, there is a lack of awareness about signs and symptoms, which results in lack of engagement with health professionals and social service agencies that can help," said Clayton Freeman, Director of Programs for the Alzheimer's Association Nebraska Chapter.

To help families overcome common communication obstacles, the Alzheimer's Association is offering 6 Tips for Approaching Alzheimer's, a list of best practices for talking about the disease with someone who may be experiencing symptoms. These include:

Have the conversation as early as possible

Think about who's best suited to have the conversation

Practice conversation starters

Offer support and companionship

Anticipate gaps in self-awareness

Recognize the conversation may not go as planned

For more on these tips, go to alz.org/6Tips.

Understanding the Value of an Early Alzheimer's Diagnosis

There are many medical, financial, emotional and social benefits to receiving an early Alzheimer's diagnosis ? both for those living with the disease and their families. These include:

Accurate diagnosis ? Can help determine if someone's cognitive changes are truly due to Alzheimer's or some other, perhaps even treatable, condition.

Medical benefits ? Allows individuals to explore medications for memory loss, sleep changes and behavior changes resulting from the disease, as well as to adopt lifestyle changes that may help preserve their existing cognitive function for as long as possible, such as controlling one's blood pressure, smoking cessation and exercise.

Participation in clinical trials ? Enables individuals to enroll in clinical trials that advance research and may provide medical benefits.

Planning for the future ? Allows individuals more time to plan for the future while they are cognitively able to make legal, financial and end-of-life decisions.

Emotional and social benefits ? Provides individuals with the best opportunity to spend time doing meaningful activities and interacting with the most important people in their lives. It can also open doors to many educational and support programs.

Cheryl Brunz of The Aging Office of Western Nebraska and her staff support the dignity and enrichment of life for all seniors. "We encourage senior citizens, their family members and providers to understand their health conditions so that informed health care decisions can be made. Community education and communication contribute to a healthier community of all involved."

Resources for Help in Western Nebraska

Alzheimer's Association 24/7 Helpline: 800.272.3900

Alzheimer's Association Community Resource Finder for listing of support groups, assessment centers, educational programming and more: www.communityresourcefinder.org

Aging Office of Western Nebraska: 308.635.0851

Aging and Disability Resource Center: 844.843.6364 or 800.682.5140

About Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month

June is Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month, a time dedicated to increasing public awareness of Alzheimer's disease, available resources and how you can get involved to support the cause. Visit alz.org to learn more about Alzheimer's, its warning signs, the importance of early detection and diagnosis as well as information on care and support.

About the Alzheimer's Association

The Alzheimer's Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer's care, support and research. Our 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. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer's ®. Visit alz.org or call 800.272.3900.

About the Aging Office of Western Nebraska

The Aging Office of Western Nebraska is one of eight (8) Area Agencies on Aging in the State of Nebraska. It maintains the mission of providing a comprehensive and coordinated service delivery system to assist elderly citizens to remain safe and independent in their own home and community. An array of services are available from the AOWN either directly or by other providers contracted with the AOWN.

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