Alzheimer's Disease, Dementias and Healthy Aging

March Newsletter

Dementia Screening in the Community

Wednesday, March 22, 2023

1:00-2:00 PM ET

Community-based organizations play a key role in conducting dementia screenings. Screening conducted in community settings are vital and necessary and their cannot be underestimated. They can lead to referrals for a comprehensive medical assessment to assist in earlier diagnosis of dementia. Join the National Alzheimer’s and Dementia Resource Center (NADRC) for Community-Based Early Dementia Screening Leads to Support for Caregivers and People Living with Dementia. During this webinar, participants will learn about two ACL Alzheimer’s Disease Programs Initiative (ADPI) grantees that are successfully conducting dementia screenings in the community.

NADRC webinars are free of charge and open to the public, although pre-registration is required. The webinars are recorded and will be available for future viewing on the NADRC website . Closed captioning is available during the webinar and will be included in the recording.

Brain Injury Awareness Month

Brain Injury Awareness Month, recognized each March, provides an important opportunity to bring attention to the prevention of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and to promote strategies to improve the quality of life for persons living with TBI and their families.

A traumatic brain injury usually occurs from a disruption in the normal function of the brain caused by a violent blow, or jolt to the head or body that causes a change in one’s mental status or consciousness. Brain injuries can range in scope from mild, also known as a concussion, to severe which can involve an extended period of unconsciousness or amnesia and can result in permanent neurological damage. In 2019, nearly one in five Vermont youth/young adults experienced symptoms of a concussion from playing a sport or being physically active. There were an average of 190 TBI-related deaths per year among Vermonters from 2016 – 2020.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 1.7 million people suffer a traumatic brain injury, each year. Of this group, approximately 80,000 people suffer from a long-term disability as a result.

Brain Injury Association of VT

March 20, 2023

World Oral Health Day aims to empower people with the knowledge, tools and confidence to secure good oral health. Oral diseases are a major health concern for many countries and negatively impact people throughout their lives. Oral diseases lead to pain and discomfort, social isolation and loss of self-confidence, and they are often linked to other serious health issues.

Be Proud of Your Mouth

The relationship between oral health and dementia is bi-directional. We know that dementia is associated with an increased risk of poor oral health. Results from a recent meta-analysis suggests that the converse is also true - that gum disease and tooth loss are associated with an increased risk of cognitive decline and dementia.

These results underscore the importance of preserving oral health to reduce the risk of cognitive decline and dementia.

Read article here

Long Distance Caregiving

Many families are geographically spread apart. And we are not always able to provide the hands-on care we would like. When you can't be there in person all the time, care can take many forms—from helping with money management, participating in conference calls or virtual meeting with the healthcare team, arranging for in-home care to provide respite care for a primary caregiver and helping to plan for the eventualities of having a loved one living with dementia.

Long Distance Caregiving resources

Alzheimer's Disease and Healthy Aging Program

March 2023 Newsletter