Issue 16
Featured
Early Diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease
by Roya Homayouni, PhD Candidate, Institute of Gerontology Trainee
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a type of dementia affecting many older adults each year. Currently, around 5.8 million Americans over the age of 65 are diagnosed with dementia due to AD and the number is projected to double by 2050. Cognitive deterioration due to AD may severely interfere with routines and daily activities and may cause a significant impairment in social or occupational functioning.
 
While the medical profession does not yet have a definitive test to diagnose AD in its earliest stages, we do have several clues about the kind of cognitive decline that occurs before the onset of AD. More . . .
Free Resources
Connecting Older Adults & Caregivers: Especially for Detroit
All Services & Resources are Free
  • Managing Your Health Needs
  • Medication Reviews
  • Caregiving Training
  • Simple Covid-19 Test Kits Available
  • Mental Health Screenings
  • Help for Victims of Fraud and Exploitation

Help with Scams & Identity Theft
Successful Aging thru Financial Empowerment (SAFE) provides free financial coaching to older adults and caregivers to help them manage money securely and accurately. Schedule an appointment with Program Director LaToya Hall by phone or computer now: l.hall@wayne.edu or 313-664-2608. Assistance is safe, confidential and free. Brochure
No need to meet
in-person
Financial Tips & Trainings for Caregivers
Older Adult Nest Egg was designed for people like you, older adults and caregivers trying to maintain their physical, emotional and financial health, as well as the professionals who work with them. Visit the new For Older Adults section to help determine your personal risk of financial exploitation.
Events & Activities
Party Line

A Social Group for Older Detroiters
Join by phone or computer!

A virtual social group for anyone feeling isolated. Hosted by the Healthier Black Elders Center at Wayne State. There will be icebreakers, games, poems, videos, and general topic discussions. Flier

First meet-up is Tuesday, Dec 15, 1-2 pm
Then in January we will get together on Zoom every Tuesday, Jan 5 through April 20.

Zoom Link or Call in at 1-646-876-9923 Meeting ID #438-691-8233
Environmental Concerns in Detroit
Free Community Chat on Zoom
Join by computer or phone
Making Change: An Advocacy Primer (Flier)
Thursday, Dec 10 at 11:00 am - 1:00 pm

Alzheimer's Association
December Programs

Education programs, support groups and social engagement programs are listed below. Registration is required by calling the Helpline at 800.272.3900 or visiting alz.org/gmc/virtual.

Understanding and Responding to Dementia-Related Behaviors
Thursday, Dec. 10, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Register
Tuesday, Dec. 15, noon-1:30 p.m. | Register
Friday, Dec. 18, 2-3:30 p.m. | Register
  
Effective Communication Strategies
Tuesday, Dec. 15, 7-8 p.m. | Register
 
Living with Alzheimer’s: For Caregivers (Early-Stage) Series
Part 1: Tuesday, Dec. 15, 10-11:30 a.m. | Register
Part 2: Wednesday, Dec. 16, 10-11:30 a.m. | Register
Part 3: Thursday, Dec. 17, 10-11:30 a.m. | Register
 
Living with Alzheimer’s: For Caregivers (Late-Stage) Series
Part 1: Wednesday, Dec. 16, 1-2:30 p.m. | Register
Part 2: Thursday, Dec. 17, 1-2:30 p.m. | Register


Free Winter 2021 Programs
Attend via Zoom
Calm Connections - Caregiving and Living in the Moment
Laura Rice-Oeschger, LMSW, of the Center's Wellness Initiative
January 27
10:00 - 11:30 AM
Registration required here.

Dementia, Health, and the Black Family Caregiver: Towards a Novel Intervention
Dr. Sheria Robinson-Lane of the University of Michigan School of Nursing
February 23
2:00 - 3:30 PM
Registration required here.

Successful Aging thru Financial Empowerment (SAFE)
LaToya Hall of the Wayne State University Institute of Gerontology
March 23
12:00 - 1:30 PM
Registration required here.
News & Research
New Study on Use of Weighted Blankets
This study is seeking people with dementia (ages 60 and older) and their family caregivers who live together in the home setting. Participants will be given a weighted blanket for the person with dementia. The person with dementia will be asked to use the blanket every day for 4 weeks. All communication with the research team will be over the phone or through Zoom. There is no in-person contact.

Contact Melissa Harris at mharrisl@umich.edu or 405-513-1271.


Share Your Aging Story

Have you experienced an unexpected life transition? We want to hear from you.
A new study at the University of Michigan is interviewing older adults and their family members about their experiences managing moments of transition (like an illness, a move, a death in the family).

To learn more, contact Erin Ice at erinice@umich.edu or call 785-218-5632

Study IRB Approval: HUM00190475
Stories of the Joys and Challenges of Life
From Readers Just Like You
Dear Dementia
A heartfelt reflection on how the devastating disease of dementia is affecting the writer's mother and family. READ MORE

A gay man sheds others' expectations and sets himself free. READ MORE

A wife's anticipatory grief in the face of her husband's health problems. READ MORE