Alzheimer's Disease, Dementias and Healthy Aging

July Newsletter

Treatment of Alzheimer’s and Related Dementias

July 1 at 1:00 PM EST

Once a patient has been diagnosed with dementia, what next? Join us for the third session of the Navigating Brain Health and Dementia series. The American Medical Association's (AMA) Immediate Past Chair, Sandra Fryhofer, MD, and a panel of experts will explore issues related to the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias including the Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE) Model currently being piloted by CMS. Experts will also discuss the landscape of available therapeutics for Alzheimer’s patients.

Panelists include:

• Oscar Lopez, MD, University of Pittsburgh

• David Reuben, MD, UCLA Health

• Stephen Salloway, MD, MS, Brown University

Upon registering you'll be prompted to submit your questions in advance, if you wish. Don’t miss this important conversation!

Watch previous sessions:

Screening and Diagnosis of Alzheimer's and Related Dementias

Risk Reduction for Alzheimer’s and Related Dementias

New Clinical Assessment Tool Improves Dementia Care Planning in Primary Care Patients

Cognitive impairment is often difficult to diagnose in the busy primary care setting. This can result in lack of detection, which delays the start of support services and critical planning. Underdiagnosis is even more prevalent among older Black and Hispanic patients compared to white patients. In a clinical trial funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), a five-minute cognitive assessment , known as 5-Cog, coupled with a decision tree embedded in electronic medical records improved dementia diagnosis and care.

State Park and Historic Site Passes Program

The State Park and Historic Site Passes Program allows Vermont library patrons to check-out passes directly from their local library. These passes allow for free admission of one car holding up to eight people into a Vermont State Park or Vermont Historical Site. Each local public library receives one State Park pass and two State Historic Site passes. Academic libraries are provided with one State Historic Site pass. This program is jointly sponsored the Department of Libraries, the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation and the Vermont Division for Historic Preservation State-Owned Historic Sites Program. Contact your local library to learn more.

Sundowning: Late Day Confusion

Sundowning is the name for a group of behaviors, feelings and thoughts people with Alzheimer's or dementia can experience as the sun sets. Symptoms include insomnia, anxiety, pacing, hallucinations, paranoia and confusion. Though the behaviors may start or get worse at close of day, this delirium can potentially occur at any time, not just at sunset. Learn about factors that may worsen sundowning and tips to reduce it.

Empowering Professional in Aging Webinar Series

The series will cover a variety of topics, including nutrition and dementia, aging in place, falls in later life, mental health, family dynamics in caregiving, and other important issues in aging. The American Society on Aging (ASA) and Home Instead co-sponsor this educational series to increase our knowledge, and understanding of these issues and to develop the skills of professionals whose common mission is to better serve older adults and the families who care for them. The team of Home Instead gerontologists, along with guest speakers, will share their expertise to educate and empower us all to be better advocates for our clients.

A new series of podcasts, based on the web seminar series are also available on a range of topics.

Traveling With a Loved One Who Has Dementia

With summer in full swing and the holiday season only a few months away, taking time to travel or plan a future getaway may be top of mind for many individuals and their families. But if one family member is living with dementia, their loved ones may be wondering if traveling is a realistic option.

The good news is that taking a trip with someone who has dementia can be very doable, while ensuring their safety, comfort, and enjoyment; it just requires a little more preparation and setting realistic expectations for everyone involved.

Just in case you missed it!

The Medicare Annual Wellness visit (AWV) is underutilized. Join us for a Public Health Grand Rounds presentation which reviews the utility and importance of the AWV. Learn more about the nurse-led AWV – content, reimbursement, and outcomes. The Alzheimer's Disease and Healthy Aging Program at the Vermont Department of Health hosted a Grand Rounds - RN Led Medicare Annual Wellness Visits - in May. The speaker, Dr. Jason Garbarino has a 16-year career in nursing which includes an 11-year tenure as a Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Vermont. Click the button below to watch a recording of the presentation.