“Care. Cure. Prevent.,” hosted by Kensington Park Senior Living, is not just an event but a rallying cry in the relentless battle against Alzheimer’s disease.
Led by Lauren Miller Rogen, co-founder of Hilarity for Charity, whose personal encounter with Alzheimer’s fuels her commitment, this event marks a union of hearts, minds, and institutions.
“I always look forward to Care. Cure. Prevent. Each year, we hear from incredible experts, answering questions directly from the community about dementia treatment, prevention, and care. I always learn something new and am honored to bring these important discussions to our shared community at HFC, Kensington Senior Living, and beyond,” Lauren reflects, emphasizing the transformative power of shared knowledge.
Set your reminders for Wednesday, Nov. 15, from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. EST, and be part of a journey where understanding fosters hope, and hope inspires action.
Register now to sign up for this event and submit your Alzheimer’s questions for our expert panelists, and prepare for an evening of profound insights and empowering discourse.
This virtual panel discussion will feature the following experts:
- Dr. Irina Anna Skylar-Scott is a Board-Certified, Fellowship-TrainedCognitive and Behavioral Neurologist and Clinical Assistant Professor at Stanford University.
- Dr. Travis Urban is a Cognitive Neurologist and the Associate Director of the Ray Dolby Brain Health Center.
- Dr. Doris Molina-Henry is an Assistant Professor of Research in the Department of Neurology at the University of Southern California’s Keck School of Medicine for the Alzheimer’s Therapeutic Research Institute.
- Dr. Sarah Kremen is a behavioral neurologist and the Director of the Neurobehavior Program at the Jona Goldrich Center for Alzheimer’s and Memory Disorders at Cedar-Sinai Medical Center.
Dr. Leila Parand is the Assistant Clinical Professor of Neurology at the Mary S. Easton Center for Alzheimer’s Research and Care at the University of California, Los Angeles.
Our promise is to love and care for your family as we do our own.
How Alzheimer’s affects individuals and their families
Let’s imagine a scenario.
At a family lunch, Michael the patriarch of his family struggles to recognize familiar faces, remember names, or recall specific memories. These could be signs of Alzheimer’s setting in.
This disease affects more than six million Americans, creating waves of change for those diagnosed and their loved ones. However, the journey doesn’t have to be navigated alone.
Post-diagnosis, support is crucial. Resources such as the Alzheimer’s Association and Hilarity for Charity offer education, community connection, and support groups, ensuring no one feels isolated.
Additionally, memory care communities such as Kensington Park provide comprehensive care and activities designed to uphold the dignity and well-being of residents and their families.
Despite the challenges Alzheimer’s and dementia present, strength is found in the community and the continuous pursuit of knowledge and support.
Remember, asking for help is a proactive step in managing this journey.
Innovation and hope: advances in Alzheimer’s battle
The realm of Alzheimer’s research is abuzz with groundbreaking discoveries such as the new drug Leqembi, signaling a horizon of hope for patients and families alike. Beyond Leqembi, scientists are exploring novel therapeutic avenues with significant implications:
- Donanemab: Undergoing trials by Eli Lilly, this antibody targets a specific form of beta-amyloid, aiming to reduce its buildup in the brain, a characteristic hallmark of Alzheimer’s.
- Tau protein inhibitors: With tau tangles contributing to neuron damage, interventions focusing on stabilizing or inhibiting tau aggregation are gaining traction.
- Gene therapy: Researchers are delving into genetic modifications to correct mutations known to cause familial Alzheimer’s, potentially halting the disease before it progresses.
- Lifestyle interventions: Studies suggest that comprehensive lifestyle adjustments, including diet, exercise, and cognitive training, can decelerate cognitive decline, especially when combined with medical treatments.
These medical breakthroughs represent beacons of hope, but they also underscore the necessity of holistic care in Alzheimer’s management.
Families can bolster their resilience by:
- Encouraging transparency: Facilitate open discussions about each member’s feelings and struggles.
- Pursuing education: Learning about Alzheimer’s helps families set realistic expectations and prepare for potential challenges.
- Distributing care duties: Share responsibilities to prevent caregiver fatigue and nurture a supportive atmosphere.
- Seeking community support: Connect with support groups or online communities for resources and emotional comfort.
- Fostering positivity: Find and create moments of joy, which are vital for emotional health and family unity.
- Utilizing counseling services: Professional guidance can provide strategies for emotional well-being and preserving family relationships.
Lifestyle approaches to prevent or slow down Alzheimer’s
In the fight against Alzheimer’s, prevention plays a critical role, with growing evidence underscoring the power of lifestyle choices in maintaining cognitive vitality.
It’s not just about medical interventions, it’s about daily habits that can fortify your neurological defenses.
The following are practical, proactive steps everyone can integrate into their routines to bolster brain health:
- Balanced diet: Embrace a nutrient-rich diet that includes antioxidants, healthy fats, and vitamins. The Mediterranean diet, abundant in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, has been linked to improved cognitive function.
- Regular exercise: Physical activity is a boost for the brain. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity weekly, coupled with muscle-strengthening exercises. This regimen supports brain health by improving blood flow and encouraging the growth of new brain cells.
- Mental stimulation: Keep your brain engaged with activities that challenge cognitive function—read, solve puzzles, play musical instruments, or learn a new language. Such tasks stimulate the brain, fostering the growth of neural connections.
- Quality sleep: Prioritize sleep, aiming for 7-9 hours per night. Quality sleep flushes out toxins in the brain, including excess proteins associated with Alzheimer’s development.
- Stress management: Chronic stress is detrimental to brain health. Incorporate stress-reduction techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, yoga, or mindfulness practices.
- Social engagement: Maintain an active social life. Interaction with friends and family or participation in community activities can protect against memory loss.
- Regular health screenings: Keep on top of your overall health. Regular check-ups for cardiovascular health, diabetes, hormonal imbalances, and other health conditions are essential, as these can have secondary impacts on cognitive health.
- Avoiding toxins: Limit exposure to toxins by quitting smoking, reducing alcohol intake, and avoiding exposure to heavy metals and pollutants.
- Continuous learning: Embrace lifelong learning. Continuous education and skill acquisition challenge the brain and help maintain cognitive function.
Embracing the cause at Kensington Park
Kensington Park Senior Living offers premier independent living, assisted living, and specialized levels of memory care.
At Kensington Park, comfort, community, and enrichment are woven into everything we do. Every aspect is designed with deep understanding and respect for our residents’ needs.
Dive into a wealth of resources, from our focused Alzheimer’s care community to our proactive wellness programs.