Reno Gazette-Journal Sunday, February 28th, 2022
Dementia effects many families. A common myth about dementia is that it is a natural part of aging, but it’s not.
According to the National Institute on Aging, “Dementia is a loss of thinking, remembering, and reasoning skills. It is not a normal part of aging.”
The Alzheimer’s Association reports that about 40 percent of people over the age of 65 experience some memory loss on occasion. This is referred to as “age-associated memory impairment.” However, Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia are considered brain diseases which can cause significant memory loss.
So, what are some of the other myths about dementia? To help answer this question for more senior adults wishing to attend, the organizers of the monthly Retired Living Truth Seminar Series have invited experts in aging and dementia to address the stigma, common myths and answer attendee questions about dementia.
The hosts of the Retired Living Truth Series, Annette and Brett Junell, Downsizing Coaches and Realtors with Keller Williams Group One, said this topic came about as a growing number of retirees they help with downsizing moves have a spouse or family member dealing with the unique challenges of dementia.
A number of years ago the Junells worked with a couple who were looking to downsize from their two-story family home of 30 years into a smaller, more manageable single level townhome.
“I recall how heart breaking it was working with Dennis and Sandra,” Brett Junell said. “The reason they needed to move was that Sandra’s dementia was progressing, and Dennis didn’t feel she was safe in their current home. We could see the pain in Dennis’ eyes as he conveyed the difficulties of caring for his wife as the primary caregiver.”
Dementia ranges in severity from the mildest stage, when it is just beginning to affect a person’s functioning, to the most severe stage, when the person must depend completely on others for basic activities of daily living.
“Some clients haven’t truly realized that their spouse has signs of early dementia or in other cases what resources and support are available to help a family member who is a caregiver, often a spouse.” Annette Junell said.
“This is such an important topic”, said Nancy Schier Anzelmo, an active participant in the Alzheimer’s Association and consultant to Clearwater at Rancharrah, Reno’s newest community providing Memory Support and Assisted Living. “We understand the challenges that memory diseases can cause for both the individual who is coping with the disease and their family,” said Anzelmo who will be a panelist at the March 9 seminar.
Joe Bower, a regular seminar attendee since 2017, said he was particularly interested in this topic as his mother had dementia while he was a young man. At the time, Bower didn’t know that the symptoms he recalls her exhibiting were Alzheimer’s until after she had passed away. “This just wasn’t something that was talked about back then.” he said. When asked why he keeps coming to the seminars, Bower said “I’m always learning something new and getting information that I hadn’t gotten elsewhere due to the wide range of quality experts the Junell’s bring in to speak.”
Expert panel to answer questions
“As we age, many of us become concerned about if and how we or a loved one may be affected by dementia,” Brett Junell said. “During this 90-minute seminar, our panel of experts will dispel some of the dementia myths and provide us with the TRUTH about dementia and what each of us needs to know as we age.”
Expert panelists with a wealth of knowledge and experience include:
– Dr. Jennifer Carson, Ph.D, Director, Dementia Engagement, Education and Research Program, University of Nevada, Reno; Dr. Carson has 30 years of practical experience in the fields of long-term care and aging services. She is a gerontologist who works to envision and develop opportunities to improve the inclusion and well-being of older adults, with a particular interest in persons living with dementia.
– Nancy Schier Anzelmo, BS, MS, Alzheimer’s Care Associates LLC. Nancy is a professional gerontologist, a professor at Sacramento State University, and has been involved for over 30 years in the field of senior housing and long-term care. Nancy has been instrumental in assisting Senior Housing providers in the creation and implementation of memory support communities for persons with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias.
– Denise Hund, Alzheimer’s Association. Denise Hund has been a Family Care Associate with the Alzheimer’s Association for almost 7 years and is a licensed social worker. Denise has worked with families and people living with dementia in Northern Nevada for more than 30 years. She oversees education and volunteer programs in Northern Nevada and helps caregivers navigate the Alzheimer’s journey.
– Cathy Maupin. Cathy is a retired educator and former caregiver who has volunteered with the Alzheimer’s Association for many years. Cathy cared for her mother with Alzheimer’s for almost 25 years and facilitates a caregiver support group for the adult children of people living with dementia. She is also a congressional ambassador and community educator. In 2021, Cathy was recognized by Governor Sisolak with the Points of Light Award as Nevada’s outstanding volunteer.
Some of the topics that will be covered include:
– How you might be able to avoid, reduce or delay dementia.
– Warning signs and what to do.
– Dementia-like symptoms that may be reversible.
– Dementia and the effects on moving/transition.
– How to help yourself or a loved one with dementia
– Local resources & support
The “Truth about Avoiding Dementia” seminar will be held on Wednesday, March 9 from 10-11:30 a.m. at the RSAR Building at 5650 Riggins Court, Reno (near Meadowood Mall).
The seminar is free for seniors and their guests. Pre-registration is required because seating is limited.
Seat reservations can be made online at www.RetiredLivingTruthSeries.com or by calling (775) 432-6398.