In New York, there are more than half a million people providing unpaid care to a loved one with dementia. National Family Caregivers Month is the perfect time to get educated about dementia caregiving and ways to help.

Caring for someone with dementia is demanding: these caregivers on average provide more care for a longer period of time than other caregivers. A report released by the Alzheimer’s Association earlier this year found that New York’s dementia caregivers provided 884 million hours of care, valued at more than $19 billion dollars. With a looming shortage in the healthcare workforce and more people expected to develop dementia in the coming years, the burdens facing dementia caregivers are growing.

Dementia caregivers often take on these responsibilities while balancing careers and children. It’s not surprising that they find their own physical and mental health worsening due to stress. 

Dementia caregivers report higher rates of chronic conditions, including stroke, heart disease, diabetes, and cancer than other people. In New York, 59% of caregivers reported at least one chronic health condition. 

Dementia caregivers report higher rates of depression than caregivers for people with other medical conditions. In New York, 24.7% of dementia caregivers reported having depression. 

Amara May, director of program outreach at the Western New York Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, says, “Caring for someone with dementia is uniquely challenging. The caregiving tasks are intense and you’re doing them while watching your loved one gradually lose memory and function.” She continues, “Our goal at the Alzheimer’s Association is to help reduce sources of caregiver stress and help them find self-care strategies that work.” 

Debbie Gangemi of Hamburg assists her father, Richard, in caring for her mother, Donna Brese, who has Alzheimer’s. “It can get frustrating and stressful because of the unexpected,” she says. “Mom has a number of good days, but you just can’t anticipate when a bad day will happen.”

There are a range of self-care strategies caregivers can try to reduce stress. No single approach will work for everyone so it’s important to find what works for you. Options include: 

• Talk to someone you trust. This could be a friend, family member, clergy or counselor. The Alzheimer’s Association provides a 24/7 Helpline with dementia experts available anytime.
• Get outside. Even just a few minutes outdoors can improve your mood, especially on sunny days.
• Exercise. Movement is a proven approach to improve mental and physical health. Try a walk around the neighborhood or a local fitness class, which has the added benefit of being social.
• Try a mindfulness technique. Meditation, yoga, tai chi, and journaling are all options for mindfulness, which can reduce anxiety and depression and may even help reduce blood pressure and improve sleep quality.

Gangemi says she relies on her faith and family to help deal with stress, in addition to finding a healthy outlet by volunteering for the WNY Chapter. “When I do community outreach on behalf of the Alzheimer’s Association, I get to hear about other peoples’ struggles and learn how they cope with them,” she says. “I know not to take anything for granted.”

The Alzheimer’s Association Western New York Chapter offers free caregiver education, support groups, and care planning meetings. You can access these resources by calling 800.272.3900 or visiting alz.org/wny.

Genesee County residents can learn helpful information about Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias at a free program in Batavia this week. The Western New York Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association will present “Know the 10 Warning Signs” at 2 p.m. on Tuesday at the Genesee County Office for the Aging at 2 Bank St. in Batavia.

 “Early diagnosis gives people with Alzheimer’s disease the opportunity to make key decisions about treatment, care and planning, and the power to make choices about their own health and future,” says Andrea Koch, director of education at the WNY Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. “With the recent FDA approval of the drug Leqembi to help people in the early stage of Alzheimer’s, timely diagnosis is more important than ever.”

 Facilitators will discuss how to recognize common signs of the disease; how to approach someone about memory concerns; the importance of early detection and benefits of a diagnosis; possible tests and assessments for the diagnostic process, and free local resources available through the Alzheimer's Association.

 The program is free. Participants are asked to register online at bit.ly/GenOFASept or by calling 800.272.3900.

 Help is available 24/7 for people living with or caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias at 800.272.3900 or by visiting alz.org.

The Hope Center of Le Roy is pleased to announce the appointment of Tammy Genagon to a staff position as its Senior Moments Lunch Club respite director. Respite programs offer caregivers a much-needed opportunity to take care of their own needs while their loved one, affected by memory impairment, enjoys a time of socialization, games, crafts, and lunch with trained volunteers.

Having retired after 28 years in nursing, with 10 years in geriatrics, Tammy has always had a special love and compassion for those challenged by Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. After three years of grieving the loss of her husband, David, following 42 years of marriage, Tammy prayed for direction on her life’s path. 

When she saw an ad for volunteering through the Alzheimer’s Association, she decided to look into volunteering as a caregiver. It was shortly thereafter, in the spring of this year, that she was approached by the Hope Center and invited to lead the program initially, as a volunteer.

“We are so blessed to have Tammy join our team as a paid staff member. It has enabled us to offer the very best in a memory-care respite program,” said Diane Sia, Director of the Hope Center. “She brings a unique thumbprint to her program, which focuses on their guests’ enjoyment, above all. There is a lot of laughter as they sometimes adapt to the desires of the group. One guest was enjoying balloon volleyball so much he didn’t want to move on to the next activity. And that was perfectly fine.”

“They are having a good time and have forgotten that they ‘forget.’ They leave their inability at the door and become an important part of the group,” says Tammy. Recently, Tammy has become the Alzheimer’s Association Community Educator for Genesee County. She conducts informational meetings open to the public addressing a variety of topics pertaining to Alzheimer’s. This role enhances her position at the Hope Center and makes her an invaluable resource for families whose loved ones are affected. “Sometimes, because they may lack the social skills of their past, loved ones with dementia can feel excluded at family gatherings. We meet families at their point of need and help them and their loved ones with things like that.” 

One gentleman whose wife attends the Lunch Club appreciates having a life-enriching program for her to enjoy so he can rest; she sometimes wanders at night, so he is awake with her. 

For more information about volunteering in the Senior Moments Lunch Club (because moments matter!) or to reserve a spot for your loved one, please reach out to Tammy at (585)739-2251 or tgenagon@gmail.com. 

They meet on the first Wednesday of each month from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and pre-registration is required. You may also learn about this free program and others offered by the Hope Center by visiting their website at: hopecenterofleroy.org.

Press Release:

In honor of Black History Month, the Alzheimer’s Association is offering a free live webinar “Alzheimer’s & Dementia Conversations: Changing the Face of Research” on February 1 at 3:30 p.m. ET. The one-hour webinar will feature a robust discussion on the historical inequities in clinical trials and their lasting impact on Black Americans and other underrepresented populations. Currently, there are more than 6 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease. Among Black Americans age 70 or older, more than 1 in 5 (21%) are living with Alzheimer’s.

Panelists will include Dr. Reuben Warren, Director Tuskegee University National Center for Bioethics in Research and Healthcare, Reverend Dr. Ann Marie Bentsi-Addison Posey, Senior Director of Faith Based Initiatives, New York City Health and Hospital Corporation and Reverend Dr. Miriam J. Burnett, Medical Director, International Health Commission, African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME) Church.

According to the 2021 Alzheimer’s Association Facts and Figures report, nearly two-thirds of Black Americans (62%) believe that medical research is biased against people of color. A history of exclusion from clinical trials and a lasting history of discrimination from the medical establishment contributes to high levels of mistrust of clinical trials among Black Americans.

“We know that Alzheimer’s disease disproportionately affects Black older Americans,” said Dr. Carl V. Hill, chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer, Alzheimer’s Association. “We are committed to continue engaging underrepresented communities.”

To register, visit “Alzheimer’s & Dementia Conversations: Changing the Face of Research”.

Submitted photo of Dr. Carl V. Hill.

The Western New York Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association will offer a free event Tuesday in Batavia about how healthy habits can improve both the body and the mind.

“Healthy Living for Your Body and Brain” will take place from 2 to 3 p.m. on Tuesday at the Genesee County Office for the Aging at 2 Bank St. in Batavia. The program will cover four areas of lifestyle habits that are associated with healthy aging: cognitive activity, exercise, diet and nutrition, and social engagement.

Participants will learn, based on current research, the steps they can take now to improve or maintain overall health in each area and use hands-on tools to help incorporate these recommendations into a plan for healthy aging.

Registration is recommended and can be done online HERE or by calling 800-272-3900.

To learn more about Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias, call the 24/7 Alzheimer’s Association Helpline at 800.272.3900 or visit alz.org.

BUFFALO, N.Y. (August 10, 2022) — The Western New York Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association will hold two free events at the Genesee County Office for the Aging in Batavia for people caring for loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia.

On Tuesday, August 23, there will be a free educational program, “Managing Money: A Caregiver’s Guide to Finances,” held from 2:30 to 4 p.m. at the Genesee County Office for the Aging at 2 Bank Street in Batavia. The program will feature tips for managing someone else’s finances, how to prepare for future care costs and the benefits of early planning. Participants are asked to register at tinyurl.com/BataviaMM.

On Thursday, August 25, there will be a Caregiver Resource Fair, also at the Office of the Aging, from 2 to 4 p.m. The Caregiver Resource Fair will offer information about the free community resources available to people living with dementia and their caregivers, such as support groups, educational programs and care consultations. Residents may attend anytime between 2 and 4 p.m.; free on-site respite for loved ones will be available. Registration is not required but recommended at bit.ly/CAREGIVERFAIR.

These free programs are supported in part by grants from the U.S. Administration for Community Living - Department of Health and Human Services and the New York State Department of Health, respectively.  

To learn more about Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias, call the 24/7 Alzheimer’s Association Helpline at 800.272.3900 or visit alz.org.

 

Press release:

Western Region Off-Track Betting (WROTB) President and CEO Henry Wojtaszek was joined by Batavia Downs employees to present the Alzheimer’s Association with a $2,000 check to support Western New York patients and their families.

“We could not be prouder of the team at Batavia Downs. As we’ve made our way through the pandemic, we understand now more than ever the need to support our neighbors any way we can,” Wojtaszek said. “We look forward to working with the Alzheimer’s Association and supporting their amazing work for years to come.”

Funds were collected earlier this summer at Batavia Downs' “Rockin the Downs” concert series. Local food vendors donated a portion of their sales on Batavia Downs grounds back to support the regional charitable causes.

Lynn Westcott, Director of Corporate Relations for the Alzheimer’s Association said, “We are very grateful for this partnership and donation. Batavia Downs recognizes the challenges so many people face because of this disease, and they have stepped up to ensure that free, crucial care and support services are available to residents of Genesee County who are living with Alzheimer's disease and other dementia, and their care partners. Through consultations, education classes, a 24/7 Helpline (1-800-272-3900), early-stage programs, and support groups, the Alzheimer's Association WNY Chapter strives to make a difficult time a little easier to manage.”

State Assemblyman Jeff Gallahan, who is on the State’s Committee on Aging, added; “Alzheimer’s disease is a terrible disease that effects nearly two-thirds of all dementia cases and countless families. The Alzheimer’s Association is the leader in global Alzheimer’s support and research.  I share in their vision to have a world without Alzheimer’s and dementia, but without proper funding, that vision cannot come to fruition. Thank you to Western Region OTB for their generous donation to the Alzheimer’s Association for their continued research.”

Batavia Downs and Western Region Off-Track Betting (WROTB) runs a year-round fundraising program to support local charities. In 2021 alone, WROTB has distributed more than $50,000 in various forms, including stay and play certificates, cash sponsorships, merchandise, and tickets.

Batavia Downs also partnered with Genesee County to host a vaccination drive earlier this year where they raffled off a signed Thurman Thomas Bills Jersey, passes to the concerts, and coupons to any of the restaurants at Batavia Downs.

“We’ve always looked for creative approaches to partnerships with charities and worthy causes,” Wojtaszek said. “We encourage anyone who thinks we might be able to play a positive role in helping achieve their mission to reach out to our team to see how we can help.”

Submitted photo: From left, Lynn Westcott – Director of Corporate Relations for Alzheimer’s Association of WNY, WROTB President and CEO Henry Wojtaszek, Connie Czworka, Batavia Downs receptionist and organizer of community outreach efforts.

Press release:

The Alzheimer’s Association Western New York Chapter is excitedly planning to stage the annual Genesee-Wyoming counties Walk to End Alzheimer’s® in a new location—Dwyer Stadium at 252B State Street in Batavia. All in-person events will implement safety protocols including physical distancing, contactless registration, hand sanitizing stations and more. Masks are welcome and will be available on-site. We will continue to closely monitor Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), state and local guidelines to ensure Walk events adhere to recommendations and are safe for attendees. For those who prefer to participate by walking from home, around their neighbors or on a favorite trail, they can still engage in many Walk-day experiences through the Walk website and mobile app. Information about the app is available in the Walk Participation Center when participants register at alz.org/WNYwalk.

The Walk to End Alzheimer’s® is critical to the Chapter’s efforts to provide care and support for all impacted by dementia across Genesee and Wyoming counties, as well as Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara and Orleans counties. Money raised by Walk participants ensures the Chapter can continue to provide free education programs, support groups, respite training services, a 24/7 Helpline, research and more.

Among those who will be participating in the Dwyer Stadium walk on Saturday, September 25, 2021 is Catherine Johnston. The Stafford resident leads the Sweet Memories walk team. “I began walking for Alzheimer's the second or third year that the walk was held in Batavia. It was right around the time my step-father was having symptoms of dementia, “said Catherine. “I needed help and I found other people who had loved one's they were trying to take care of while holding down a job, a home and their parent’s home, too. I knew I was in the right place.” Catherine found the free education programs offered by the WNY Chapter very helpful when she was providing care for her loved ones and today, she walks in memory of her stepfather Valentine and her Uncle Donald, both of whom lost their battle with dementia. So far, Catherine has raised $2,250 toward her goal of $3,000.

A key feature of the Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the Promise Garden ceremony, a mission-focused experience that symbolizes the fight against the disease with colorful pinwheel flowers. The flowers come in four colors, which represent a connection to the disease: blue is for those living with dementia, yellow signifies a care partner, purple honors those lost to the disease and orange illustrates support for our fight to end Alzheimer’s. 

There are no fees to attend, but as this event is the major means of support for the non-profit Alzheimer’s Association, fundraising is strongly encouraged and incentives are offered for meeting specific goals, including the 2021 Walk to End Alzheimer’s purple t-shirt. Free registration is quick and easy at alz.org/WNY. Once registered, participants have access to the online participant center from which they can share their efforts and progress on social media, create personal fundraising emails, share photos or videos of the reasons they are walking and more.

For additional information and to inquire about corporate sponsorship, please call Lynn Westcott during traditional business hours at 716.440.4251 or send an email to LWestcott@alz.org.

With COVID-19 vaccines becoming more prevalent and a return to public activities, many Americans are looking forward to resuming their lives and returning to normal. This June, during Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, the Alzheimer’s Association Western New York Chapter is encouraging residents to make brain health an important part of their return to normal. 

“The past year has been extremely challenging for most Americans,” said WNY Chapter Executive Director Jill Horner. “Chronic stress, like that experienced during the pandemic, can impact memory, mood and anxiety. As local residents begin to return to normal, we encourage them to make brain health a priority.”

The WNY Chapter offers these five suggestions to promote brain health and to help residents restore their mental well-being: 

1.     Recommit to Brain-healthy Basics 

Evidence suggests that healthy behaviors took a back seat for many Americans during the pandemic. Gym memberships were put on hiatus, social engagement became more challenging and many Americans swapped out healthful eating for their favorite comfort foods, take-out meals and frequent snacking while working remotely. One study published recently found participants gained nearly 1.5 pounds per month over the past year, on average.

The Alzheimer’s Association — through its U.S. POINTER Study— is examining the role lifestyle interventions, including diet, may play in protecting cognitive function. Right now, many experts agree that people can improve their brain health and reduce the risk of cognitive decline by adopting healthy lifestyle habits, preferably in combination, including: 

• Exercise regularly— Regular cardiovascular exercise helps increase blood flow to the body and brain, and there is strong evidence that regular physical activity is linked to better memory and thinking. 
• Maintain a heart-healthy diet— Stick to a meal schedule full of fruits and vegetables to ensure a well-balanced diet. Some evidence suggests a healthful diet is linked to cognitive performance. The Mediterranean and DASH* diets are linked to better cognitive functioning, and help reduce risk of heart disease as well.
• Get proper sleep— Maintaining a regular, uninterrupted sleep pattern benefits physical and psychological health, and helps clear waste from the brain. Adults should get at least seven hours of sleep each night and try to keep a routine bedtime. 
• Stay socially and mentally active— Meaningful social engagement may support cognitive health, so stay connected with friends and family. Engage your mind by doing activities that stump you, like completing a jigsaw puzzle or playing strategy games. Or challenge yourself further by learning a new language or musical instrument.

2.     Return to Normal at Your Own Pace

Many Americans are eager for a return to normal life following the pandemic, but others are anxious. In fact, one recent survey found that nearly half of adults (49 percent) report feeling uncomfortable about returning to in-person interactions when the pandemic ends.

For those feeling anxious, the Alzheimer’s Association suggests taking small steps. It may also be important to set boundaries and communicate your preferences to others in your social circles. 

3.     Help Others 

There is evidence to suggest that helping others during the pandemic may not only make you feel better, but it may be good for you as well. Research shows that helping others in a crisis can be an effective way to alleviate stress and anxiety.

One study published during the pandemic found that adults over age 50 who volunteer for about two hours per week have a substantially reduced risk of dying, higher levels of physical activity and an improved sense of well-being.

To help others and yourself during June and throughout the year, volunteer in your community, run errands or deliver meals to a home-bound senior or donate to a favorite cause, such as supporting participants in the Alzheimer’s Association’s The Longest Day event on June 20. 

4.     Unplug and Disconnect

Technology has dominated our daily lives during the pandemic like never before. While technology has kept us connected through COVID-19, it has also created fatigue for many Americans.

Experts warn that excessive stimulation coming from our phones, computers, social media sources and news reports can add to our already heightened anxiety levels. To avoid technology overload, experts advise setting limits on your screen time, avoid carrying your phone everywhere, and disconnecting from digital devices at bedtime. 

5.     Control Your Stress Before it Controls You

In small doses, stress teaches the brain how to respond in healthy ways to the unexpected, inconvenient or unpleasant realities of daily life. Prolonged or repeated stress, however, can wear down and damage the brain, leading to serious health problems including depression, anxiety disorders, memory loss and increased risk for dementia.

Reports indicate that Alzheimer’s and dementia caregivers are especially vulnerable to physical and emotional stress. The Alzheimer’s Association offers tips to help manage caregiver stress.

Meditation, exercise, listening to music or returning to a favorite activity you have missed during the pandemic are just some ways to manage stress. Do what works best for you.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has been an overwhelming time for all of us,” Horner said. “It’s important for people to know there are steps we can take to lessen the stress and anxiety we might be feeling. It can be easy to take brain health for granted, but now more than ever, it’s a good idea to make it a priority.”

Currently, the Alzheimer’s Association and representatives from more than 40 countries are working together to study the short- and long-term consequences of COVID-19 on the brain and nervous system in people at different ages, and from different genetic backgrounds.

About Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month

Created by the Alzheimer’s Association in 2014, Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month is dedicated to encouraging a global conversation about the brain and Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia. To learn more about the Alzheimer’s Association, available resources and how you can get involved to support the cause, visit alz.org.

About the Alzheimer’s Association

The Alzheimer’s Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Our mission is to lead the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia^®. Visitalz.orgor call 1-800-272-3900.

*DASH -- acronym for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension -- an eating plan to lower or control high blood pressure. It emphasizes foods that are lower in sodium as well as foods that are rich in potassium, magnesium and calcium — nutrients that help lower blood pressure.

Judging by the calls received at the Alzheimer’s Association® Western New York Chapter office from dementia caregivers, COVID-19 continues to be a major challenge.

It compounds the struggle for care partners already challenged by the demands of providing day-to-day care for someone they love who has Alzheimer's disease or other dementia.

While the association's physical office remains closed to ensure the health and safety of our staff and the public, it continues to provide free resources such as virtual support groups.

The Chapter oversees several monthly caregiver support group meetings in the Genesee County region, which allows dementia caregivers to connect with others facing similar challenges and hear advice for overcoming them from care partners in local area.

These programs generally run an hour in length and are free to attend via telephone or the Zoom video chat application. Additionally, there are no residency or minimum attendance requirements. 

Caregivers looking for guidance, compassion and time away are welcome to join the discussion by phone on the third Thursday of every month at 1 p.m., including these Nov. 19 and Dec. 17. There is also a meeting accessible by phone or Zoom on the third Wednesday at 7 p.m. on these upcoming dates: Oct. 21, Nov. 18 and Dec. 16.

While there are no fees, preregistration is a requirement, by calling 1-800-272-3900 at any time. Online registration is also an option at alz.org/CRF. If you are unfamiliar with the Zoom app, call the Chapter office for a quick and easy practice session at (716) 626-0600, ext. 313.

Genesee County residents also have access to caregiving resources and programs through the Chapter’s partnership with the Genesee County Office for the Aging. To learn more about local caregiver resources, call the county office at (585) 343-1611.