Tag: caregiving

Uncategorized

Early Signs of Dementia vs. Normal Aging: When to Seek Medical Care

by local guest writer Brittany Klaassen van Oorschot, ARNP Alzheimer’s disease is characterized by a progressive decline in cognition or a slow loss of memory and other mental abilities. Patients initially seem mildly forgetful, but eventually, they lose their ability to care for themselves, and sometimes they can’t even recognize their loved ones. Understandably, many people deeply fear this disease, and although there is currently … Continue reading Early Signs of Dementia vs. Normal Aging: When to Seek Medical Care

ALZ_WA1 Comment
Uncategorized

Meet the 2023 Journey Conference Keynote Speaker

By Carolyn Birrell I grew up in the small town of Holley, NY, and moved to Atlanta, GA, in the mid-80s where I worked for the American Cancer Society National Headquarters and then as a real estate agent and new home builder. After 20 years in the Peach State, I retired to the Gem State, landing in Bonners Ferry, ID, a near-duplicate of the town … Continue reading Meet the 2023 Journey Conference Keynote Speaker

ALZ_WALeave a comment
Uncategorized

Decades of Dedication: 26 Years of Walking to End Alzheimer’s

“Alzheimer’s is not fair to the people who get it. It is not fair to the family. However, life is never fair. Alzheimer’s does not discriminate. It can happen to anyone.”  – Kathy Konek Decades of Dedication Fighting for a Cure Kathy Konek has been involved with the Walk to End Alzheimer’s for an outstanding 26 years. She first became involved in the walk in the … Continue reading Decades of Dedication: 26 Years of Walking to End Alzheimer’s

ALZ_WALeave a comment
Uncategorized

Caring for Someone with Alzheimer’s in the Rising Summer Heat

Extreme heat can have a significant impact on everyone’s safety. It can be especially stressful and confusing for individuals with Alzheimer’s and other dementia. Alzheimer’s disease causes a number of changes in the brain and body that may affect their safety, including changes in sensitivity to temperatures. As we begin to see summer temperatures rise in the Pacific Northwest, it’s important to take extra care … Continue reading Caring for Someone with Alzheimer’s in the Rising Summer Heat

ALZ_WALeave a comment
Family sits with a nurse to discuss palliative care options
Alzheimer's Disease, caregiving, Dementia, education, Resources, Uncategorized

Five Benefits of Palliative Care

By: Beth Hutchason, MN, ARNP What is palliative care? Okay, let’s start with a very frequent question: How do you pronounce this anyway?  It is pronounced “PAL-ya-tive,” not “PALE-ee-ah-tive.” Congratulations! You are now on your way. Palliative care is a type of care unknown to more than two-thirds of U.S. residents. Worldwide, 40 million people need palliative care each year, and only 14% receive it. … Continue reading Five Benefits of Palliative Care

ALZ_WALeave a comment
Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's Disease, Dementia, education, family, Research

WSU Researcher Adapts Online Program for ʻOhana Caregivers

Dr. Alexandra Jackson, PhD, RDN, CDCES, is a Postdoctoral Research Associate at the Institute for Research and Education to Advance Health (IREACH) at Washington State University. Dr. Jackson recently received funding from the Alzheimer’s Association for her research project, “Adaptation of an intervention for caregivers of Native Hawaiians with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.” Below, Dr. Jackson explains her research and her personal connection to … Continue reading WSU Researcher Adapts Online Program for ʻOhana Caregivers

ALZ_WA1 Comment
Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's Disease, caregiving, children, Dementia, family, Father's Day, Memory Loss, The Longest Day, Washington State

Honoring My Dad, My Hero: The Longest Day

By Heather Shadko My name is Heather Shadko. I grew up in the Midwest, just outside of Chicago, but I’ve been a resident of Puyallup, Wash., for 24 years. I’m a mother, wife and active member of my community. I work as a contract specialist for King County’s Department of Natural Resources and Parks, combining my passion for the environment and our community with my … Continue reading Honoring My Dad, My Hero: The Longest Day

ALZ_WA1 Comment