Norman Key, left, speaks with Austin neurologist Iris Wingrove at Belmont Village in West Lake Hills on Sept. 21 after a panel discussion on symptoms of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.SUZANNE MAJORS DAVIS FOR WESTLAKE PICAYUNE
Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s experts gathered at Belmont Village senior living facility in West Lake Hills on Sept. 28 to discuss signs and symptoms of the diseases with approximately 40 residents and other members of the community.
The panel of experts included Richard Elbein, CEO of the Alzheimer’s Association in the Houston area; Beverly Sanborn, the Belmont Village gerontologist; Iris Wingrove, a neurologist; and Teresa Ford, president of the Capital Area Parkinson’s Society.
Sanborn created the “Circle of Friends” for Belmont Village to improve memory for residents.
“I specialize in translating research into programs,” Sanborn said. “That’s why I came on board with Belmont. It is different from other companies. The owner of the company wanted to move in the direction of memory care. She was the president of the board of the Alzheimer’s Association in Houston. I think that galvanized her interest. It was intriguing to work with a company open to innovation, and who saw itself on the forefront of memory care.”
Sanborn said the company found that there are principles that should be employed throughout assisted and independent living “for whole brain fitness.”
According to Sanborn, the model changed the way they train staff, recruit, work with residents and interact with families. They try to preserve peak performance with exercises for the brain in small group activities led by staff seven days a week. According to the program, apathy associated with dementia accelerates a decline in mental and physical fitness.
The group’s program have been recognized. The largest assisted-living trade industry association for senior living companies awarded the Circle of Friends the “Best of the Best Memory Care Award” in 2016.
Wingrove’s practice is called “Optimize Neurology.” She was trained at the Mayo Clinic, and says she has a global view of the nervous system that allows her to treat patients with complex cases.
“I see a big difference between people who are ‘islands,’ and those who are a part of a community. When family is involved, it makes big difference,” Wingrove said.
She also advocates for caregivers to be considered part of the solution.
Experts say the terms dementia and Alzheimer’s can be confusing, but an easier way to understand it is to think of dementia as an umbrella category, and Alzheimer’s as a specific type of the disease. Parkinson’s can occur on its own, but add dementia in later stages.
Wingrove said it is important to look for patterns when diagnosing forms of dementia. It might be a sign if someone is: no longer able to do things they always could; repeating conversations; showing decreased coping skills; showing an inability to learn new things; exhibiting decreased organizational skills; displaying a personality that is the opposite than before; experiencing difficulty finding words.
She said one doctor’s visit would not diagnose it.
Ford spoke about the differences between Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. She is a social worker who advocates for those with Parkinson’s, and said that her organization is a “great resource for those beginning their journey with Parkinson’s or already experiencing it. We offer monthly presentations to members and support groups.”
“Alzheimer’s is a very slow and progressive disease,” Elbein said. “So if you start to notice changes in yourself or a loved one, make an appointment to see the doctor. My own mother said, ‘I can’t really remember things I used to do, like make a recipe without looking at the cookbook.’ She was sending signals that there was something not right. So if you hear that, go ahead and make an appointment, because there is a big benefit in having Alzheimer’s diagnosed early so that there is a long time for the family to make a plan and make legal decisions. “
It could also be something else that causes some of the same type of symptoms. His mother was treated for another problem and was able to live independently for eight years longer.
Guests had questions about the benefits of mental fitness games.
“Research is questionable about games but solid when it comes to physical exercise — it is better than the brain games,” Sanborn said.
Elbein recommended doing “what you’re not good at, because it stimulates your brain and is a mental stretch. Keep challenging yourself.”
http://www.statesman.com/news/news/local/experts-offer-insight-into-alzheimers-parkinsons-d/nskNW/
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