This week, the Rotary Club of Sierra Vista welcomed our Student of the Month, Ms. Haley Rose McIntyre, a senior at Buena High School. Ms. McIntyre is an exceptional student and leader at Buena. She is the past President of the Rotary Interact Club and has a long association with Rotary International (her father has been a Rotarian for 7 years.) Next year she will be a Rotary Exchange Student to Slovenia. (Principal Dawn Mad-dock shown with Haley Rose McIntyre)
The club also welcomed back a former club member, Ms. Candy Pardee, and a new club member, Mr. Ed Subia. Both new members were happy to be in the club and already are engaged in activities with committees. They bring new ideas, new views, and fresh energy to our club. WELCOME CANDY and ED!!
Foundation Director, Les Orchekowsky, gave the club a summary of the contributions that long time member Gene Manring has made through his Paul Harris Fellow donations. He was recognized for his Paul Harris Fellow +8 (2 Ruby stones on the Paul Harris pin).
Morgen Hartford, the Southern Arizona Regional Director of the Alzheimer's Association, Desert Southwest Chapter, spoke to the club about the association and its mission to rid the world of this deadly, progressive disease. Research to find a cure and Advocacy for those with the disease are key to addressing this major health issue.
The association’s vision is a world without Alzheimer’s disease. The nationwide mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of RESEARCH, to provide and enhance CARE and SUPPORT for all affected, and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.
The Desert Southwest Chapter’s purpose is to empower and support individuals, families, care partners and communities affected by dementia in Arizona and southern Nevada.
Mr. Hartford explained that Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder that gradually destroys brain cells and affects a person's memory, ability to learn, make judgments, communicate, and carry out basic daily activities. Alzheimer’s is not normal aging. It is a progressive, fatal disease and has no cure.
The facts/statistics are frightening: In 2017: 130,000 Arizonans have Alzheimer’s today; in 2020: 150,000 Arizonans will have Alzheimer’s; and in 2025: 200,000 Arizonans will have Alzheimer’s (5th leading cause of death in Arizona)
Dementia is a general term for a group of brain disorders that affect:
•Thinking •Memory •Judgment •Personality
And there are different types of dementia, including:
•Alzheimer’s disease •Vascular dementia •Mixed dementia
•Dementia with Lewy bodies •Frontotemporal dementia •Parkinson’s disease
DEMENTIA: An "Umbrella" term used to describe a range of symptoms associated with cognitive impairment. Alzheimer’s (50%-75%), Vascular (20%-30%), Lewy Bodies (10%-25%), Frontotemporal (10%-15%).
1 in 9 Seniors Has Alzheimer’s – Half DO NOT KNOW IT!
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There are many Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s and many of us have been impacted by loved ones who have exhibited these warning signs. (Go to Alzheimer’s Association, alz.org/dsw for more info on warning signs.)
Wandering is one of the greatest risks for a person with Alzheimer’s disease. This nationwide program provides identification and education that mobilizes first responders should the individual become lost. The program provides peach of mind to caregivers as well as information on home safety and wandering prevention.
The Alzheimer’s Association provides Education Programs that are created and designed to increase awareness and knowledge about the disease and that are held throughout the region on a regular basis.
• Topics of these sessions include: basic disease education, addressing behavioral challenges, long-term planning and many more.
An Early Stage program helps to engage, and education persons diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and their loved ones. The programs consist of specific activities focused on engaging, encouraging and empowering impacted individuals to fully utilize their strengths and capacities.
Alzheimer advocates play an important role in improving the quality of care and quality of life for people with Alzheimer’s disease and their families by working to improve dementia care and services; improve access to community-based care; improve quality care in residential settings; and expand funding for research and public programs serving people with dementia.
For a sense of the scope of the work done by the Southern Arizona Region, it is comprised of:
• 7 Staff Members • 100+ Volunteers • Regional Leadership Committee • Collaborative Community Partnerships • Funders & Supporters
Areas Served:
• Cochise County • Graham County • Greenlee County • Southern Pinal County • Pima County • Santa Cruz County • Yuma County
(For more information visit www.alz.org/dsw, 800.272.3900)
Mr. Hartford mentioned one last thing before answering questions. Participate in the ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION
"Walk To End Alzheimer’s"
September 29th, 2018 Sierra Vista
November 10th, 2018 Tucson
www.sierravistaalzheimerswalk.org www.tucsonalzheimerswalk.org