Focus on Alzheimer’s Disease Alzheimer’s Disease is a type of dementia that is degenerative, destroys memory and cognitive ability and disrupts behavior patterns.
Symptoms usually develop slowly and get worse over time, becoming severe enough to interfere with daily tasks.
It is a fatal disease, progressive and degenerative. It robs individuals of their memories, orientation, connection with reality, ability to speak, swallow and walk; and cannot be prevented or cured.
“The diagnosis process for AD often begins with some questions about your general health, past medical problems, and your ability to carry out daily activities. If you are concerned with memory loss, it is important to see your doctor early and schedule a screening” stated Dr. Sanat Patel, Internal Medicine physician at The Health Care Center. “Family members may be the first to identify a memory problem with their loved one and should encourage them to see their doctor.
In Alzheimer’s and other related memory disorders, early detection matters. An early diagnosis will help families and individuals afflicted by the disease to access quality medical care and support services.
The support of family and caregivers is important for new patients with the disease.
Loved ones are advised to continue participating in as many family activities as possible, adapting them to make the patient comfortable and the experience enjoyable.
Early detection is also important with other major forms of dementia, most notably Parkinson’s. Other forms of dementia include schizophrenia and Huntington’s disease, a hereditary illness that presents itself as a combination of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
Memory loss isn’t necessarily a sign of dementia. The Alzheimer’s Association of Orange County provided the following warning signs that individuals or family members should consider when cognitive changes are noticed.
• Difficulty concentrating and taking longer to do familiar tasks than they did before
• Difficulty completing daily tasks
• Trouble driving to a familiar location, managing a budget at work or remembering the rules of a favorite game
• Losing track of dates, seasons and the passage of time
• Trouble understanding something if it is not happening immediately
• May forget where they are or how they got there
Those who may recognize these signs in themselves or loved ones should schedule an appointment with their doctor.
There are treatments available that can provide some relief of symptoms and help to maintain a level of independence for a longer period of time.
For more information, contact Alzheimer’s OC at ( 800) 272-3900 or Cindy Tostado, M.S.W., GRF member resource and assistance liaison at 431-6586, ext. 317.
Weekly Exercise, Health Classes
Ageless Grace
An eight-week session of classes is underway on Mondays from 4:30-5:30 p.m. in Clubhouse 6. The remaining class dates are Aug. 8, 15, 22 and 29 and Sept. 12.
The cost is $5 per class, $30 for eight sessions. Classes, taught by Kathy Streng, consist of 21 movements practiced in a chair for greater stability.
For more information, call 331-3322.
Seniors Keeping Fit
Low-impact cardio dance and hand weight classes are held at 6 a.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays, in Clubhouse 6. Workouts include stretching, aerobic exercises and strength training to exercise DVDs. No fees are required.
For more information, call (310) 489-2390.
Upper Body Strength Class
One-hour classes are offered from 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays in Clubhouse 6. (Participants do not have to go both days). The fee is $4 per class, payable at the start of the month, or $5 a class for those who do not attend regularly. All levels of ability are welcome.
For more information, call Dorothy Anderson at 493-0601.
Beginning Yoga
Classes are offered from 10:30-11:30 a.m on Wednesdays in Clubhouse 3, Room 6, and at the same time on Fridays in Clubhouse 3, Room 7. Bring mats. The fee is $5 a class.
For more infor• Difficulty concentrating and taking longer to do familiar tasks than they did before
Pilates-Yoga Classes
Chair classes meet from 5:30-6:30 p.m. on Thursdays in Clubhouse 6, second floor. The cost is $5 a class. Instruction includes a variety of seated and standing exercises. Mat classes meet Thursdays from 6-7 p.m. in Clubhouse 6, Room C. Those who attend should bring a mat. All other equipment will be provided.
For more information, call Susan Hopewell at 430-6044 or Linda Neer, 430-3214.
Feeling Good Exercise
Move to the music from 9:30-10:30 a.m., Mondays and Thursdays, in Clubhouse 1. The fee is $3 a class and the instructor is Sarah Grusmark. People of all fitness levels are welcome.
For more information, call Cathleen Walters at 598-9149.
Yoga, Meditation, Tai Chi
Classes are offered from 9:30-11 a.m. on Saturdays upstairs in Clubhouse 6. Paul Pridanonda teaches students to free the mind and spirit using laughter, thought-sharing and the slow and steady flow of tai chi movements.
A meditation for relief, healing and energy ends the class.
For more information, call 493-6719.
Movement for Health, Medical Qigong
Qigong classes are held from 9-10 a.m. on Thursdays in Clubhouse 3, Room 2, except the fourth Thursday of the month, when the class is held in Clubhouse 3, Room 9, also from 9-10 a.m.
Sessions begin with a meditation tea service.
For more information, call Catherine Milliot at 760-4545.
Monday Intermediate Yoga
Classes are held each week from 5:30-6:30 p.m. in Clubhouse 4.
For more information, call Pat Castaneda at 225-0273.
Movement for Health, Medical Qigong
Qigong classes are held from 9-10 a.m. on Thursdays in Clubhouse 3, Room 2, except the fourth Thursday of the month, when the class is held in Clubhouse 3, Room 9, also from 9-10 a.m.
Sessions begin with a meditation tea service.
For more information, call Catherine Milliot at 760-4545.
Yoga
Classes are offered Tuesdays at 10 a.m. in the Clubhouse 4 Lobby; Thursdays at 10 a.m. in Clubhouse 3, Room 1; and Saturdays, 10 a.m. in Clubhouse 3, Room 9. The fee is $5 per session.
For more information, call Connie Adkins at 506-5063.
Stick, Qigong, Tai Chi Club
Stick exercises, qigong and tai chi chih classes are held from 9:15-11 a.m. on Tuesdays in Clubhouse 3, Room 1.
For more information, call Joann Mullens at 596-3936.
Chair Exercise
Classes are offered from 9:30-10:30 a.m. on Tuesdays and Fridays in Clubhouse 1. Classes are designed to improve flexibility, strength, endurance and coordination. The classes are for men and women at all fitness levels. Instructor is Sarah Grusmark.
For more information, call Betty Morgan at 493-7063.
Leisure Leggers
The Leisure Leggers, the walking and running club, meets at 8 a.m., Mondays, in front of Clubhouse 6 for a 30-to-60-minute walk and to train for local races.
For more information, call 304-0880.
Breakfast with the Doctor
Dr. Kathleen Trivich will cover the topic, “Anemia and Older Adults,” at the 8 a.m. Breakfast With the Doctor presentation on Wednesday, July 27, in the Health Care Center conference room. The physician, who is relatively new to the HCC, will discuss anemia and current treatment options.
Nearly 10 percent of the older population is currently anemic. Individuals don’t always realize that a problem exists until it reaches the critical stage.
The event is part of a monthly series when LWers can learn about a health topic over a complimentary breakfast or lunch at the HCC.
Seating is limited, and reservations are required. For more information and to register, call 493-9581.
Wa-Rite Club
Members of the Wa-Rite Club enjoyed a successful meeting on July 15 when most members lost weight. It may have had something to do with the great weather.
Alba Powell presented a report written by Liz Vaccariello from the book, “Flat Belly Diet.”
Many people are told that they can lose inches in four days, drop 15 pounds in 32 days and boost energy along the way.
The important fact is to avoid trans-fat, a hazard to the circulatory system that feeds the heart, brain, etc.
Other bad fat is found in red meat fat, palm oil, cocoa fat and coconut oil. Bad fats are described as hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated.
The club welcomed new member Beverly Adams.
Wa-Rite is a support group for losing excess weight and following a nutritious, healthy food plan.
Members meet at 9 a.m. on Fridays in Clubhouse 3, Room 1. Weigh-ins begin at 8. Annual fees are $10 and there are penalties for weight gains.
To join, arrive by 8:30 a.m. and ask for Wendy Alfageme, membership chair, who can be reached at (310) 283-7984.
For more information,or to join the club, call Betty Scharf at 795-0356.
Senior Meals
Seal Beach Community Services, in cooperation with Community Senior Serv, offers a weekly hot meals program at the North Seal Beach Community Center, 3333 St. Cloud Dr. The center is open from 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Monday-Friday. Lunch is served weekdays at 11:15 a.m. Arrive by 11 a.m. to check in at the front desk. Reservations are not needed. Sugar-free desserts offered on request. Suggested donation, $3 for seniors 60 and older; $5 for all others. For more information, call 430-6079.
The Los Alamitos senior lunch and bread program offers the same menu from 11:15-11:30 a.m., Monday-Friday, at the Los Alamitos Youth Center, 10909 Oak St. Suggested donation: $3-$5 for seniors, $5 for people 59 or younger. For reservations, call 430-1073, ext. 526. Bingo played Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The month’s menu is posted on bulletin boards in each clubhouse.
Monday, July 25: Chicken Marsala with mushroom gravy, bow tie pasta, broccoli, sugar-free apple pie.
Tuesday, July 26: Two beef tacos with diced tomatoes, cheese, lettuce and salsa verde; Spanish rice, black beans, sugar-free flan,orange juice.
Wednesday, July 27: Barbecued pork sandwich on wheat bun, shredded cabbage, carrots, potato wedges, fresh tangerine.
Thursday, July 28: Cream of spinach and crackers, Chinese chicken salad with chicken strips, salad mix and shredded carrots, topped with Mandarin oranges, almonds and Asian dressing; fortune cookie, diet cookie.
Friday, July 29: Salmon boat with Newburg sauce, roasted red potatoes, spinach, whole grain bread, watermelon.
Melanoma
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control\s and Prevention (CDC.)
Last year, more than 65,000 cases of melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer, were reported.
The disease can spread to other parts of the body and causes over 9,000 deaths every year.
People who die of melanoma lose an average of 20 years of life expectancy.
Melanoma can be caused by too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from sun or sources such as indoor tanning. Without additional prevention efforts, melanoma will continue to increase in the next 15 years.
Communities and policy makers play a major role in these skin cancer prevention efforts by taking the following measures:
• Increase shade at playgrounds, public pools, and other public spaces.
• Promote sun protection in recreation areas, including the use or purchase of hats, sunscreen, and sunglasses.
• Restrict the availability and use of indoor tanning by minor
Alzheimer’s Walks
The Alzheimer’s Association will sponsor two Walks to End Alzheimer’s this year in Orange County to raise funds to fight the disease with improved treatment, prevention and, ultimately, a cure.
Of local interest is the 5-K walk on Oct. 29 at Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach. As of July 18, nearly $13,000 was raised through sponsors and donations toward a goal of $100,000.
The other OC Walks will be held on Oct. 1 at Bolsa Chica State Beach in Huntington Beach and on Nov. 5 in Anaheim.
For more information, go to www.alz.org/oc
LW WEmergency Meals
Leisure World Emergency Meals needs volunteer drivers to deliver hot meals to shareholders Monday-Friday between 11:30 a.m.-noon.
Hostesses are also needed.
Meals are prepared at Los Alamitos Hospital, taken to the Emergency Meals office in Clubhouse 2 then delivered in LW by car. The entire process takes about 30 minutes.
Volunteers are needed to be call on a temporary basis whenever the regular volunteers are not available.
To help, call 430-9056 or come to the EM office.
Meals on Wheels,Long Beach
Meals on Wheels of Long Beach, Inc. (MOWLB), a non-profit group, delivers a variety of home-cooked meals to Leisure World shareholders; cost, $7.50 per day, $37.50 per week. Meals are delivered between 10:30 a.m-12:30 p.m. Apply by phone or online. Contact Lisa Valdez at 433-0232 or visit www.mowlb.org. Call 439-5000 before noon to cancel orders for the following day. Menu subject to change without notification.
Monday, July 25: Beef stroganoff, butter and herb egg noodles, green beans, Jell-o with pineapple, ham and Swiss cheese sandwich with lettuce, tomato and pickle, creamy coleslaw.
Tuesday, July 26: Chicken mole, black beans, zucchini and tomatoes, carrot cake, Greek chicken salad, tomato, olives, cucumber, feta cheese, vinaigrette dressing, crackers.
Wednesday, July 27: Smothered pork chop, oven roasted potatoes, roasted corn with bell pepper, vanilla pudding with cookie, chicken salad sandwich with lettuce and tomato, homemade potato salad.
Thursday, July 28: Stuffed bell pepper, garlic and chive mashed potatoes, peas and carrots, chocolate cake, chicken salad sandwich with lettuce and tomato, homemade potato salad.
Friday, July 29: Parmesan baked fish, macaroni and cheese, green beans, watermelon chunks, chef’s salad with turkey, ham, bacon, egg, tomato, cheese, ranch dressing and crackers.