Alzheimer’s Association emphasizes brain health during awareness month

June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month and the Alzheimer’s Association together with advocates in the early stages of the disease are encouraging families to talk about memory and cognition concerns sooner.

These advocates know first-hand that an early diagnosis offers many benefits, including access to more effective medical and lifestyle interventions and the ability to take an active role in planning with family members for the future, according to a news release.

For Bob Fitzpatrick of North Ridgeville, part of that journey forward is participation in the chapter’s early stage group that meets in Westlake.

“My impressions of the group is that they are so open and honest,” Fitzpatrick said. “We were made most welcome.”

Fitzpatrick, who has early-onset vascular dementia, said he and wife, Jan, moved back to Northeast Ohio from Illinois and have been to about five early stage meetings so far.

At first, Fitzpatrick said he was leery about what he was getting into.

But at the first meeting, he said the attendees made him feel comfortable.

Most importantly, Fitzpatrick said, because of the group, “I have no qualms telling anybody I have dementia. It’s the confidence I’ve gained from the group.”

Early stage group meetings also are held throughout the chapter’s five-county service area.

Referrals to an early stage group occur through contacting the 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900, or by a care consultant, or by contacting lscharf@alz.org or 216-342-5612.

Whether you are in the process of being diagnosed or have been recently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or a related disorder, the Alzheimer’s Association is the leader in providing care, support, education and engagement opportunities for people with memory and thinking disorders and their families, according to the news release.

The early stage groups are an opportunity for individuals with mild memory and thinking disorders to participate in services specially designed for their needs and interests including group meetings, social gatherings, staff consultations, education seminar and enrichment programs, the release said. The group environment naturally provides an opportunity to connect with others in similar circumstances.

The 90-minute monthly meetings feature an educational topic.

“Unfortunately, people often avoid conversations due to stigma and perceptions associated with Alzheimer’s. We know that denial, fear, anxiety, lack of awareness and difficulty having hard conversations about health issues, particularly dementia, are some of the reasons people avoid bringing up concerns about Alzheimer’s with family members,” said Nancy Udelson, president and CEO, Cleveland Area Chapter.

New findings from an Alzheimer’s Association survey found a majority of Americans would be concerned about offending a family member (76 percent), or ruining their relationship (69 percent), if they were to approach that person about observed signs of Alzheimer’s. More alarming, 38 percent said they would wait until a family member’s Alzheimer’s symptoms worsened before approaching them with concerns. Additionally, nearly one in three Americans — about 29 percent — would not say anything to a family member despite their concerns.

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