WALK to END ALZ – Greater Kentucky & Southern Indiana Blog

December 18, 2024December 18, 2024

Helping You During the Holidays

With the festive time of year, the holidays are often filled with joy and getting together with our loved ones. While it may be a time to celebrate, the Alzheimer’s Association recognizes caregivers and the additional obstacles and stress during the holiday season. We encourage anyone impacted by the disease to read the tips for gift giving, winter weather safety and other facets to consider during the holiday celebrations.

Preparation & Planning During the Holidays
“>Holiday Planning
Alzheimer’s Association Offers Holiday Gift Guide for People Living with Dementia and Caregivers

Holiday shopping and gift-giving can often be challenging, but even more so when shopping for a person living with dementia. There more than 100,000 people living with Alzheimer’s disease. Depending on the stage of dementia, some well-intentioned gifts may no longer be appropriate or practical for the person.

“Selecting an appropriate gift for someone living with dementia requires careful thought and consideration,” said Shannon White, Chapter Executive. “You want to start by considering where the person is cognitively so you can choose a gift, they are able to use and enjoy. One of the best gifts you can give is simply spending time with the person.”

To help holiday shoppers, the Alzheimer’s Association has released its 2024 Holiday Gift Guide, offering gift ideas for individuals living in the early, middle and late stages of Alzheimer’s disease. The guide also includes gift suggestions aimed at keeping those living with dementia engaged and involved in everyday tasks, as well as gift ideas for the 11 million family members and friends across the country serving as unpaid caregivers for these individuals.

5 gifts for people living with Alzheimer’s – in the early stages:
- Dry-erase calendars and white boards with colorful markers are a perfect way to list reminders or day-to-day activities.
- Label makers can help people with memory challenges stay organized and keep track of everyday household items and belongings.
- Gift cards for ride-sharing services or a favorite activity (movie, restaurant, golf) allowing the person to remain active.
- GPS trackers (bracelets, watches, keyrings) can keep people living with dementia safe while allowing them to stay independent. These devices provide real-time location updates of your family member. Smaller trackers can be used to help keep track of frequently misplaced items including keys, wallets and phones.
- A “memory” calendar featuring family photos – write in special family occasions such as birthdays and anniversaries.
5 gifts for people living with Alzheimer’s – in the middle-to-late stages:
- Music playlists that include the person’s favorite artists or songs.
- Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that is easy to put on, remove and wash, such as sweat suits, slip-on blouses/shirts, non-slip socks, Velcro shoes, wrinkle-free nightgowns, nightshirts or a fluffy bathrobe.
- Framed photographs or a photo collage created specifically for your loved one. Insert the names of the people in the photos to help with identification.
- Soothing gifts that can help with anxiety like a handheld massage ball or a soft blanket.
- Adaptive dining accessories such as no-spill cups, plate guards and silverware with specifically designed handles that enable greater independence during meals.
5 gifts to help with everyday tasks and keep the person living with Alzheimer’s engaged:
- A memory phone that can store pictures with the names and contact information of family and friends.
- Puzzle and activity books are a great way to keep a person living with dementia cognitively engaged. Some books are developed specifically for people with cognitive challenges. Select books that are appropriate for the person’s cognition level and offer fun without being overwhelming.
- Card/Board games offer an opportunity to involve other family members and friends, allowing others to spend time with the person living with dementia. Some games offer various skill levels, which can keep the caregiver, other family members and the care recipient engaged at cognitively appropriate levels.
- An outing to a movie, play or concert, sporting event, museum or possibly an organized holiday shopping trip with friends and family.
- Engage your loved one in making homemade gifts for the family, painting ornaments, decorating stockings, table setting, scrapbooking or other activity gifts.
5 gifts for dementia caregivers:
- Time is the most important gift you can give a dementia caregiver. Spend time with the person living with dementia and allow the caregiver a chance to run errands, go to their own doctor’s appointment, participate in a support group or engage in an activity that helps them recharge. Even one hour could make a big difference in providing the caregiver with some relief.
- Self-made coupons for cleaning the house, cooking a meal, mowing the lawn or shoveling the driveway.
- Gift cards and certificates for restaurants or meal delivery, laundry/dry cleaning services, lawn care services, computer/technology support, house cleaning services, and personal pampering services such as massages and pedicures.
- Books. In addition to giving novels on the caregiver’s “must read” list, there are a number of books on caregiving and maintaining self-health.
- Self-care items such as a bundle of personal care items (moisturizers, bath bombs, foot creams, scrubs, soaps).
For more holiday gift ideas, visit ALZ Mission Marketplace: Purchase with Purpose at alz.org/marketplace. With each item purchased, a portion is donated to the Alzheimer’s Association, funding critical research, care and support, and awareness initiatives. All donations made via the Greater Kentucky & Southern Indiana Chapter website stay local, please visit alz.org/kyin. For more tips on how families affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementia can safely enjoy time with family and friends during the holidays, visit alz.org/holidaytips.

Travel Tips: Safety Suggestions for Families Facing Alzheimer’s

Holiday travel can be hectic for just about everyone who does it, but it can be especially challenging for more than 100,000 people living with Alzheimer’s in Kentucky and Southern Indiana. Even short trips to visit family and friends during the holidays can be stressful for people with Alzheimer’s and other dementia. While not all living with Alzheimer’s are able to travel, people living with early- and mid-stage Alzheimer’s often do want to attend family gatherings and holiday celebrations. Careful and thoughtful planning can help ensure safety, comfort and holiday enjoyment for everyone involved.
When planning your holiday destination, consider these tips from the Alzheimer’s Association to provide for a more calming travel experience for someone living with Alzheimer’s:
- Evaluate best mode of travel: Based on needs, abilities, safety and preferences, decide what would provide the most comfort and the least anxiety. If the destination requires air travel, the Alzheimer’s Association provides these tips on alz.org.
- Pick a practical destination: Consider everyone’s needs and desires as you plan your trip and discuss the plan with the person living with dementia. Elaborate sightseeing trips or complicated tours may cause anxiety and confusion. And it is always important to consider destinations that have easy access to emergency health services and pharmacies.
- Simplify your travel itinerary: Try not to overload the person with many directions or too much information.
  - Carry with you an itinerary that includes details about each destination. Give copies to family members or friends you will be visiting or to emergency contacts at home.
  - Travel during the time of day is best for the person. For example, if he or she becomes tired or more agitated in the late afternoon, avoid traveling at this time.
  - Allow plenty of time for rest and don’t over-schedule.
- Keep travel necessities close: If traveling by air, keep necessary medications, up-to-date medical information, a list of emergency contacts and photocopies of important documents in your carry-on baggage. For longer car trips, make sure water and snacks are available.
- Brief your host: If you are staying with family or friends, make sure everyone knows what to expect. If you will be staying in a hotel, consider informing the staff ahead of time of your specific needs so they can be prepared to assist you.
- Be prepared: Environmental changes or new locations can cause anxiety and agitation in people with Alzheimer’s. These events can also trigger wandering. Monitor your loved one closely for signs of stress or confusion. Keep them close to you in crowded, unfamiliar places.
“The holidays should be a fun and relaxing time for friends and family, including people living with dementia,” said Shannon White, Chapter Executive. “By keeping your loved one’s needs top of mind for all travel decisions can allow for less stress and confusion and provide a joyous time for all.”

Preparation & Planning During the Holidays

Unique challenges facing dementia caregivers during the holidays
- The holidays are often filled with opportunities for togetherness, sharing, laughter and meaningful moments. But they can also bring stress, disappointment and sadness. A person with Alzheimer’s may feel a special sense of loss during the holidays because of the changes he or she has experienced. At the same time, caregivers may feel overwhelmed maintaining traditions while providing care.
- In the mild (early) stage, a person with Alzheimer’s may experience minor changes. Some may withdraw and be less comfortable socializing, while others may relish seeing family and friends as before. The key is to check in with each other and discuss options. A simple “How are you doing?” or “How are you coping with everything?” may be appreciated. Plan the holidays together, focusing on the things that bring happiness and letting go of activities that seem overwhelming or stressful.
- As the disease progresses into the moderate (middle) and severe (late) stages, consider rethinking your holiday plans. Everyone is unique and finding a plan that works can involve trial and error.
Tips for reducing holiday stress
- Make sure others know. The holidays are full of emotions, so let guests know what to expect before they arrive and tell them how they can help. For example, what activities can they do with the person living with Alzheimer’s and how best to communicate with them. “Cross talk” or simultaneous conversations can be challenging for people living with Alzheimer’s – try engaging them one-on-one.
- Build on traditions and memories. Take time to experiment with new traditions that might be less stressful or a better fit with your caregiving responsibilities, such as watching seasonal movies. For example, if evening confusion and agitation are a problem, turn your holiday dinner into a holiday lunch.
- Involve the person with dementia. Involve the person in safe, manageable holiday preparation activities that he or she enjoys. Ask him or her to help you prepare food, wrap packages, help decorate or set the table. (Avoid using candies, artificial fruits and vegetables as decorations because a person with dementia might confuse them with real food. Blinking lights may also confuse the person.)
- Plan ahead. When attending a holiday party, prepare the host for special needs, such as a quiet room for the person to rest when they get tired, away from the noise and distractions.
- Adjust expectations. Call a face-to-face meeting or arrange for a group discussion via telephone, video chat or email for family and friends to discuss holiday celebrations. Make sure that everyone understands the situation and has realistic expectations about what you can and cannot do. No one should expect you to maintain every holiday tradition or event.
- Let others contribute. Give yourself permission to do only what you can reasonably manage. Have a potluck dinner or ask others to host at their home. You also may want to consider breaking large gatherings up into smaller visits of two or three people at a time to keep the person with Alzheimer’s and yourself from getting overtired.
- Adapt gift giving. Provide people with suggestions for useful, safe and enjoyable gifts for the person such as comfortable, easy-to-remove clothing; CDs of favorite music; favorite foods and photo albums of family and friends.
- The Alzheimer’s Association 2023 Holiday Gift Guide offers gift ideas for individuals living in the early, middle and late-stages of Alzheimer’s disease. The guide also includes gift suggestions aimed at keeping those living with dementia engaged and involved in everyday tasks, as well as gift ideas for the 11 million family members and friendsacross the countryserving as unpaid caregivers for these individuals.
Additional Resources

To help caregivers and families navigate holiday-related challenges, the Alzheimer’s Association offers tips and resources to ensure an enjoyable holiday for all at https://www.alz.org/help-support/resources/holidays.

December 13, 2024

Five Things We’ve Learned About Alzheimer’s in 2024

2024 brought on a lot of hope through a productive year for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia research, including advancements in diagnosis, treatment, and risk management.

Below are the five significant findings we’ve learned in 2024…

U.S. FDA approves third new drug that slows the course of Alzheimer’s disease

In July 2024, people living with early Alzheimer’s and organizations such as the Alzheimer’s Association celebrated FDA approval of Kisunla, the third approval since 2021 of a treatment that slows progression and changes the underlying course of the disease.

Alzheimer’s Association president and CEO, Dr. Joanne Pike said, “This is real progress. [This FDA] approval allows people more options and greater opportunity to have more time. Having multiple treatment options is the kind of advancement we’ve all been waiting for.”

University of Kentucky School of Medicine #ALZFunded Researchers at 2024 Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) in Philadelphia, PA.

In this new era of treatment, there is an urgent need to better understand how new and future Alzheimer’s therapies work in real-world settings. That way, we can better understand their long-term health and safety outcomes in everyday settings. The Alzheimer’s Network for Treatment and Diagnostics (ALZ-NET) is a first-of-its-kind Alzheimer’s network dedicated to tracking real-world diagnostic and treatment outcomes. ALZ-NET also provides ongoing education and resources for clinicians, patients and families, helping them stay informed about the latest developments in Alzheimer’s research and care.

Blood tests for Alzheimer’s could improve accuracy of diagnosis and speed access to treatment

Highly accurate blood tests for Alzheimer’s are moving closer to broader use in physician’s offices. Research reported this year suggests they may highly improve the accuracy of diagnosis and provide a quicker path to research participation and treatment.

Dementia is often underdiagnosed — and if it is diagnosed by a clinician, many people are unaware or uninformed of their diagnosis. Blood tests for Alzheimer’s are demonstrating in research that they could significantly improve a clinician’s accuracy and confidence, provide greater accessibility and a reason for more communication.

Blood tests that accurately and reliably detect Alzheimer’s-related brain changes signal a shift to simpler, more accurate and earlier detection and diagnosis, potentially superseding current methods that are expensive, invasive and not always accessible.

In one study reported this year, a specific blood test was around 90% accurate in identifying Alzheimer’s in patients with cognitive symptoms seen in primary care and at specialized memory care clinics. Other research suggests that blood tests, once they are validated, could enhance recruitment for Alzheimer’s clinical trials and slash wait times for Alzheimer’s disease assessment. This research was funded in part by the Alzheimer’s Association.

Wildfire smoke raises risk of dementia more than other air pollution

Research has found that exposure to air pollution is associated with increased risk of dementia. But a new study reported at AAIC 2024 suggests that breathing in wildfire smoke increases the risk of being diagnosed with dementia more than other types of air pollution. These results come from a decade-long study of more than 1.2 million people in southern California.

The study says air pollution produced by wildfires now accounts for more than 70% of total particulate exposure on poor air quality days in California, and calls it “a real problem.” The findings were most pronounced among individuals from minoritized groups and in high poverty areas.

Air pollution produced by wildfires might be more hazardous to health because: it is produced at higher temperatures, contains a greater concentration of toxic chemicals and, on average, is smaller in diameter than other sources. More research needs to be done to determine the exact mechanisms.

Scientists define Alzheimer’s by the physical changes in the brain

A group of scientists and clinicians convened by the Alzheimer’s Association published updated criteria for diagnosis and staging of Alzheimer’s based on the physical changes that happen in the brain due to the disease — not solely the well-known outward symptoms, such as memory loss.

Alzheimer’s Association Funded Researchers shared their findings from latest research projects at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC), held annually to update the leaders of the organization on scientific advancements & developments

Defining diseases by the biology has long been standard in many areas of medicine — including cancer, heart disease and diabetes. The new publication defines Alzheimer’s as a biological process that begins with brain changes before people exhibit memory and thinking problems. The authors state that progression and expansion of these changes lead to the later appearance of symptoms, such as memory loss, disorientation, trouble with planning or organizing, and mental confusion.

To learn more about Alzheimer’s disease and dementia research advances, plus available care, information and support resources — and to join the cause or make a donation — visit the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org/kyin. As always, get guidance and answered questions by master-level clinicians; at any time, even holidays. Speak with someone by calling our 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900.

December 11, 2024December 12, 2024

Jingle Bell Jog ALZ Away

The 17th Annual Jingle Bell Jog ran smoothly in Stanford, Kentucky; a town of nearly 4,000 people had the holiday spirit in the streets.

950 people registered to run in honor of more than 100,000 people, who are currently living with Alzheimer’s disease in Greater Kentucky & Southern Indiana. With each stride, the community cheered on the runners and celebrated the compassion of more the 200,000 unpaid caregivers. Most often, those living with Alzheimer’s disease are taken care of by their family and friends; leading to stress and additional set of challenges.

Check out photos & videos from the event in the gallery below! And, check out more on our Facebook page; Greater Kentucky and Southern Indiana Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association – Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlzKYIN/ – @ALZKYIN on Instagram and X (fka Twitter).

November 4, 2024November 5, 2024

Because You Walk… We Have Hope

Our chapter hosts 12 Walk to End Alzheimer’s events throughout our service area as our largest fundraiser to accelerate research, offer care and support, and give our community a platform to share their voice on a federal and state level to enact legislative change.

Several families impacted by the disease, decided to share their story to thank the generous community for supporting their mission in the fight to end Alzheimer’s disease.

Don Woehler, 64 recently diagnosed with Early Onset Alzheimer’s, but chose hope.

Joyce and Don Woehler — The Woehlers at the Evansville Walk to End Alzheimer’s

At 64-years old, Don found out he had Early Onset Alzheimer’s. However, the Woehler’s decided to take it in stride, fueled by hope and travel to Indianapolis for treatments. The couple travels north bi-weekly and say, Don’s therapies have shown promising results.

With the support of their community, raised more than $6,500!!! The Woehler’s had dozens on their team; adding up to about 50 people walking behind Don, fighting along with him during his journey with the disease.

Donate to “Don’s Memory Bank” Team

Alzheimer’s impacts healthcare heroes in Owensboro, professionally and personally.

Cedarhurst of Owensboro Team at Walk Event

Caregivers are compassionate and patient; and the Cedarhurst of Owensboro team knows the importance of supporting the families in the community. The staff at the senior living facility has raised more than $1300 for the Owensboro Walk event.

“Walk day is fun for our staff and very meaningful because we care for individuals everyday who are living with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia.” – Team Captain, Cedarhurst of Owensboro. “The Alzheimer’s Association depends on fundraising efforts from teams like us. Until there is a cure, we will continue walking!”

Help Owensboro Walk to End Alzheimer’s Reach for Goal

Clara’s Clan, Fights for Families

Jasper is a small town, but in it lives a big family with the fight to end Alzheimer’s disease.

Clara’s Clan at Jasper Walk to End Alzheimer’s

“Clara’s Clan walks to honor our mom and grandma, Clara Muller. She was a strong, independent woman, mother of 8 and grandmother of many, but Alzheimer’s took us by surprise. It stole her memories and personality, her ability to take care of herself and eventually her life. One thing she taught us was to take action, and with a large, aging family we felt we had to be a part of the solution. So we share our story, give advice to other families and raise funds to support the fight. We walk so other families don’t have to watch their loved ones fade away from them. We walk to END Alzheimer’s.”

Clara’s Clan is the Jasper Walk to End Alzheimer’s top fundraising team of 2024.

Support the Small, but Mighty Jasper Community

Helping Heartbreak with Continuous Care

Staff at a Bowling Green Assisted Living Facility have chosen to invest in the mission of the Alzheimer’s Association. Fundraising more than $6,000 for the last several years for the Bowling Green Walk to End Alzheimer’s has given insight and inspiration to the Village Manor Walk to End Alzheimer’s Team.

“Many of the people who call Village Manor home are living with Alzheimer’s disease/dementia and a large part of what we do here is care for those individuals. Our team sees firsthand the havoc and heartbreak that Alzheimer’s Disease can cause, both for our residents, their families and for us, because our residents become our family too. It isn’t hard for us at Village Manor to get motivated to fundraise for Walk to End ALZ or to get participants to join our team – our residents and their families are all of the motivation we need to do our part to find a cure!” – Team Captain, Village Manor Team

Support the South-Central Kentucky Walk to End Alzheimer’s

Counting on the Christian County Community

Hosting multiple fundraisers a month, raising more than $5,700 through community partners coming together for end Alzheimer’s disease. Team Co-captain,

October 16, 2024

Owensboro Family Credits Fundraising for Hope, Among Hundreds at Walk to End Alzheimer’s Annual Event

Thank you to the local media outlets who covered the Owensboro Walk to End Alzheimer’s event on Sunday, September 29th at Smother’s Park and shared the stories of the community.

Tina Coon, Caregiver of Owensboro tells the Alzheimer’s Association, she’s happy to share her story with the public. She hopes the community continues to support the organization’s mission. Coon says, without it, her father, recently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s wouldn’t be able to go through the infusions to treat Alzheimer’s disease.

She agreed to share her story with the Owensboro Messenger Inquirer. Read more about her story below:

https://www.messenger-inquirer.com/news/local/moving-motivator-owensboro-hosts-walk-to-end-alzheimers-event-at-smothers-park/article_3fbac11a-4c87-5d14-8e9c-528dbbc00591.htmlhttps://www.messenger-inquirer.com/news/local/moving-motivator-owensboro-hosts-walk-to-end-alzheimers-event-at-smothers-park/article_3fbac11a-4c87-5d14-8e9c-528dbbc00591.html

“Biggest Support Group” Megan Irish, Owensboro Walk to End Alzheimer’s Manager says as hundreds gather for the annual fundraising event

The Alzheimer’s Association hopes to raise $125,000 for 2024 Owensboro Walk to End Alzheimer’s event. Donations for the Walk are still being taken until the end of the year (December 31st). If you’d like to make an impact, follow this link to make a donation and learn about gifts you can earn with each fundraising milestone.

The event offers a place where families can go to connect with others who support the fight against Alzheimer’s disease and understand the journey those impacted face. The Walk to End Alzheimer’s events have an surgency of energy when the promise garden ceremony brings to light how many people have lost someone, are living with and/or who care for someone living with the disease.

Read more about the event and how you can help at the link below:

https://www.tristatehomepage.com/news/hundreds-gather-to-walk-to-end-alzheimers

July 14, 2023December 7, 2023

We Alz Walks Together!

The Louisville Walk to End Alzheimer’s team held a kick off event at Kentucky Farm Bureau on Thursday. Over 100 people joined the Greater Kentucky Southern Indiana chapter staff, teams and their captains at a ceremonial event signifying the start of fundraising season!

“Inspiring, Impactful and Informational,” Lisa Young, Senior Walk Director describes what it felt like in the Commonwealth Conference room at Kentucky Farm Bureau. The room’s moniker lived up to its name. It served as a place for all walks of life, different types of families, caregivers, senior care workers; the array of people who make up the commonwealth of Kentucky, but also shows the vast impact Alzheimer’s and Dementia has on our neighbors.

Annette B., Anthology of Louisville brought a resident from her senior care community. A daily reminder for why she fundraises, and who its for. It’s for the Linda’s of the world. Linda donned a purple lei, accessorized with an ear to ear smile, with hardware in her hands. Anthology of Louisville is the Walk to End Alzheimer’s 2022 Top Care Facility Fundraising Team.

Over the course of a 30-minute presentation, Anette and Linda were one of 22 teams and participants who received ultimate recognition for most fundraising dollars in a category.

Louisville Ambassador Family, Briscoe Family

During the course of the evening, attendees filled out forms to enter giveaway prizes for branded Walk water bottles and gift certificates for dinner at Texas Roadhouse. Four lucky winners were drawn, but everyone walked away with something…a fundraising challenge.

Young tasked everyone in the room to help fundraise enough to hit the overall goal before the day of the Walk to End Alzheimer’s. What’s the walk goal, you ask? $500,000. Where does the money go? It stays in your community, whether to provide free education to your neighbors, friends and families or fund local researchers to continue the ultimate goal to finding a cure for Alzheimer’s and other types of Dementia.

Want to learn more about the Walk to End Alzheimer’s? Follow this link for more information to find a walk fundraiser in your area!

Do you have an interesting story and want to be featured on our blog and social media pages? Contact Communications Manager, Jerrica Valtierra at jvaltierra@alz.org.

When planning your holiday destination, consider these tips from the Alzheimer’s Association to provide for a more calming travel experience for someone living with Alzheimer’s:

“Biggest Support Group” Megan Irish, Owensboro Walk to End Alzheimer’s Manager says as hundreds gather for the annual fundraising event