Want to learn more about how you can improve your brain health and the importance of detecting Alzheimer’s disease early?
The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America is hosting a free webinar focusing on brain health and early detection for Virginia veterans later this month.
The webinar will take place on Sept. 24 from 11 a.m. to noon and will include information on memory screenings and as
“We are hoping they will have a deeper understanding of Alzheimer’s disease and how they might be more at risk and also about some of the services and support that are available,” said Jennifer Reeder, director of educational and social services for the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America.
Reeder said veterans are more at risk for developintg dementia.
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“The chronic stress of trauma and just chronic stress, in general, can definitely make a person more at risk for developing dementia,” she said
According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, Virginia is home to approximately 730.000 veterans. It also happens to be one of only three states where veterans make up at least 10 percent of the adult population.
The webinar will also provide information about healthy aging and other topics of importance to veterans.
Reeder said the Alzheimer’s Foundation uses webinars to raise awareness about brain health.
“I think so often people think about focusing on their physical health and that their mental health is completely separate, but everything is connected,” she said.
Reeder noted those with PTSD also struggle with substance abuse, which can also lead to dementia.
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“Eating a more healthier diet, exercise is incredibly important,” she said.
Reeder said people are fearful of going to the doctor and being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s because of the stigma attached to the disease.
“It can be empowering for someone to learn about their diagnosis because then they have a better understanding of what is happening, what kind of symptoms they might be experiencing, what they can do to manage their symptoms,” she said.
An early diagnosis also allows an individual to be an active participant in their future care before the disease robs them of the ability to make decisions for themselves, Reeder said. An early diagnosis also provides family members, friends, and caregivers with the opportunity to learn about what they will need to do to help their loved ones.
“Becoming a care partner with the person in the beginning stages of the disease, they are really partnering with the person about what they want for their future,” she added. “But when it gets to the middle stages and the late stages of the disease, the care partner is really taking on a caregiver role, which really means attending to someone’s personal needs.”
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Register here for more details.
Reach Julia LeDoux at Julia@connectingvets.com.
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