Alzheimer's Disease, Dementias and Healthy Aging


September Newsletter

Two older women in bike attire on a sunny day
Drawing of a heart with abnormal EKG scan

Atrial Fibrillation & Dementia:

The Heart-Brain Connection


Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common cardiovascular disease in the older population and might be related to dementia development in a number of ways. A principal complication of AF is stroke, a well-known risk factor for dementia. Lower cardiac output due to AF leads to reduced blood flow to the brain, which can damage it. AF may also be linked to dementia development due to overlapping risk factors such as hypertension, heart disease, obesity or excessive alcohol consumption. Major epidemiologic studies concerning AF-related cognitive decline and dementia, the potential mechanisms underlying their association, and the cognitive benefits of treatment options have been explored.


Read the full review here
Woman in a blue windbreaker on a windy lakeshore

Dementia: Huntington's Disease


Huntington's disease is a rare, inherited disease that causes the progressive breakdown of nerve cells (neurodegeneration) in the brain. Huntington's disease has a wide impact on a person's functional abilities and usually results in movement, thinking (cognitive) impairments and psychiatric disorders.


Huntington's disease symptoms can develop at any time, but they often first appear when people are in their 30s or 40s. If the condition develops before age 20, it's called juvenile Huntington's disease. When Huntington's develops early, symptoms are somewhat different and the disease may progress faster.


Medications are available to help manage the symptoms of Huntington's disease. But treatments can't prevent the physical, mental and behavioral decline associated with the condition.

Learn more
older women in an exercise class
  • In 2020, 31% of Vermonters 45 years or older reported experiencing a fall within the last year.
  • Among Vermonters who reported experiencing a fall in the last 12 months, 31% reported being injured from that fall.
  • In 2020, there were 171 Vermont residents 65+ who had a fall-related death. 

Falls Prevention

Awareness Week


Falls prevention is a team effort and everyone has a role to play to reduce falls risk.  We know what contributes to falls, which means they can be prevented. One of the ways you can prevent a fall is by knowing who you can call on for help, or creating a falls prevention team to help you spot and address your fall risk.

Start building your team!
People participating in the Alzheimer's Walk

Champlain Valley Walk to End Alzheimer's

September 18, 2022


Many of us have experienced the loss caused by dementia, and the meaningful joy of caregiving. We are dedicated to supporting prevention and research, believing together we can improve the lives of Vermonters who are currently impacted by dementia - and improve the lives of future generations by defeating it.


We walk in honor of our loved ones and all Vermonters who are in this fight together to find a cure – and would love to have you walk with us.

Join the team!

2022 Walk to End Alzheimer's - Upper Valley, VT/NH

Saturday, October 1, 2022


Event Page

2022 Walk to End Alzheimer's - Rutland, VT

Saturday, September 24, 2022


Event Page

Alzheimer's Disease and Healthy Aging Program

September 2022 Newsletter