Alzheimer's Disease, Dementias and Healthy Aging

April Newsletter

Could it be Parkinson’s? What are the early signs?

It can be hard to tell if you or a loved one has Parkinson’s Disease (PD). PD is neurodegenerative disorder that affects certain neurons in the brain. Symptoms tend to develop slowly over years and the progression of symptoms is often different from one person to another.

Here are 10 early signs of Parkinson’s:

1. Tremors, often in the hands or fingers
2. Small handwriting
3. Loss of smell
4. Trouble sleeping
5. Trouble moving or walking, including stiffness and balance problems
6. Constipation
7. A soft or low voice
8. Facial Masking, meaning a reduction of facial expressions
9. Dizziness or fainting
10. Stooping or hunching over

No single signs means that you should worry, but if you have more than one, consider making an appointment to talk to your doctor. Click the button below to learn more about the stages of PD, managing symptoms, and current research.

Additional resources: Parkinson's Foundation The Michael J. Fox Foundation

LGBTQIA+ Panel Discussion: Offering Culturally Sensitive Care

April 3, 2025

12Noon - 1 PM ET

This session will feature a panel discussion of LGBTQIA+ caregivers providing valuable insights to professionals on how to offer LGBTQIA+ culturally sensitive care to this unique population.

We thank the dementia care workforce for all you do to support individuals living with dementia and their caregivers. New this year, we are offering free CEU programs throughout the year for dementia care professionals in lieu of our annual professional conference. We recognize the importance of flexibility when it comes to educational opportunities. We hope you will join us at one of our live virtual offerings.

Caring for People with Memory Loss Conference

FREE Hybrid Conference

Saturday, June 14, 2025

8:30AM-4:15PM CST (9:30AM - 5:15PM EST)

Virtually via Zoom or in-person at the McNamara Alumni Center, University of Minnesota.

Join experts in a lively, informative discussion related to memory loss, caregiving tips, and what you can do to help.

The goal of this conference is to provide information, support, and education for adult children, spouses, parents, health and community care providers, and others concerned with caring for people with memory loss. The conference is free for those not seeking Continuing Education Units (CEUs). Pre-registration is required for all.

Dementia Friendly Vermont

Libraries are respected community institutions and vital to a dementia friendly community. The Vermont Department of Health's Alzheimer's Disease and Healthy Aging Program, Offices of Local Health, the Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living, and the Vermont Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association have begun collaborating with several Vermont libraries to help them achieve dementia friendly status - working with them to create welcoming environments, provide access to resources, services, and programming for people living with dementia and their families. An initiative to engage more libraries across the state will begin this summer. To learn more about Dementia Friendly communities spend a few minutes checking out What are Dementia Friendly Communities at healthvermont.gov .

Advance Directive Education Program

Presented by:

Cindy Bruzzese, MPA, MSB, HEC-C

Executive Director & Clinical Ethicist, Vermont Ethics Network

&

John Marchica, Attorney

Marchica Law Office, LLC - Estate Planning

Monday, April 14 

 6:30 PM

(in person only)

Springfield Area Adult Day Service

266 River Street

Springfield, VT 05156

Google Map for Adult Day

Tobacco and Brain Health

Smoking significantly increases the risk for Alzheimer's Disease and other dementias. Here are some key findings based on recent research:

1. Increased Risk for Alzheimer's Disease: Smoking is linked to an increased risk of Alzheimer's, because it accelerates the breakdown of nerve cells. Smokers have been shown to have a higher accumulation of beta-amyloid plaques, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. Chemicals in tobacco can damage blood vessels, leading to reduced blood flow to the brain, which contributes to cognitive decline and the development of Alzheimer's. (Alzheimer's Association).
2. Damage to Brain Cells and Cognitive Function: Smoking reduces the levels of neurotransmitters like dopamine and acetylcholine, which are crucial for memory and learning. This damage accelerates cognitive decline, and over time, it can increase the risk of developing conditions like vascular dementia and Alzheimer's. (National Institute on Aging).
3. Vascular Dementia: Smoking also contributes to vascular dementia. Smoking causes narrowing and hardening of the arteries, leading to poor circulation including in the brain, which in turn increases the risk of strokes and other issues that contribute to dementia. (JAMA Neurology).

Tobacco use, especially smoking, is a significant, modifiable risk factor for dementia, including Alzheimer's, and quitting can help reduce this risk over time. For effective, free, 24/7 support to quit smoking, vaping or other tobacco use, visit 802Quits. Quit medications, phone counseling, online and text support is available for you and your family.

DIABETES 2025:

Updates on Management and Treatment

Friday, May 9, 2025

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel

South Burlington, VT

A conference designed to equip primary care clinicians, pharmacists, dietitians and others with updated knowledge on issues related to outpatient management of patients with diabetes.