Alzheimer's Disease, Dementias and Healthy Aging

August 2025 Newsletter

There's growing research indicating a connection between poor oral health, particularly gum disease, and an increased risk of dementia. Take advantage of this opportunity sponsored by the Vermont Department of Health's Oral Health Program and Vermont's Free and Referral Clinics.

Vaccination Against Shingles May Reduce Dementia Risk

An analysis of health records from more than 280,000 people in Wales, UK, found that people who received the vaccine were 20% less likely to develop the debilitating brain disease over the next seven years, than those who hadn’t been vaccinated. The Vermont Department of Health provides information on the role of vaccination and health across the lifespan including for shingles: Immunizations | Vermont Department of Health. You can read more in-depth below about the Stanford University study.

Programs for Family Caregivers

The University of Vermont Medical Center Dementia Family Caregiver Center and the Department of Neurology 

This Fall the Dementia Family Caregiver Center is offering 2 CARERS groups and 1 TEACH group through telehealth, via a HIPPA compliant ZOOM video platform. These groups are intended for family members who have been actively providing care to a family member with dementia. There will be separate CARERS groups for spouses and adult children. 

Dementia Care Navigation Training Series

Health and social service professionals will learn the latest person-centered dementia care approaches and strategies in the Alzheimer's Association Dementia Care Navigation Training Series, a pre-recorded, instructor-led online course with interactive activities and real-time communication. The program takes 10 hours to complete.

• Who this is for: Dementia care navigators and other professionals providing navigation-type services to people living with dementia and their caregivers.
• How much it costs: $249.99 per person. 

This program meets the training requirements for the Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE) Model from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). It may also fulfill certain state training requirements. 

Hot Weather in Vermont

Climate change is making hot weather in Vermont more frequent and intense, raising the risk of heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke. People most at risk include older adults, especially those with a dementia, folks with disabilities, individuals with chronic health conditions, young children, pregnant people, outdoor workers, and people experiencing homelessness. Those without access to air conditioning are particularly susceptible to dangerous overnight heat. The Health Department advises staying hydrated with decaffeinated, non‑alcoholic fluids, seeking shade or air‑conditioned spaces, and limiting outdoor activity during peak heat. It’s critical to check on neighbors or family who may not have cooling options or who are more vulnerable to heat illness. Vermont offers multilingual heat safety materials and an interactive cooling‑site map to help people find places to cool off.