Alzheimer's Disease, Dementias and Healthy Aging


March Newsletter
National Women's History Month with stylized, animated figures of a diverse group of women
Two older ladies, one with dementia, walking and talking

Why are women more likely to develop Alzheimer's Disease?



In the United States, nearly two-thirds of the more than 6 million people living with Alzheimer's Disease (AD) are women. Alzheimer’s disease is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States, and the fifth leading cause of death in Vermont. One in three seniors die from AD or another form of dementia. Women are disproportionately affected by the disease and also serve as the majority of caregivers for other people living with the disease.


There are differences in the way that Alzheimer’s behaves clinically in women versus men. The cause of these sex-linked differences in AD risk and disease patterns are not entirely clear and are still being studied. Some possible factors include:



  • genetic differences due to the composition of sex chromosomes (two X chromosomes in women versus one X and one Y in men)
  • sex hormones (estrogen versus testosterone)
  • differences in brain composition
  • gender and life experiences
Key takeaways
Learn more


ALZ-NET


ALZ-NET is a voluntary provider-enrolled patient network that collects clinical and imaging data from people evaluated for or treated with new FDA-approved Alzheimer’s therapies. This includes treatments that slow disease progression and treat cognitive, behavioral, or neuropsychiatric symptoms of Alzheimer’s. ALZ-NET is an information sharing resource which fosters learning across clinical and research communities, encouraging innovative, inclusive research and supporting opportunities to improve care. ALZ-NET is sponsored by the Alzheimer’s Association and is managed and operated by the American College of Radiology.
Learn more



Professional Training




PERSON-CENTERED DEMENTIA CARE

A Habilitation Therapy Training Curriculum


TRAINING DATES:


MAY 20 & 21, 2025

9:00 AM - 12:30 PM


The curriculum is a train-the-trainer model created to prepare

attendees, already familiar with Alzheimer's and dementia care, to train direct-care staff in a wide range of residential and community-based care settings. The 7-hour virtual training teaches attendees how to deliver the 13-hour curriculum based on the person-centered model of Habilitation Therapy.


Questions? Contact Lorraine Kermond at lkermond@alz.org
Register here

Somebody I Used to Know


Wendy Mitchell had a busy job with the British National Health Service, raised her two daughters alone, and spent her weekends running and climbing mountains. Then, slowly, a mist settled deep inside the mind she once knew so well, blurring the world around her. She didn't know it then, but dementia was starting to take hold. In 2014, at age fifty-eight, she was diagnosed with young-onset Alzheimer's.


In her memoir, Mitchell shares the heartrending story of her cognitive decline and how she has fought to stave it off. Despite her fear for the future, Mitchell was determined and resourceful, and vowed to outwit the disease for as long as she could. She learned to embrace her new life and the chance to experience the world with fresh eyes and to find her own way to make a difference.


ALZ Advocacy Day 2025


Thursday, April 10

9:30 AM - 4:00 PM

at

Statehouse, Montpelier, VT


On April 10, 2025, Vermonters with Alzheimer's and all other dementias, care partners, and representatives from allied organizations will convene in Montpelier for a day of advocacy, community building, and celebration.


There will be opportunities to:

  • Share your story with elected leaders and other advocates
  • Hear highlights from Vermont's Alzheimer's and Healthy Aging Program and our State Dementia Coordinator
  • Be recognized in the House Chamber and witness the reading of an Alzheimer's Awareness Resolution
  • Share your ideas for making Vermont a more dementia friendly state
  • Attend the opening reception of an Art Show featuring works by Vermonters with dementia
  • Turn the Statehouse purple in honor of Vermonters with dementia and their care partners!


We will have some opportunities for virtual and online participation and you do not have to commit to the entire day to attend.
Learn more and Register

Advancing Aging Research: Leveraging Frailty Biology,

AI, and Technology for Clinical Innovation



PETER ABADIR, MD


FREE Medicine Grand Rounds

March 21, 2025

8:00 - 9:00 AM

Davis Auditorium or remotely via Teams
More information / Register

University of Vermont Project ECHO

Cancer Survivorship for Primary Care



The Cancer Survivorship series will discuss best practices and evidence-based care for cancer survivors, including support of psychosocial and wellbeing needs, implementation of appropriate preventive measures, and management of the late effects of cancer treatment. The program is a collaborative effort developed with the Vermont Department of Health, the UVM Cancer Center, Vermonters Taking Action Against Cancer (VTAAC), and an interprofessional team with a statewide focus. Vermont data, regional and state resources, and models of care will be discussed. With added awareness, primary care providers and their teams, including those in more rural settings, will be able to collaborate and coordinate care more effectively for cancer survivors. Register by March 7.
Register
Informational flyer

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Alzheimer's Disease and Healthy Aging Program

March 2025

Vermont Department of Health | 280 State Drive | Waterbury, VT 05671-8380 US

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