Alzheimer's Disease, Dementias and Healthy Aging

May Newsletter

You are invited to a community input session.

You share we listen!

Help us create a State Plan for Alzheimer’s Disease, Related Dementias and Healthy Aging that works for all Vermonters. The plan will include strategies that address ageism, healthy aging, and supports for those living with dementia, their caregivers and families. Share your experiences with us and receive a gift card for your time.

**Tuesday, May 13 

10:30 AM – 12:15 PM

Brooks Memorial Library

224 Main Street

Brattleboro, VT

Tuesday, May 13 

12 Noon – 1:45 PM

Arrowhead Senior Center

46 Middle Rd

Milton, VT

**Wednesday, May 14

12:30 – 1:45 PM

Heineberg Senior Center

14 Heineberg Rd

Burlington, VT

Wednesday, May 14

6:30 – 7:30PM

  VIRTUAL ONLY

Use this link to join the meeting:

State Alzheimer’s Action Plan Input Session

Thursday, May 15

12 Noon – 1:45PM

Good Living Senior Center

1207 Main St #2

St. Johnsbury

**Friday, May 16

10:30 AM – 12:15 PM

Godnick Adult Center

1 Deer Street

Rutland, VT

** group discussion will be preceded by a presentation from the Alzheimer’s Association

BrainStorm

PODCASTS



Alzheimer's Updates and Developments

What's New for 2025?

by Dr. Rudy Tanzi

Join BrainStorm host Meryl Comer as she kicks off 2025 with "Rockstar of Science" Dr. Rudy Tanzi, the pioneering Director of Genetics and Aging Research and Director of the McCance Center for Brain Health at Mass General Hospital. Dr. Tanzi delves into the new FDA-approved drugs, early cognitive blood tests, and why treating Alzheimer's should mirror our approach to heart disease by focusing on prevention long before symptoms appear. Drawing from his decades of research, Dr. Tanzi shares his vision for the future.

What is Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD)?

Creutzfeldt-Jakob (KROITS-felt YAH-kobe) disease, also known as CJD, is a rare brain disorder that leads to dementia. It belongs to a group of human and animal diseases known as prion disorders. Symptoms of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease can be similar to those of Alzheimer's disease. But Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease usually gets worse much faster.

CJD affects about 1 or 2 in every million people each year in the US. The primary symptoms of CJD are cognitive decline leading to dementia, mood changes, involuntary muscle jerks, lack of coordination, and apathy.

Peer to Peer Mentoring Program

The UVMMC Dementia Family Caregivers Center is seeking family caregivers who are new to dementia caregiving with an interest in having a mentor with lived experience in our annual Peer to Peer Mentoring Program. This volunteer program begins mid-May. Past participants have found this mentee-mentor relationship to be supportive, rewarding, and transformative. This P2P model has been informed by collaborative efforts with Rush University.