Dementia Friendly Pennsylvania

Join us for our next Dementia Friendly Webinar- The Psychological & Emotional Impact of Dementia.

RSVP for free in advance: https://bit.ly/dementiaemotions

Learning Objectives:
- Describe the emotions that someone newly diagnosed and living with dementia may feel.
- Understand how dementia can impact existing mental health and create new concerns.
- Identify ways providers, social workers, and care partners can provide support.

Featuring:
Diane Powell, Exec. Director and Founder, Community and Family Builders
Dr. Lyn Weinberg, MD, Geriatrician, Allegheny Health Network Alison Lynn, LCSW, Director of Social Work, Penn Memory Center
Dave Lapinsky, Ed. D. Care Partner

Start a dementia friendly community in your part of Pennsylvania!

Schedule a 30-minute Discovery Meeting and complete a pledge to join the network of Pennsylvania Dementia Friendly Communities. We are here to help you along the way!

To get started or learn more, visit: https://www.dementiafriendlypa.org/dementia-friendly-communities/pledge-to-join-pennsylvanias-network-of-dementia-friendly-communities

New research commissioned by The Lancet suggests that 45% of cases of dementia could be delayed or reduced.

The study indicated that addressing most risk factors in mid-life (18-65) had the greatest impact in delaying or preventing the onset of dementia later in life. In early life (0-18), less education was found to have the greatest impact, while social isolation, air pollution and vision loss were found to have a more significant impact on risk in late life (65+).

The study also identifies failing eyesight and elevated LDL cholesterol levels as new risk factors. Read more below.

ADI - Lancet Commission identifies two new risk factors for dementia and suggests 45% of cases could be delayed or reduced The research, commissioned by The Lancet revised their 2020 findings to include failing eyesight and high LDL cholesterol as risk factors for dementia.

Our friends at Dementia Friends Massachusetts are hosting a webinar on October 29 called Let's Talk About Dementia and Culture!

Simultaneous interpretation in Spanish, and captions in English and many languages available

Join researchers, advocates living with dementia, public health leaders, and community-based dementia educators as we explore current evidence-based tips for brain health, how these link to the structural and social determinants of health, and what research and life experience tell us about continuing to live well with a dementia diagnosis.

Attendance is free but registration is required. Fee for CEUs.
https://bit.ly/dementiasymposium2024

Dementia Friendly Susquehanna Valley is offering a Caregiver Support Group one Thursday each month. Upcoming dates are listed below.

This is a great way for those caring for a person living with dementia to socialize, get some advice, and connect with local resources!

Call Dementia Friendly Community Leaders Elaine Spicher or Karrie Sarisky at 570-784-5211 to register.

Join us TONIGHT for our monthly DFSV Caregiver Support Group!

This is a great way for those caring for Dementia patients to socialize, get some advice, and connect with local resources!

Call Elaine Spicher or Karrie Sarisky at 570-784-5211 to register!

Check out the flyer below for our upcoming dates!

Have an upcoming conference or scheduling a community event?

Find and schedule a presenter through our Speakers Bureau!
https://www.dementiafriendlypa.org/dementia-friendly-pa-speakers-bureau

The Dementia Friendly Pennsylvania Speakers Bureau is comprised of knowledgeable Dementia Friendly Community Leaders and Community Advisory Committee members with expertise in many different areas.

Thank you Dementia Friendly Lancaster for an action-packed Dementia Friendly Workshop!

We connected with community members and partners, made new Dementia Friends, and provided a Champion Training!

Want to start a dementia friendly community initiative in your part of Pennsylvania?

Schedule a discovery meeting with us and sign a pledge to join the network of Pennsylvania Dementia Friendly Communities!

Get started today- https://www.dementiafriendlypa.org/dementia-friendly-communities/pledge-to-join-pennsylvanias-network-of-dementia-friendly-communities

Our partners at Alzheimer's Foundation of America are hosting a webinar on Thursday, September 12 at 1-2PM ET on Navigating Dental Care for Individuals with Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD): A Collaborative Approach for Caregivers and Providers.

Free to join, but registration is required:
https://alzfdn.org/event/navigating-dental-care-for-individuals-with-alzheimers-disease-and-related-dementias-adrd-a-collaborative-approach-for-caregivers-and-providers/

We are excited to meet everyone at the upcoming Dementia Friendly Lancaster Teepa Snow Event and Dementia Friendly Workshop at Lancaster Alliance Church!

August 21: Teepa Snow AM & PM Sessions- Stop by our table to talk and grab resources!

August 22: Dementia Friendly Workshop- Join us for a Dementia Friends Session & Champion Training!

There is still time to register!
https://www.gardenspotvillage.org/dementia-friendly-lancaster-teepa-snow-event/

The mission of Dementia Friendly Berks County is to support people living with dementia and their care partners by raising awareness, increasing knowledge, and reducing the stigma around dementia.

To get involved, contact Natalie Mott at Celebration Villa of Exeter at email: [email protected] or phone: 610-370-2211!

Team at Celebration Villa of Exeter launches ‘Dementia Friendly Berks County’ to increase inclusion for people living with dementia A new, grassroots community initiative “Dementia Friendly Berks County” launched this month to increase understanding and inclusion of people living with dementia here in the Berks County Area. Natalie Mott, Heather McCool, and Danika Grassley, all of Celebration Villa of Exeter, a Personal and ...

Watch this video to learn about the main forms of Lewy Body Dementia (LBD), how the disease changes the brain, common symptoms, and more.

Head over to Lewy Body Dementia Association to find support or call the Lewy Line anytime- LEWY LINE: 800.539.9767

What Is Lewy Body Dementia? Lewy body dementia, or LBD, is a brain disorder that can cause problems with thinking, movement, mood, and behavior. This video covers the main types of LBD,...

Dementia is a common issue for older adults with diabetes and research shows that people with diabetes are more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias than those without diabetes.

A new study, published in the journal JAMA Network Open indicates that maintaining more stable hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels over time in ranges tailored to individuals is associated with a lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias in older adults.

The researchers say this could help doctors identify people with diabetes who are at a higher risk of Alzheimer’s.

A1C test: Blood sugar stability may help lower dementia risk For older adults with diabetes, having a more stable hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) level over time may be associated with a lower risk of Alzheimer disease and dementia, a new study finds.

Today on National Book Lover's Day we recognize the important part libraries play in a dementia friendly community!

Libraries support social connection, engagement, and belonging at any age and a dementia friendly library does just this by fostering an inclusive community and providing dementia friendly programming.

We are grateful to work with Pennsylvania Library Association (PaLA) as part of our Community Advisory Committee to engage libraries across the Commonwealth!

Visit our website to FIND or ADD an upcoming dementia friendly event taking place in your part of Pennsylvania!
https://www.dementiafriendlypa.org/calendar-events

You can easily add a dementia friendly education event, a support group, memory cafe, or a dementia friendly outing!

Let's help everyone stay connected to their community!

Dementia Friendly Lehigh Valley
Dementia Friendly York/Adams
Dementia Friendly Lancaster
Dementia-Friendly Greater Pittsburgh
Dementia Friendly Doylestown Bucks County PA
Dementia Friendly Susquehanna Valley

We are one week away from our August webinar-
Finding the Joy in Dementia Caregiving!

We are excited to welcome Loretta Veney, Inspirational Speaker & Certified LEGO®️Serious Play®️Facilitator!
Register for free in advance: https://bit.ly/dementiajoy

Learning goals:
- Dealing with the anxiety and stress of caregiving
- Replacing dementia challenges with Joy
- Ensuring daily doses of Joy

Stay up-to-date on webinars, new resources, and events by signing up for our mailing list!

Sign up here ➡️ https://www.dementiafriendlypa.org/contact-us

Many people wonder if Alzheimer’s disease runs in their family, and how their genes may play a role. Understanding the role genes play in Alzheimer’s and related dementias is key to finding effective methods of prevention and treatment.

Watch this video to learn more about the role of genetics in Alzheimer’s: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vYZ1RppCysQ

Genetics and Alzheimer’s Disease Ten years ago, we knew of only 10 genes associated with Alzheimer’s Disease. Today, we know of more than 70 relevant genetic regions. Understanding the role ...

You can download or request Dementia Friendly Pennsylvania Awareness cards- now available in English or Spanish!

Visit our website: https://www.dementiafriendlypa.org/resources to access this valuable resource to use in the community!

“The heart does not get dementia,” said Maaike Staffhorst, the museum’s spokesperson. “People with dementia still have feelings and they can give a sense of fulfilment.

Wonderful organizations like ARTZ Philadelphia and Wills Creek Performing Arts are connecting people living with dementia to the arts in Pennsylvania!

‘Smell it, it’s wonderful’: Dutch gallery designs tours for people with dementia Kunstmuseum Den Haag tour sparks senses of people with dementia and their carers

We are excited to share this wonderful resource offered through a new partnership between Dementia Friendly America and TimeSlips!

DFA will be hosting the no-cost TimeSlips Friends & Family online training module (available in English and Spanish) via just one click: https://dfamerica.org/timeslips/

The TimeSlips Friends & Family Training is designed for anyone looking to learn new ways to connect with a loved one experiencing cognitive changes. Created in collaboration with family caregivers, this Friends & Family training takes approximately 45 minutes to complete and will provide you with an introduction to TimeSlips and creative engagement tools that you can put to immediate use.

We are pleased to welcome Dementia Friendly Berks County to the network of Dementia Friendly Pennsylvania Communities! 🤩

The community leaders are excited to grow a Community Action Team over the upcoming months. If you are from and want to get involved, reach out to us and we are happy to connect you!

Celebration Villa of Exeter

More than four times as many people living with dementia live in their own homes than live in nursing homes or residential care facilities. (Source: Population Reference Bureau).

However, as changes occur, home adaptations may be needed to make your home a safer one. For more home modification and safety tips, visit Pathways Section 4.7!
https://daanow.org/pathways/

Join the Allentown Art Museum, Age-Friendly Lehigh Valley, and United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley for an amazing community outing on Saturday, August 10 from 11:30am - 1pm!

Mindful Morning at the Museum is an opportunity for adults living with dementia and caregivers to participate in a free guided art tour focusing on self-care with a mindful drawing activity in the galleries of the Allentown Art Museum.

Immediately following the tour, there will be self-care bags and light refreshments in the museum's cafe!

To learn more or register, scan the QR code or contact Erika Newhard: 610-432-4333 ext. 132, [email protected]!

Join us on Wednesday for the Pennsylvania Voice of Inspired Change for Elders virtual Lunch & Learn as we share more about our initiatives!

Register today ➡️
https://voicepa.org/event/virtual-lunch-and-learn-7-24-2024/

Join Dementia Friendly Lancaster for their Dementia Friendly Workshop on August 22 at Lancaster Alliance Church! There is an action packed agenda with the ability to choose your own agenda!

Register today and stop by our table to say hello!
https://www.gardenspotvillage.org/workshop-2024-registration/

We love !
Thank you to the Pennsylvania State Parks for creating this dementia friendly option!

The quarter-mile, paved loop Sensory Trail at Cook Forest State Park features braille/raised letter signage, a guide cable, sturdy benches, and a picnic area at the trailhead.

The self-guided walking trail loops through a mature hardwood forest and features signs that point out new ways of experiencing nature, such as listening for bird calls or touching the bark of trees to identify them.

A flexible railing allows visitors to easily find where the trail leads.

Learn more ➡️ https://bit.ly/3urI1aj.

Help our friends at Clarion Area Agency on Aging learn what would be helpful for people living with dementia and care partners in the community!

Your input will help start a Caregiver Support Group in Clarion County. Email Samantha at [email protected] or message them directly!

We understand the challenges of being a Care Giver and want to hear from you. Your input will help us start a Care Giver Support Group in Clarion County. Please take a moment to answer the questions below. Your feedback is crucial in determining the need, understanding the challenges, and finding ways to support those who are going through the difficult journey of caregiving. If you prefer to reach out personally, please feel free to email me at [email protected].