Advancing the Science: The Latest in Alzheimer's & Dementia Research; Humboldt County Walk to End Alzheimer's

We will review the landscape of Alzheimer's and dementia science, illustrate the highlights in early detection and diagnosis and explain some of the latest advances in clinical trials, treatment and lifestyle interventions, including things we can all do today to decrease our risk of developing dementia.

Claire Day, on-staff since 2001, oversees all clinical operations and service delivery throughout the Chapter's territory, responsible for delivering community social services in the form of education, support, advocacy and care management to people with dementia and their families, as well as to professional caregivers. In addition, Ms. Day oversees all research initiatives. Prior to joining the Northern California and Northern Nevada Chapter in 2017, Ms. Day was Senior Vice President at the Delaware Valley Chapter in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, serving in a similar role. Ms. Day is a Clinical Social Worker and received her degree from Bloomsburg University in 1993. Prior to joining the Alzheimer's Association, she worked in the long-term care field as a patient and family advocate. In 2018, Ms. Day was appointed as the Chapter Lead for the U.S. Study to Protect Brain Health Through Lifestyle Intervention to Reduce Risk (U.S. Pointer) team in California at UC Davis. U.S. Pointer is a two-year clinical trial to evaluate whether lifestyle interventions that simultaneously target multiple risk factors protect cognitive function in older adults at increased risk for cognitive decline. Ms. Day has more than 20 years of experience as a family and professional educator in dementia care, has appeared on numerous television and radio programs throughout the region. She is the author of two forwards to Alzheimer's caregiver books; Life Lessons from a Baker's Dozen by Kerry Luksic and Lucy's Tears by John Rydel. She was a national presenter at the 2006, 2007 and 2008 Annual Dementia Conferences. In 2008 she received the inaugural "Spirit of Community" Award from Stapeley in Germantown. In 2012 she assisted with a story on NBC Nightly News showcasing support services to caregivers. Today she co-hosts a monthly Internet radio program on dementia caregiving. One of her greatest accomplishments was being selected on a National Help Team following Hurricane Katrina, traveling for two weeks to Mississippi to provide hurricane relief to people with dementia and their loved ones. She uses the lessons learned to help improve the quality of life to those she serves.

Kim Coelho is the community engagement manager for the Alzheimer's Association. Previously she worked for the American Cancer Society for 15 years as a health educator and fundraiser. Kim has a B.A. in journalism from Cal Poly Humboldt and a masters degree in community health from Austin Peay State University. She worked for the American Cancer Society for 15 years as a health educator and fundraiser.

 

• See upcoming presentations at the Brown Bag Lunch presentations website.
• See more past presentations at the Brown Bag Lunch presentations archive.