Commun ty Matters Lawrence Presbyterian Manor
November 2014
Lifestyle changes key to Alzheimer’s prevention We now have a prescription that researchers think can delay or prevent the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. It’s not a pill, it’s a list of lifestyle choices. Results from a landmark study announced this summer show that having a healthy lifestyle may be the key. “It’s the first time we have been able to give people a kind of recipe for what is useful,” said Maria Carrillo, vice president of medical and scientific relations at the Alzheimer’s Association. More than 5 million Americans live with Alzheimer’s, and it is the sixth leading cause of death in the U.S. Millions more will likely develop dementia as the baby boomers age. In the study, researchers looked at 1,260 people in Finland from 60 to 77 years old, who were at risk for Alzheimer’s. One group went on a lifestyle improvement program and the other group received general health advice. The results were dramatic. The lifestyle program included: Eat well: Start by adding fruits and vegetables to your regular diet. Ease out fats and fried foods, and always choose whole grains rather than highly refined bakery products. BRAIN, continued on page 4
Carol Ann Vernon is actively involved on several councils and committees at Lawrence Presbyterian Manor.
Carol Ann Vernon Volunteering, just as her father once did Carol Ann Vernon has been a resident of Lawrence Presbyterian Manor for eight years. In her time at LPM, she has been president of our Independent Resident Council and a member of our Library Committee and the Buildings and Grounds Committee. But those aren’t the only ties that bind Carol Ann to the Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America family. Her father, R. Clair Anderson, was the first administrator at Kansas City Presbyterian Manor. After he retired from a career in accounting, Carol Ann’s father became involved in various activities, including serving as treasurer at the Synod office in Topeka and as president of the United Presbyterian Foundation of Kansas board of trustees. That’s also when his work with Presbyterian Manors began. His passion for the communities lasted throughout his life, as he was involved with fundraising and increasing awareness about PMMA. “He was very active and believed strongly in the Presbyterian Manors,” Carol Ann said. “So we had no hesitation about coming here when we decided a retirement home was something we’d like to do.”