Commun ty Matters Newton 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 5
Eleanore Myers, along with Executive Director Marc Kessinger, left, and PMMA CEO Bruce Shogren.
Eleanore Myers Honored as Volunteer of the Year Every Tuesday, the Newton Presbyterian Manor Chapel is packed for the women’s Bible study led by Eleanore Myers. She also has served on the resident council, does laundry for dining services, and helped organize a fundraising campaign for a baby grand piano. When a group of employees knocked on her door one afternoon holding balloons and flowers, she assumed they were for someone else. They weren’t. That was the day Eleanore learned she had been named Volunteer of the Year by LeadingAge Kansas, an association of 160 not-for-profit organizations that provide aging services. The award recognizes a volunteer who has enriched the lives of residents and staff in LeadingAge Kansas member organizations. “It was a happy, happy surprise,” Eleanore said. “I didn’t know there was such a thing.” She was honored Oct. 1 at the association’s banquet in Manhattan. “There’s no doubt Eleanore Myers’ commitment to provide quality senior services guided by her Christian values has been a huge asset VOLUNTEER, continued on page 4