Living Well with Dementia: A Community Strategy

In 2019, Shelly Roy created the Bev Roy Hope Foundation to honor her mother who lost her battle to Alzheimer's disease in 2018. The foundation allows Bev's positive outlook, love for others and giving spirit to live on.

The Bev Roy Hope Foundation is a collective effort to rewrite the story of dementia, replacing the old narrative of fear, isolation, despair, futility and loss with one of hope, connection, growth, purpose and courage. The new story encourages those diagnosed with Alzheimer's, especially those in the early stages of memory loss, to focus on their strengths and the things they can do and enjoy rather than areas where they may be experiencing diminishing capabilities.

The foundation's signature event, the Main Street Memory Cafe is an innovative - and FREE - program for people experiencing the early stages of diminished memory capacity, and their care partners. It serves as a safe and comfortable space where participants can socialize, listen to music, play games, participate in fun activities and enjoy a healthy snack.

We participate in other special events such as trolly tours around the City of St. Charles, the Lindenwood University Homecoming parade, tours of the Lewis & Clark Museum and many other fun events. Sign up for our emails and check the calendar on the website to stay informed of special events! You can join us on ZOOM, too!

People living with Alzheimer's and other related dementias and a companion engage in close observation and discussion of artwork followed by art-making inspired by the work discussed. Art In Mind provides meaningful art-centered activities that create positive emotional and cognitive experiences, enhance verbal and non-verbal communication, reduce isolation and build community.

Memory Keepers offers virtual classes that provide mental stimulation, social engagement and peer support for people with memory loss and their families. Memory Keepers offers caregiver support groups, one-on-one caregiver coaching, and other resources.

info@memorykeepers.org www.memorykeepers.org

Connecting generations through shared learning experiences, from athletic events and performing arts to virtual reality and the "Cyber Seniors" program. The W.I.S.E program (Wellness Inspired Social Enrichment) is a service-learning opportunity for students aligned with Lindenwood University's mission to give student Real Experience, Real Success. wise@lindenwood.edu.

Creating an informed, safe and respectful community for people with dementia includes:

• Raising awareness about Alzheimer's, transforming attitudes, and moving people to action

• Having supportive options that foster quality of life for persons touched by the disease and their caregivers and families

• Engaging and including people from diverse communities*

• Creating and promoting community life that welcomes and involves everyone

In December 2020, Patricia Friedel, 82, felt a pain in the left side of her upper back after lifting a heavy kettle of soup. The pain continued and worsened over the next few weeks. A medical provider diagnosed a muscle strain that was treated with pain medication.

The pain continued even after treatment for other spine conditions, then an MRI showed a compression fracture in her spine. She scheduled a consultation with Matt Bruns, an orthopedic nurse practitioner in the Bone Health Clinic at SSM Health DePaul Hospital.

Patricia was diagnosed with severe osteoporosis. She began treatment immediately and since March 2021 she has seen dramatic improvement in her bone health.

Bruns and orthopedic surgeon Dr. Gregory Nelson have built a bone health team of nurses, physical therapists and dietitians who help people with osteoporosis to strengthen their bones and muscles for better overall health.

The risks of osteoporosis include family history of osteoporosis, age 50+ years, low body weight, loss of height greater than 1 inch, illness treated with steroid medication, history of broken bones with frequent falls, or history of smoking or alcohol use.

Rather than wait for the signs of osteoporosis to develop, people who are at high risk for osteoporosis can make an appointment to see Bruns.

Patricia says it was “a blessing to find out about the Bone Health Clinic.” She has returned to driving and is walking a mile every day for exercise.

Matt Bruns, DNP, ONP-C, is certified in interpreting bone density tests. He specializes in helping people manage osteoporosis and bone health concerns, with more than 20 years of clinical experience in this field.

To make an appointment with Matt Bruns, call 314-291-7900 or visit ssmhealth.com/bonehealthclinic