Spring 2024

In this issue: Alzheimer's and the Importance of a Proper Diagnosis 
Weld Aging Well • Fresh Conversations
Aspen Club • AARP Foundation Free Tax-Aide Program 

Alzheimer's and the Importance of a Proper Diagnosis

A disease without a cure still requires a diagnosis.
More than 6.5 million people across the United States, including 76,000 Coloradans, are living with Alzheimer’s disease, the only major disease without a prevention or cure. Sadly, half of those with the disease never receive a diagnosis, preventing needed care and potentially putting these individuals and others at increased risk.

Close family members, who know their loved ones best, are typically the first to notice memory issues or cognitive problems, but they are often hesitant to speak up, even when they know something is wrong. A recent Alzheimer’s Association/Ad Council omnibus survey found:

• Fewer than half of Americans surveyed (44%) say they would talk to a loved one right away about seeing a doctor if they noticed signs of cognitive decline.
• Instead, those polled say they are more likely to check in with other relatives (56%) and do research online (50%) when observing troubling signs.

Why is a diagnosis important?
Ensuring a loved one sees their doctor for a professional diagnosis is essential for providing appropriate care, particularly since there are a number of medical conditions that may mimic symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. Those medical conditions include:

• Depression
• Vitamin B12 deficiency
• Side effects of medications
• Chronic stress
• Thyroid disease
• Diabetes
• Lyme disease
• Urinary tract infections

“Any of these conditions can produce symptoms that can be mistaken for early dementia, such as issues with memory or communication as well as behavioral changes,” said Meg Donahue, director of Community Engagement for the Alzheimer’s Association of Colorado. “Without a proper diagnosis, these potentially treatable conditions cannot be identified. And if it is the earliest stages of Alzheimer’s, a diagnosis enables the family to explore treatment options as well as lifestyle changes that could help extend the individual’s cognitive health.”

To learn more about the approaches that physicians (including neurologists, geriatricians and neuropsychologists) use to make an Alzheimer's diagnosis, go to the Alzheimer’s Association website or call the Association’s free 24/7 Helpline at (800) 272-3900.

By Jim Herlihy, Vice President of Marketing & Communications
Alzheimer's Association

Weld Aging Well

A Matter of Balance
Break the fear cycle! Learn ways to reduce the fear of falling by improving balance and addressing social and cognitive factors related to fear. This program focuses on practical coping strategies and meets once a week for eight weeks. Free for people 60 and older. Registration is required by calling (970) 400-6117.

• Northern Colorado Medical Center (Banner Health), 1801 16th Street, Greeley
  Tuesdays, April 2 to May 21, from 9 to 11 a.m.
• Platteville Senior Center, 508 Reynolds Avenue, Platteville
  Tuesdays, April 30 to June 18, from 2 to 4 p.m.

Walk with Ease
Increase your balance, strength and walking pace while building confidence in your ability to be physically active. This program is proven to reduce the pain and discomfort of walking. Free for people 60 and older, but registration is required by calling (970) 400-6117.

• Eaton Community Recreation Center, 1675 3rd Street, Eaton
  Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, March 4 to April 12. from 10:30 to 11:30 am.

Aging Mastery Program
Build your own personal playbook for aging well. This fun, innovative program empowers you to take key steps to improve your well-being, add stability to your life and strengthen ties to your community. Meet new friends and provide encouragement to one another as you take the Aging Mastery journey together. Free for people 60 and older, but registration is required by calling (970) 400-6117.

• Johnstown Senior Center, 101 Charlotte Street, Johnstown
  Mondays, March 4 to May 6, from 10 to 11:30 a.m.

Powerful Tools for Caregivers
If you are caring for a loved one at home, this workshop will help you learn to reduce stress, guilt and anger; relaxation techniques; set goals and problem-solve (family caregivers only). Workshop meets once a week for six weeks. Free, but registration is required by calling (970) 400-6117.

• Fort Lupton Recreation Center, 203 S Harrison Avenue, Fort Lupton
  Wednesdays, April 10 to May 15, from 10 a.m. to noon.

Fresh Conversations

Fuel Your Independence with Protein: A Fresh Conversation for Older Adults
Join the Friendly Fork team at the Kersey Community Center on March 28 at 10:30 a.m. for a nutrition discussion on how to maintain muscle mass and strength with dietary protein. You will receive low-cost healthy recipes and learn how protein found in foods benefits your entire body! Kersey Community Center is located at 215 2nd Street in Kersey. Stay after the discussion to enjoy a donation-based meal with the Friendly Fork Senior Nutrition program at 11:30 a.m. Reservations must be made to attend the lunch by calling (970) 353-1681, extension 2; please call no later than 11 a.m. the day prior to the meal. You can also register with Jessi Like at (970) 400-6118 or jlike@weld.gov.

Upcoming topics include: Fuel Your Independence with Protein Thursday, March 28 10:30 to 11:20 a.m. Fresh News about Soy Foods Thursday, April 25 10:30 to 11:20 a.m. Battle of Carbohydrates Thursday, May 23 10:30 to 11:20 a.m. Fresh Conversations is a health and wellness education program for older adults. Learn practical tips to eat well and live well from up-to-date nutrition and health research! You will receive low-cost recipes, easy ways to be active at home, puzzles, and more! Fresh Conversations is a free opportunity to connect with other older adults while discussing nutrition and physical activity.

Aspen Club

UCHealth's Aspen Club is a health and wellness program for people 50 and forward that offers education, screenings and individual help with Medicare or Advanced Directives. The club is free to join, and members receive a bi-monthly newsletter that lists all upcoming classes, screenings and other appointments. To learn more, visit Lynda McCullough during open office hours, or give her a call to say hello and learn more. Office: 6906 W 10th Street, Greeley (housed in same building as UCHealth Emergency Services and Garth Englund Blood Center)   Phone: (970) 652-2795 Open office hours: March 28 from 10 to 11 a.m. April 17 from 11 a.m. to noon May 3 from 10 to 11 a.m.

AARP Foundation
Free Tax-Aide Program

AARP offers free tax preparation in Greeley. Tax-Aide is available to all ages but emphasizes relief for low-income residents and those over 60. AARP membership is not required. Federal and State taxes are electronically filed only by our IRS certified volunteers. Appointments are required; we do not serve walk ins. Appointments are available through April 11, but don't delay as there is limited availability.

For Greeley, call (970) 584-0144 to schedule an appointment between 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The High Plains Library District Administration has donated a room for our use at 2650 W. 29th Street.

A few complicated tax requirements, such as depreciation, out of state, or business use of home, are not in the scope of our training. If you have an unusual situation, leave a message and someone will return your call to inform you whether you qualify for our services.