Gillette Law Group - August/September 2021

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ILLETTE

GAZETTE

AUG/SEPT 2021

WHY EARLY DETECTION OF ALZHEIMER’S IS SO IMPORTANT PLUS, HOW TO SPOT EARLY SIGNS OF THE DISEASE

I once had a neighbor — whom I’m friends with now — who works for the Alzheimer’s Association. Alzheimer’s is one of those terrifying diseases that, like cancer, all of us would like very much if it were to disappear permanently. Although I’m no doctor, I would like to spread a little awareness about the first Alzheimer’s drug treatment approved by the FDA in 18 years. What makes this newest drug, aducanumab, special? Here’s what’s been publicly shared so far. First of all, aducanumab is very unique from other approved treatments. Unlike previous Alzheimer’s drugs that target growing symptoms of the disease, aducanumab may help patients stay healthy with fewer symptoms for longer. How does it work? Imagine a bunch of proteins “clogging up” your cognitive function — one phrase for this is “amyloid protein buildup.” Some studies suggest that this buildup is a big contributor to Alzheimer’s. Aducanumab reduces amyloid protein buildup over a long period of time, and in effect, slows down Alzheimer’s progression, prolonging the well- being of a patient’s mind. Because Alzheimer’s is such a multifaceted disease, however, some experts (including those on the FDA’s advisory panel) are debating vigorously whether this new drug should have been approved by the FDA — and whether the drug’s side effects disqualify its widespread use. Also, aducanumab proved ineffective in one clinical trial — involving low doses of the drug. But the maker of the drug, Biogen, found in another trial that aducanumab had a clear effect over a long period of time with higher doses. Analysis revealed that patients on high doses of aducanumab had a 22% slower cognitive decline over 18 months. If you or a loved one is considering taking aducanumab, the good news is that, as an FDA-approved drug, there’s a much better chance of it being covered by health insurance or Medicare. However, early detection of Alzheimer’s is important. How do you spot early signs of Alzheimer’s, and how do you know your forgetfulness isn’t just an age-related change? One of the most common signs of Alzheimer’s disease is memory loss that disrupts daily life, such as recently learned information. Individuals may forget important dates and events, ask the same questions over and over,

and increasingly rely on family members or memory aids for things they used to handle on their own. If they forget but remember things later on, it’s likely just an age-related change. Also, if they experience a significant change in their ability to follow a familiar recipe, keep track of finances, or perform daily tasks, even forgetting the rules to a favorite game, ask if they’re struggling to concentrate much more than before. It’s totally normal to make occasional errors in managing finances or to need help using technology, but if concentrating becomes impossible, it may be time to go to the doctor. For more information on common Alzheimer’s symptoms (and tips for recognizing whether it’s a normal age-related change), go to ALZ. org to learn more! The Alzheimer’s Association has amazing resources. If you’re curious about the association as well as self-care tips for caretakers, take a look inside the newsletter today. Thanks for reading, and I’ll catch you next month. –Brian Gillette

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While you may be happy for the years of wisdom you’ve gained since being in your 20s and 30s, you might be missing the mental sharpness you once had. Why not have the best of both worlds? Scientists have found that the human brain changes with age — neurons fire more slowly, for example, and short-term memory recall can be more challenging — but we often underestimate our capacity to continue learning as we grow older. Negative stereotypes about aging can reinforce these beliefs. However, new research is showing that older adults who’ve committed to immersive study of a new subject show brain function akin to someone 30 years younger. This goes beyond the tired advice to do a crossword puzzle or work a sudoku puzzle every day. The participants in this research study were learning entirely new subjects, like how to speak a foreign language, use a new piece of technology, or make art. STAY SHARP AS YOU AGE BY GOING BACK TO SCHOOL

Most colleges are designed with the traditional, 20-something college student in mind, which may not appeal or be a great fit for adults in their 50s, 60s, and beyond. But many universities are starting to cater to an older crowd with lifelong learning programs. One example is the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Washington (UW). UW’s program offers a full course schedule on subjects in the arts, sciences, and current events taught by qualified faculty and provided at an affordable rate. There are over 100 such programs at universities across the U.S. Have a longtime dream to write children’s books? UC San Diego Extension has a certificate program for that! If you’re looking to dive into a single subject or perhaps you’d like to continue working in retirement or shift gears later in your career, certificate programs are a great option. No previous education is required. Most certificate programs are open to all, typically run for less than a year, and easily accommodate part-time learners.

Convinced of the benefits but not sure where to turn to learn? Try these two sources.

Celebrate your years of hard-earned wisdom but commit to keeping your brain young by going back to school this fall.

5 SELF-CARE TIPS FOR CARETAKERS You Don’t Have to Put Yourself Second to Treat Someone First

No. 4: Eat healthy and exercise. If you feel like you don’t have time to eat healthy or exercise, try making

Caretakers are often faced with very difficult challenges, but you don’t have to put yourself second, even when your priorities are fixed on other people. Here are five ways to take care of yourself, no matter whom you’re really focusing on. No. 1: Ask for help in specific ways, even for small favors. Would it make your life easier if someone else cooked or brought you dinner after a long day of caretaking? Contact someone to ask. Even if they seem busy, it doesn’t hurt to ask if they’ll do you the favor sometime. Self-care already takes a lot of energy, so it’s no wonder caretakers can be so exhausted by the end of the day taking care of other people. However, you don’t have to carry the burden alone. Ask for help and be specific so people know how to help you, too. No. 2: Join a caregiver’s support group. This is covered in the following article about the Alzheimer’s Association — check it out! No. 3: Take breaks, including days off. It might be hard to break away from your duties, but you definitely should give yourself a break once in a while to rest and recharge. It’s an excellent habit to manage your stress, mental health, and even physical and overall health. Just look into local home health care or adult day care services with Eldercare Locator (eldercare.acl.gov).

improvements one tiny step at a time. Instead of relying on an energy drink to get through the day, for example, try tea, coffee, or tea-extract energy drinks such as Nuun Energy and Hiball Sparkling Energy Water. Instead of spending an hour grocery shopping, try cutting it down to 30 minutes and spend the other 30 minutes doing a quick local jog. No. 5: Make time with family and friends. Being a caretaker can be an increasingly busy job, so the sudden “free moment” might never arrive unless you plan for it. Try to mix plenty of quality time with your loved ones into your busy schedule — it’s one of those things you’ll never regret because it can’t ever be replaced.

We hope some of these tips helped! And even if you’re not a caretaker, consider sharing this with someone who is. Thanks so much for reading!

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CAN THE ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION HELP ME? If you or a loved one is suffering from Alzheimer’s, the prospect of going to an association for help may seem scary or overwhelming. However, the truth is that joining a local support group is a powerful opportunity for you to comfort others in your community that are going through the same struggles. By becoming involved, you become part of a legacy of compassionate caregivers dedicated to providing support, research, advocacy, and education for this tragic disease. History Not much was known about Alzheimer’s in the 1970s. When Evelyn Stone was diagnosed with the disease in 1970, her husband, Jerome H. Stone, couldn’t find many resources to explain what she was going through. He became a leader in the Alzheimer’s awareness movement and was the first founding president of the Alzheimer’s Association, which reaches millions of people affected by Alzheimer’s and all other dementia. Support Groups Suffering from early stages of Alzheimer’s? Or are you a caretaker or family member to someone with Alzheimer’s? No matter who you are — from spouse caretakers to facility caretakers — there’s likely a

virtual or in-person support group for you. These groups are great for finding a safe space to discuss your recent struggles with people who can empathize with your experiences. 2021 Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Williamsburg, VA On Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021, there will be a local in-person event in Williamsburg — an outdoor Walk to End Alzheimer’s®. It’s the nation’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support, and research. You can choose to make a donation and receive exclusive purple Alzheimer’s Association gear, or you can walk and join the crowd to add to its enormous presence in the city! Register at ACT.ALZ.org today! Even if you’re too busy to take part, thank you for reading this far! We hope you’ll consider passing these resources along to someone who needs them, and see you next month.

DO YOU HAVE A LEGAL QUESTION?

EASY FOIL-GRILLED SAUSAGE AND VEGETABLES

Dinner is ready in 30 minutes with this easy, seasonal August sausage and vegetable bake.

If we can’t answer your question, we would be happy to personally refer you to one of our trusted colleagues. We will even call them to give them a summary of your issue so they are aware and ready to take your call. But it all starts by reaching out to our office. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out at 757-220-4529.

Ingredients

• 4 sausage links of your choice • 1 lb green beans • 1 red bell pepper, diced • 1 yellow bell pepper, diced • 1 red onion, diced • 1 zucchini, diced • 1 yellow summer squash, diced

• 3 tbsp olive oil • 2 cloves garlic, grated

• 1 tbsp thyme • 1 tsp oregano

• 1 tsp basil • 1 tsp salt • 1 tsp crushed red pepper (optional)

DAD JOKE

Directions

1. Preheat your grill to medium heat or your oven to 425 F. 2. In a large bowl, add all of the ingredients and mix well. Divide into four equal portions. 3. Prepare four 16-inch pieces of foil and place a portion in the middle of each section. Wrap each foil piece tightly and avoid holes. 4. Grill each foil packet for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. You can also bake each packet for 20 minutes at 425 F.

Q: What has two knees and swims? A: A tunee fish!

Inspired by NutmegNanny.com

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INSIDE This Issue

On the New Alzheimer’s Medication page 1 Going Back to School Later in Life page 2 5 Self-Care Tips for Caretakers page 2

Can the Alzheimer’s Association Help Me? page 3 Easy Foil-Grilled Sausage and Vegetables page 3

Meet Odin, the Fireproof Dog page 4

MEET ODIN, THE FIREPROOF DOG

In October 2017, California was in flames. One of those blazes was the Tubbs Fire, which charred its way through 36,800 miles of forests and vineyards in both Napa and Sonoma County. More than 5,600 buildings were destroyed, and 22 people were killed. But when the flames finally died, a four-legged hero emerged from the ashes: Odin, the Great Pyrenees dog. Odin belonged to Ariel and Roland Hendel, two farmers in Sonoma County. When the Tubbs Fire threatened to char their home, they packed up as many of their animals and precious items as they could. Unfortunately, their flock of goats wouldn’t fit in the getaway vehicle — and their goat-herding dog, Odin, refused to abandon them. Great Pyrenees are prized livestock guardian dogs that will do anything to protect their charges, and Odin lived up to his breed.

“In the distance, I saw Odin’s tail,” Roland told ABC. “Sure enough, there was Odin coming at the head of all his goats.”

Not only did Odin survive the fire and run right up to the Hendels for belly rubs, but he also kept every single one of his goats safe! A few wild deer even joined the goats, and he shepherded them through unscathed. The incredible story made the news, and Odin became a local legend. Unfortunately, even legends don’t live forever. This April, Odin passed away after a long life of tail-wagging, treat-eating, and goat-saving. In his honor, Great Pyrenees Rescue of Missouri gifted the Hendels two new Great Pyrenees pups: Buddy and Snowflake. They’re following in Odin’s pawsteps, protecting the goats he loved so much.

“I said, ‘Okay, Odin, take care of the goats. You’ll be fine,’” Roland Hendel told ABC News.

Both Hendels were sure they were seeing their dog for the last time. Their hearts sank even further when they heard their home had burned down completely. But on a trip back to examine the ashes, something amazing happened.

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