November 6, 2024 • 19 mins
The Alzheimer's Association® is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Worldwide, more than 55 million people are living with dementia. In the United States alone, more than 7 million+ have Alzheimer’s. The Association addresses this crisis by providing education and support to the millions who face dementia every day, while advancing critical research toward methods of treatment, prevention and, ultimately, a cure. They have their big fundraising gala every spring and the final 2 walks, Walk to End Alz, are coming up Nov 9th & 10th in here in Southern California.
Aired November 3, 2024: In this podcast, Lisa Foxx talks to the Executive Director of the Alzheimer's Association, Southland Chapter, Gloria Crockett. They discuss all the ways the organization helps those affected including family and caregiver support. They talk about their helpline where they provide care and support to all those facing Alzheimer’s and other dementia for free, 24/7. Their Helpline # is (800.272.3900), staffed by master's-level clinicians and specialists, provides confidential support and information to all those affected in over 200 languages. They also talk about the final weekend of fundraising walks in Southern California.
Their website, alz.org, is a rich resource designed to inform and educate multiple audiences, including those living with the disease, caregivers and professional health care providers. They also conduct online and face-to-face support groups and education programs in communities nationwide, while ensuring these services reach underserved populations. ALZConnected®, a free online community, offers those affected by dementia another place to share support and information.
To learn more about Alzheimer's and Dementia and also to get info about donating, volunteering and the upcoming walks, go to alz.org
Held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide, the Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer's® is the world's largest fundraiser for
Aired November 3, 2024: In this podcast, Lisa Foxx talks to the Executive Director of the Alzheimer's Association, Southland Chapter, Gloria Crockett. They discuss all the ways the organization helps those affected including family and caregiver support. They talk about their helpline where they provide care and support to all those facing Alzheimer’s and other dementia for free, 24/7. Their Helpline # is (800.272.3900), staffed by master's-level clinicians and specialists, provides confidential support and information to all those affected in over 200 languages. They also talk about the final weekend of fundraising walks in Southern California.
Their website, alz.org, is a rich resource designed to inform and educate multiple audiences, including those living with the disease, caregivers and professional health care providers. They also conduct online and face-to-face support groups and education programs in communities nationwide, while ensuring these services reach underserved populations. ALZConnected®, a free online community, offers those affected by dementia another place to share support and information.
To learn more about Alzheimer's and Dementia and also to get info about donating, volunteering and the upcoming walks, go to alz.org
Held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide, the Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer's® is the world's largest fundraiser for
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Hi is Lisa Fox, And this is the iHeart So
Cal Show, our show that puts a spotlight on charitable organizations,
nonprofits and people giving back. The Alzheimer's Association is the
leading volunteer health organization in all things Alzheimer's, care, support
and research. Worldwide, more than fifty five million people are
living with dementia. In the US alone, more than seven
(00:23):
million have Alzheimer's. The Association helps by providing education and
support to the millions who face dementia every day, while
advancing critical research towards methods of treatment, prevention, and ultimately
a cure. They've got their big fund raising gala every
spring and the Walked and Alls. They have two left
(00:43):
this coming weekend. Here it's in California in La and
Santa Monica Saturday and Sunday. And on to tell us
all about it is their new executive director, Gloria Crockett.
Speaker 2 (00:52):
Hi, Gloria, Hi there, Lisa, how are you doing.
Speaker 1 (00:56):
I'm doing all right. You know, I'm just hoping I'm
not going to get too emotional during our conversation because, oh,
this one is very personal, and you know, I've got
so many friends, it's personal to my family Alzheimer's and
dementia and personal too, people that I work with here
at the radio station, friends of mine, you know, whether
it's aunt, uncle, cousin, brother, sister, mom, or dad or grandparents.
(01:17):
It's just such a terrible thing to see happen to
someone that you love, you know, robbing people that we
love of those precious memories. It's just so unfair, this disease.
Speaker 2 (01:27):
No, it's not fair at all. And you know, I
think the important thing is to increase awareness and to
make sure that we educate right and provide those resources
for those that are currently diagnosed with the disease and
their family members who are taking care of them.
Speaker 1 (01:41):
It's a lot, Gloria. I know we're going to see
you at the final two walks happening this coming weekend
starting and Sunday in La Exhibition Park on Saturday and
by the Ocean there in Santa Monica. And this is
your first year with this organization, right.
Speaker 2 (01:55):
Yes, yes, I joined the end of March, so it's
been about seven months and to have truly been enjoying
getting to know everyone in the organization, the amazing volunteers
such as yourself and our community partners that help us
move forward this powerful mission that we have.
Speaker 1 (02:13):
Yeah, I have to say, and it's so personal because
I feel like every time we do another Alzheimer's event,
always meeting people with the connection to this disease. Do
you have a personal connection to Alzheimer's or dementia?
Speaker 2 (02:24):
Yes, I do. I actually have a few. One of
my best friends her mother was diagnosed and passed away
recently from Alzheimer's disease, as well as my uncle and
another friend's dad and mom. So I feel like it
people are much more aware of it, and people are
talking about it more. So I'm hearing about it more myself.
Speaker 1 (02:45):
Well, and if you're listening right now, I don't know
how many connections you have with this disease. I'm just
one person, and suddenly I feel like it's all around me.
The older we're all getting. It's happening to our parents
and our grandparents. For me personally, my boyfriend's mom she
had it for ten years and just recently passed away.
My aunt was just diagnosed with dementia. My coworker Valentine,
(03:08):
his mom was just diagnosed. My best friend Wendy, both
her aunt and uncle are dealing with it. My girlfriend Lynette.
Her mom recently passed. She had it for ten years.
I mean, it's a lot. What can we do about
the numbers. Does it seem like it's becoming more common
or just we're talking about it more.
Speaker 2 (03:25):
I think it's a little bit of both, right. I
think it's that we're diagnosing more because people are asking
their doctors about it, they're asking their family about it,
and it's well, let's go to the doctor and check
it out, instead of you know, that's probably nothing. You know,
you're just getting older that that's not the case. You know,
people in their late forties can be diagnosed with Alzheimer's
(03:47):
disease and other dementia. So, you know, I think that
we're getting to a place where the stigma is lifting
and people are saying, hey, this is something that's really
important that we need to talk about. We need to
have a kate for individuals as well as create a
movement to make sure that we can be in this
error of treatment and find, you know, treatments that are
(04:09):
going to help people battle this disease.
Speaker 1 (04:12):
And one of the many amazing things that the Alzheimer's
Association provides for people is your twenty four hour seven
day a week helpline, a free helpline for anyone to
call with any questions or concerns to learn about Allshamer's
to ask questions if you think a relative might be
showing signs eight hundred two seven to two thirty nine
hundred eight hundred two seven to two thirty nine hundred
(04:33):
twenty four to seven and in multiple languages, I think too, right.
Speaker 2 (04:36):
Yes, that is correct, yes, languages. You can call any
time you have that moment that you're like, hey, I
need to call right now. You can pick up the
phone and someone will answer, so.
Speaker 1 (04:45):
We can we can call the number and ask questions.
But let's touch on the array of support, all the
ways that you offer support to people once a family
member is diagnosed. How does the Alzhamer's Association really be
there for people? You know, aside from the fundraising that
we do, which is so crucial, but how are you there?
I know you do a lot with therapy. We'll talk
about research on a second, but how are you there
for people on a day to day basis?
Speaker 2 (05:06):
So we have resources and support groups for not only
those individuals that have been diagnosed, also their caregivers. We
make sure that we partner with several individuals in the
community to provide that awareness and basically you know, support
that's needed for those that are currently diagnosed by you know,
(05:26):
having them in partnership with hospitals, also the long term
care facilities. We partner with churches, spaith based communities. We
partner with all of these groups to make sure that
you know, there's an extension of us. So there's a
training that they go through and then they help us
you know, provide the services to that one to many
(05:47):
type of approach.
Speaker 1 (05:48):
I saw the All Summer's Association website ALLS dot org.
What is this All's Connected? Is that part of what
you're talking about.
Speaker 2 (05:55):
All Connected is one of the resources that we do
that we can make sure that we connect people with
the services that they need. We also have you know,
a patient navigation that we're going to start piloting where
we help people navigate the system and you know, make
sure that they have all the resources that are available
to them. We also have clinical trials that we match
(06:16):
people with to see if this is something that we
can again, this is the error of treatment and we
need to find out what are the tools and the
things necessary to make sure that people have the resources
that we that they need. I send to have an
email recently to one of our fundraisers to thank them
for being a champion, and they sent back to me
(06:37):
they said, you know what, I was diagnosed recently, and
what I want to make sure that I do for
people is to help them advocate through the insurance process
to make sure that they have the resources that they
need to get through the diagnosis. And I thought, what
a powerful sure, you know, to say that this is
someone currently being diagnosed that actually is helping other people.
Speaker 1 (06:58):
Wow. Yeah, and so opening, because you know sometimes you
wouldn't think, oh, why would that be a problem. God,
but I'm diagnosed or my loved one's diagnosed, why would
that be a problem. Well, this person's saying it was
a problem for me. Here's how I'm going to help
you fix it or avoid it or navigate through.
Speaker 2 (07:11):
It exactly exactly. And then you're like, well what do
I do? You can almost you know, become frozen in
that moment of what's happening, and you know you need
people around you that's going to help answer those questions
and then also share what should you be asking of
your physician? What should you be asking of your caregiver,
because those are tough questions and discussions as well well.
Speaker 1 (07:33):
And if you're a person who was recently diagnosed, hopefully
you do have a family member or someone to advocate
on your behalf. I mean to go, you know, to
go with you to appointments and to help you figure
that out. You know. It's one of those things where
when my boyfriend's mom was diagnosed, he had to learn
real fast, and it was kind of on his own.
I wish you knew about you guys ten years ago,
but that's what girlfriends are for, right, I'm like, honey,
(07:55):
you didn't know, but initially, you know, he kind of
had to navigate on his own. It was very tough.
But once she was formally diagnosed with Alzheimer's via a
brain scan, and you know, the doctors, you know, they
know what they're dealing with, then he was able to
get her into a home that could offer proper care.
But you have to be diagnosed via a brain scan.
Speaker 2 (08:15):
Yes, that is correct. There's a brain scan, and you know,
it's interestingly enough, you know, there's so much research being
done that there's going to be other tests that that
trigger to have that brain scan. So we're just starting
to have those discussions now, and research is just amazing
as it relates to how far they've gotten mm hmm
with you know, just different types of you know, testing
(08:37):
and diagnosis tool well.
Speaker 1 (08:38):
And the fear is, you know, for folks who have
a family member with Alzheimer's or dementia or had one,
the fear is that, my gosh, it runs in my family,
It's going to happen to me. But that's not the case.
Speaker 2 (08:48):
Yes, yes, it's not like that. It's it's you know,
it's a father or a mother had it. The likeliness
has increased, has increased, Yeah, but it's not. But sometimes
it skips, you know, so it's not always that that
that's it, and that's the only way that it's going
to be. It really is a case by case basis.
Speaker 1 (09:07):
And then once a person is diagnosed with Alzheimer's of dementia,
another part that's unfair about this disease, but we need
to do a fundraiser just to help pay for the
monthly cost of when you may have to put your
loved one into a facility, a full time you know
twenty four seven facility where you know that they're safe,
they're being cared for twenty four to seven. They can
get the proper, you know, trained help from trained professionals
(09:29):
with that twenty four to seven care that they need.
Speaker 2 (09:32):
No. No, things are so costly when you need to
go to possibly a resident facility or have in home care.
You know, the cost is you know, astronomical, and you
know even caregiving. You think about that, how much it costs,
you know, for caregivers.
Speaker 1 (09:48):
Yeah, and then you have the family members who become
caregivers who are suddenly like, wait, I can't afford to
put my mom or dad or grandparents into a super
expensive facility. I to do it. I need to rework
my life here and change everything around and do a
remote job now so I can stay home and figure
this all out. But thankfully you're not alone because there's
(10:10):
this massive counity thanks to the Alzheimer's Association, this family,
this group of people that you know once you meet
at these events or through you know ways that you're
connecting at alls dot org. But once you know you're
not alone, that's a huge help. And to know that
you all have been at this for since the eighties.
This organization began right back in the eighties.
Speaker 2 (10:30):
Yes, yes, we started in nineteen eighty.
Speaker 1 (10:33):
Back in nineteen eighty, it's a tremendous amount of support
and so many ways that you needed for you or
a family member. Thankfully, after a lot of time of
just hammering at this research, we finally have had some
good news in the world of treatments for the early
onset of Alzheimer's, some new drugs that are available FDA
approved drugs that can help slow down the progression or
(10:56):
hold it off for a couple of years, so to speak.
Speaker 2 (10:58):
Yes, yes, this past year, there's two drugs that are
out there for nuance that you know, there's hopefully other
you know, treatments on the horizon, and you know, with anything,
you know, we have to go through research. We have
to make sure that we're leading with the resources that
are really going to tell us like this has sound
(11:20):
and what are the things that we need to do
to take those next steps as far as additional treatment options.
Speaker 1 (11:27):
What we've heard about these new treatments is essentially when
someone's diagnosed early early early onset, that these drugs can
not cure it, not make it go away, but can
delay the progression of Alzheimer's or dementia.
Speaker 2 (11:41):
Right yes, it can potentially delay the progression.
Speaker 1 (11:44):
Correct potentially by five more years with your family. You know,
that's the main thing from what I've witnessed in my
experience of the people that I know that have had
Alzheimer's or dementia, is just they just want more time,
more time with their family and their loved ones before
the memories fade away, before they're robbed of all those
precious memories.
Speaker 2 (12:03):
Exactly, No, no, exactly. And you know there's going to
be lots of continued testing around a variety of you know,
options for treatment.
Speaker 1 (12:12):
Now before we talk about the walk to end All's,
because you've had a whole bunch of them throughout the month,
but we have I believe, like just the last two
here locally are our next weekend. I know there's not
a way to prevent Alzheimer's, but there is a lot
of talk about the importance of brain health, and the
Alzheimer's Association is all about that, promoting brain health, promoting
(12:33):
all kinds of ways that we can keep our brain active.
Talk about how you do that and why that's so key.
I mean, my Gramma Rose is ninety seven, God bless
Grammar Rose. She does not have Alzheimer's or demensia. But
but and she is on those puzzles every day, every day,
and I gotta believe that's got to be part of
why she's still so sharp at ninety seven.
Speaker 2 (12:50):
Yes, you know, we've got you know, there's ten warning
signs that we look at for Alzheimer's disease, and then
there's ten healthy habits that we look at. And when
you think of out those healthy habits that those can
go across so many other diseases as well. So just
practicing those is just amazing if we, you know, can
really just get the word out. We have to we
(13:12):
have to watch our diet, we have to exercise, we
have to drink plenty of fluid. So so those things
that you know, we're taught sometimes as we're growing up, right,
we really have to practice those and we need to
take care of ourselves. And we need to also understand
our bodies.
Speaker 1 (13:27):
Like when something's changing or something's off, we have to say,
hang on a minute, is this is something.
Speaker 2 (13:32):
Going on exactly exactly?
Speaker 1 (13:34):
So you said on the website alls dot org. So
if there's the ten healthy habits to practice that is correct,
and the ten signs, that's something might body going on?
Will you go down the warning signs?
Speaker 2 (13:45):
Yes, the warning signs. There's memory loss that disrupts daily life,
challenges in planning or solving problems, difficulty completing familiar task,
confusion with time or place, trouble understanding visual images and
spatial relationships, new problems with words and speaking or writing,
(14:09):
misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps, decreased
or poor judgment, withdraw from work or social activities, and
changes in mood and personality. And I will say this too.
Now these are ten warning signs. Now, as I was
reading those, some people may think like, well, that happens
to me. So the best thing is these can be
(14:33):
you know signs. However, you need to really follow up
with your physician.
Speaker 1 (14:37):
Yes, But also it can also start with a phone
call to you, guys with that free helpline number that
you have with the Alzheimer's Association.
Speaker 2 (14:43):
Exactly, Yes, correct, I can.
Speaker 1 (14:44):
Start with a call to the twenty four to seven
helpline at eight hundred and two seven to two thirty
nine hundred and again the follow up with an actual doctor.
But for people who are genuinely concerned, someone listening or
if they're concerned about loved when they can call the number.
But then to followup with the doctor is how you
Actually you have to get facts and see if something's
really going on in your brain. Exactly, exactly, Okay, So
(15:05):
all this, all of these wonderful things that you do
to help people navigate this craziness of Alzheimer's and dementia.
For so many people that we love, the seven million
people in this country alone, so many sisters and brothers
and aunts and uncles and moms and dads and grandparents,
we can do something about it, and we can do
the walk to end All's. Like I said, you had
(15:27):
locations Oliver Southern California, well all over the country obviously,
and then Oliver Southern California in the past couple weeks.
And we have Los Angeles on Saturday, and then Santa
Monica is on Sunday.
Speaker 2 (15:38):
Right, Yes, so we have Los Angeles on November ninth,
and then we have following that on November tenth at
Santa Monica.
Speaker 1 (15:47):
Yes, so November ninth, Saturday. Next Saturday at Exposition Park
that yours July. I'll be going with my boyfriend and
we'll be there with a group of people the Gold Stains.
They have a team Mission Possible. We walk with Meal
and Peter every year. They're just wonderful. They're on a
mission again for personal reasons. So many people and they
just want to raise that money and do the walk together.
(16:08):
And we meet so many like money people out there.
And again when you do these walks and you come
out and see, oh yeah, I'm not I'm not alone
in this. There's five thousand people here. You know, I
got a couple thousand new friends to make. And the
support system grows in his building and you know it's
there when you need it, when you need a lean
on it. So we'd love for anyone listening right now
if you'd like to make a donation or sign up
(16:29):
for the walk. It's free to register, but you can
sign up for not team. If you want to walk
with Lisa Fox, Hey I'm fun. If you want to
walk with us, Eric and I and the Gold Stains,
you can do so. Look for a team Mission Mission Possible,
or you can just look under Lisa Fox with two x's.
We'd love to have you out there in person. We're
doing the La Walk on Saturday, Exposition Park. We have
(16:49):
to be out there it's a registration at seven, like
I said, free to register, ceremony at eight thirty. We
start walking at nine and it's just like a mile
or two, right, that is correct. And then Sunday and
no remember tenth Santa Monica, here you come. The final
walk to end Alls. That's going to be at Crescent
Bay Park, two thousand Ocean Avenue, just south of Peico
near Bay Street. And that one you can get there
(17:11):
a little later. Nine am registration, ten am, ceremony, ten
to thirty walk times. So a couple of choices if
you're able to pop online at Alls dot org and
join us at one of the walks this coming weekend
and come together with some really amazing people to help
make a difference. So you got the walk to end
Alls this coming weekend. You have the gala that you
do every spring. That's a big fundraiser, that is correct.
Speaker 2 (17:33):
The gala is going to be next spring on May fourth,
twenty twenty five, and we're really excited about it.
Speaker 1 (17:39):
All kinds of ways to stay involved, to get on
the email list, learn about it, know about it, don't
be afraid of it, embrace it. It's not a fun one,
but boy, I just know, like my coworkers and people
in our lives are gonna need to like lean on
us to learn to figure out how to deal with this.
And to know that your organization is there is really huge.
Speaker 2 (17:59):
Yeah, we need to be there for people, and you
know we're here for you as well. So that's so important,
so so important. One of the other big needs that
we have we need volunteers. We need volunteers that not
only help us at the walk, help us at the gala,
but we also need volunteers that come into the office
that can help us with presentations and awareness training. So
(18:21):
volunteers is a really really big push for us for
us as well.
Speaker 1 (18:25):
And your new office is in Century City.
Speaker 2 (18:28):
We're over in Culver City. Put us right off of
South Sepulvida, so local you guys can come in and
help us out.
Speaker 1 (18:34):
Okay, volunteers always needed donations, and just really if there's
any way you can empower yourself with the information and
know that there's a wealth of support people wise. That
eight hundred phone number, the twenty four to seven helpline
that's free through the Allzhummers Association at eight hundred two
seven to two thirty nine hundred if you want to
walk with us this coming weekend, we'd love to have
(18:55):
you out there physically in person to see and give
you a big hug with our rock and our purple
T shirts. Thank you, Gloria Crockett and everyone there at
the Alzheimer's Association, thank you so much for all that
you do to help people and their families deal with
Alzheimer's and dementia. We greatly appreciate all that you do.
All the info at alls dot org, and Gloria, I'll
(19:15):
see you at the walk next weekend.
Speaker 2 (19:18):
I will see you there. Thank you,
Hi is Lisa Fox, And this is the iHeart So
Cal Show, our show that puts a spotlight on charitable organizations,
nonprofits and people giving back. The Alzheimer's Association is the
leading volunteer health organization in all things Alzheimer's, care, support
and research. Worldwide, more than fifty five million people are
living with dementia. In the US alone, more than seven
(00:23):
million have Alzheimer's. The Association helps by providing education and
support to the millions who face dementia every day, while
advancing critical research towards methods of treatment, prevention, and ultimately
a cure. They've got their big fund raising gala every
spring and the Walked and Alls. They have two left
(00:43):
this coming weekend. Here it's in California in La and
Santa Monica Saturday and Sunday. And on to tell us
all about it is their new executive director, Gloria Crockett.
Speaker 2 (00:52):
Hi, Gloria, Hi there, Lisa, how are you doing.
Speaker 1 (00:56):
I'm doing all right. You know, I'm just hoping I'm
not going to get too emotional during our conversation because, oh,
this one is very personal, and you know, I've got
so many friends, it's personal to my family Alzheimer's and
dementia and personal too, people that I work with here
at the radio station, friends of mine, you know, whether
it's aunt, uncle, cousin, brother, sister, mom, or dad or grandparents.
(01:17):
It's just such a terrible thing to see happen to
someone that you love, you know, robbing people that we
love of those precious memories. It's just so unfair, this disease.
Speaker 2 (01:27):
No, it's not fair at all. And you know, I
think the important thing is to increase awareness and to
make sure that we educate right and provide those resources
for those that are currently diagnosed with the disease and
their family members who are taking care of them.
Speaker 1 (01:41):
It's a lot, Gloria. I know we're going to see
you at the final two walks happening this coming weekend
starting and Sunday in La Exhibition Park on Saturday and
by the Ocean there in Santa Monica. And this is
your first year with this organization, right.
Speaker 2 (01:55):
Yes, yes, I joined the end of March, so it's
been about seven months and to have truly been enjoying
getting to know everyone in the organization, the amazing volunteers
such as yourself and our community partners that help us
move forward this powerful mission that we have.
Speaker 1 (02:13):
Yeah, I have to say, and it's so personal because
I feel like every time we do another Alzheimer's event,
always meeting people with the connection to this disease. Do
you have a personal connection to Alzheimer's or dementia?
Speaker 2 (02:24):
Yes, I do. I actually have a few. One of
my best friends her mother was diagnosed and passed away
recently from Alzheimer's disease, as well as my uncle and
another friend's dad and mom. So I feel like it
people are much more aware of it, and people are
talking about it more. So I'm hearing about it more myself.
Speaker 1 (02:45):
Well, and if you're listening right now, I don't know
how many connections you have with this disease. I'm just
one person, and suddenly I feel like it's all around me.
The older we're all getting. It's happening to our parents
and our grandparents. For me personally, my boyfriend's mom she
had it for ten years and just recently passed away.
My aunt was just diagnosed with dementia. My coworker Valentine,
(03:08):
his mom was just diagnosed. My best friend Wendy, both
her aunt and uncle are dealing with it. My girlfriend Lynette.
Her mom recently passed. She had it for ten years.
I mean, it's a lot. What can we do about
the numbers. Does it seem like it's becoming more common
or just we're talking about it more.
Speaker 2 (03:25):
I think it's a little bit of both, right. I
think it's that we're diagnosing more because people are asking
their doctors about it, they're asking their family about it,
and it's well, let's go to the doctor and check
it out, instead of you know, that's probably nothing. You know,
you're just getting older that that's not the case. You know,
people in their late forties can be diagnosed with Alzheimer's
(03:47):
disease and other dementia. So, you know, I think that
we're getting to a place where the stigma is lifting
and people are saying, hey, this is something that's really
important that we need to talk about. We need to
have a kate for individuals as well as create a
movement to make sure that we can be in this
error of treatment and find, you know, treatments that are
(04:09):
going to help people battle this disease.
Speaker 1 (04:12):
And one of the many amazing things that the Alzheimer's
Association provides for people is your twenty four hour seven
day a week helpline, a free helpline for anyone to
call with any questions or concerns to learn about Allshamer's
to ask questions if you think a relative might be
showing signs eight hundred two seven to two thirty nine
hundred eight hundred two seven to two thirty nine hundred
(04:33):
twenty four to seven and in multiple languages, I think too, right.
Speaker 2 (04:36):
Yes, that is correct, yes, languages. You can call any
time you have that moment that you're like, hey, I
need to call right now. You can pick up the
phone and someone will answer, so.
Speaker 1 (04:45):
We can we can call the number and ask questions.
But let's touch on the array of support, all the
ways that you offer support to people once a family
member is diagnosed. How does the Alzhamer's Association really be
there for people? You know, aside from the fundraising that
we do, which is so crucial, but how are you there?
I know you do a lot with therapy. We'll talk
about research on a second, but how are you there
for people on a day to day basis?
Speaker 2 (05:06):
So we have resources and support groups for not only
those individuals that have been diagnosed, also their caregivers. We
make sure that we partner with several individuals in the
community to provide that awareness and basically you know, support
that's needed for those that are currently diagnosed by you know,
(05:26):
having them in partnership with hospitals, also the long term
care facilities. We partner with churches, spaith based communities. We
partner with all of these groups to make sure that
you know, there's an extension of us. So there's a
training that they go through and then they help us
you know, provide the services to that one to many
(05:47):
type of approach.
Speaker 1 (05:48):
I saw the All Summer's Association website ALLS dot org.
What is this All's Connected? Is that part of what
you're talking about.
Speaker 2 (05:55):
All Connected is one of the resources that we do
that we can make sure that we connect people with
the services that they need. We also have you know,
a patient navigation that we're going to start piloting where
we help people navigate the system and you know, make
sure that they have all the resources that are available
to them. We also have clinical trials that we match
(06:16):
people with to see if this is something that we
can again, this is the error of treatment and we
need to find out what are the tools and the
things necessary to make sure that people have the resources
that we that they need. I send to have an
email recently to one of our fundraisers to thank them
for being a champion, and they sent back to me
(06:37):
they said, you know what, I was diagnosed recently, and
what I want to make sure that I do for
people is to help them advocate through the insurance process
to make sure that they have the resources that they
need to get through the diagnosis. And I thought, what
a powerful sure, you know, to say that this is
someone currently being diagnosed that actually is helping other people.
Speaker 1 (06:58):
Wow. Yeah, and so opening, because you know sometimes you
wouldn't think, oh, why would that be a problem. God,
but I'm diagnosed or my loved one's diagnosed, why would
that be a problem. Well, this person's saying it was
a problem for me. Here's how I'm going to help
you fix it or avoid it or navigate through.
Speaker 2 (07:11):
It exactly exactly. And then you're like, well what do
I do? You can almost you know, become frozen in
that moment of what's happening, and you know you need
people around you that's going to help answer those questions
and then also share what should you be asking of
your physician? What should you be asking of your caregiver,
because those are tough questions and discussions as well well.
Speaker 1 (07:33):
And if you're a person who was recently diagnosed, hopefully
you do have a family member or someone to advocate
on your behalf. I mean to go, you know, to
go with you to appointments and to help you figure
that out. You know. It's one of those things where
when my boyfriend's mom was diagnosed, he had to learn
real fast, and it was kind of on his own.
I wish you knew about you guys ten years ago,
but that's what girlfriends are for, right, I'm like, honey,
(07:55):
you didn't know, but initially, you know, he kind of
had to navigate on his own. It was very tough.
But once she was formally diagnosed with Alzheimer's via a
brain scan, and you know, the doctors, you know, they
know what they're dealing with, then he was able to
get her into a home that could offer proper care.
But you have to be diagnosed via a brain scan.
Speaker 2 (08:15):
Yes, that is correct. There's a brain scan, and you know,
it's interestingly enough, you know, there's so much research being
done that there's going to be other tests that that
trigger to have that brain scan. So we're just starting
to have those discussions now, and research is just amazing
as it relates to how far they've gotten mm hmm
with you know, just different types of you know, testing
(08:37):
and diagnosis tool well.
Speaker 1 (08:38):
And the fear is, you know, for folks who have
a family member with Alzheimer's or dementia or had one,
the fear is that, my gosh, it runs in my family,
It's going to happen to me. But that's not the case.
Speaker 2 (08:48):
Yes, yes, it's not like that. It's it's you know,
it's a father or a mother had it. The likeliness
has increased, has increased, Yeah, but it's not. But sometimes
it skips, you know, so it's not always that that
that's it, and that's the only way that it's going
to be. It really is a case by case basis.
Speaker 1 (09:07):
And then once a person is diagnosed with Alzheimer's of dementia,
another part that's unfair about this disease, but we need
to do a fundraiser just to help pay for the
monthly cost of when you may have to put your
loved one into a facility, a full time you know
twenty four seven facility where you know that they're safe,
they're being cared for twenty four to seven. They can
get the proper, you know, trained help from trained professionals
(09:29):
with that twenty four to seven care that they need.
Speaker 2 (09:32):
No. No, things are so costly when you need to
go to possibly a resident facility or have in home care.
You know, the cost is you know, astronomical, and you
know even caregiving. You think about that, how much it costs,
you know, for caregivers.
Speaker 1 (09:48):
Yeah, and then you have the family members who become
caregivers who are suddenly like, wait, I can't afford to
put my mom or dad or grandparents into a super
expensive facility. I to do it. I need to rework
my life here and change everything around and do a
remote job now so I can stay home and figure
this all out. But thankfully you're not alone because there's
(10:10):
this massive counity thanks to the Alzheimer's Association, this family,
this group of people that you know once you meet
at these events or through you know ways that you're
connecting at alls dot org. But once you know you're
not alone, that's a huge help. And to know that
you all have been at this for since the eighties.
This organization began right back in the eighties.
Speaker 2 (10:30):
Yes, yes, we started in nineteen eighty.
Speaker 1 (10:33):
Back in nineteen eighty, it's a tremendous amount of support
and so many ways that you needed for you or
a family member. Thankfully, after a lot of time of
just hammering at this research, we finally have had some
good news in the world of treatments for the early
onset of Alzheimer's, some new drugs that are available FDA
approved drugs that can help slow down the progression or
(10:56):
hold it off for a couple of years, so to speak.
Speaker 2 (10:58):
Yes, yes, this past year, there's two drugs that are
out there for nuance that you know, there's hopefully other
you know, treatments on the horizon, and you know, with anything,
you know, we have to go through research. We have
to make sure that we're leading with the resources that
are really going to tell us like this has sound
(11:20):
and what are the things that we need to do
to take those next steps as far as additional treatment options.
Speaker 1 (11:27):
What we've heard about these new treatments is essentially when
someone's diagnosed early early early onset, that these drugs can
not cure it, not make it go away, but can
delay the progression of Alzheimer's or dementia.
Speaker 2 (11:41):
Right yes, it can potentially delay the progression.
Speaker 1 (11:44):
Correct potentially by five more years with your family. You know,
that's the main thing from what I've witnessed in my
experience of the people that I know that have had
Alzheimer's or dementia, is just they just want more time,
more time with their family and their loved ones before
the memories fade away, before they're robbed of all those
precious memories.
Speaker 2 (12:03):
Exactly, No, no, exactly. And you know there's going to
be lots of continued testing around a variety of you know,
options for treatment.
Speaker 1 (12:12):
Now before we talk about the walk to end All's,
because you've had a whole bunch of them throughout the month,
but we have I believe, like just the last two
here locally are our next weekend. I know there's not
a way to prevent Alzheimer's, but there is a lot
of talk about the importance of brain health, and the
Alzheimer's Association is all about that, promoting brain health, promoting
(12:33):
all kinds of ways that we can keep our brain active.
Talk about how you do that and why that's so key.
I mean, my Gramma Rose is ninety seven, God bless
Grammar Rose. She does not have Alzheimer's or demensia. But
but and she is on those puzzles every day, every day,
and I gotta believe that's got to be part of
why she's still so sharp at ninety seven.
Speaker 2 (12:50):
Yes, you know, we've got you know, there's ten warning
signs that we look at for Alzheimer's disease, and then
there's ten healthy habits that we look at. And when
you think of out those healthy habits that those can
go across so many other diseases as well. So just
practicing those is just amazing if we, you know, can
really just get the word out. We have to we
(13:12):
have to watch our diet, we have to exercise, we
have to drink plenty of fluid. So so those things
that you know, we're taught sometimes as we're growing up, right,
we really have to practice those and we need to
take care of ourselves. And we need to also understand
our bodies.
Speaker 1 (13:27):
Like when something's changing or something's off, we have to say,
hang on a minute, is this is something.
Speaker 2 (13:32):
Going on exactly exactly?
Speaker 1 (13:34):
So you said on the website alls dot org. So
if there's the ten healthy habits to practice that is correct,
and the ten signs, that's something might body going on?
Will you go down the warning signs?
Speaker 2 (13:45):
Yes, the warning signs. There's memory loss that disrupts daily life,
challenges in planning or solving problems, difficulty completing familiar task,
confusion with time or place, trouble understanding visual images and
spatial relationships, new problems with words and speaking or writing,
(14:09):
misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps, decreased
or poor judgment, withdraw from work or social activities, and
changes in mood and personality. And I will say this too.
Now these are ten warning signs. Now, as I was
reading those, some people may think like, well, that happens
to me. So the best thing is these can be
(14:33):
you know signs. However, you need to really follow up
with your physician.
Speaker 1 (14:37):
Yes, But also it can also start with a phone
call to you, guys with that free helpline number that
you have with the Alzheimer's Association.
Speaker 2 (14:43):
Exactly, Yes, correct, I can.
Speaker 1 (14:44):
Start with a call to the twenty four to seven
helpline at eight hundred and two seven to two thirty
nine hundred and again the follow up with an actual doctor.
But for people who are genuinely concerned, someone listening or
if they're concerned about loved when they can call the number.
But then to followup with the doctor is how you
Actually you have to get facts and see if something's
really going on in your brain. Exactly, exactly, Okay, So
(15:05):
all this, all of these wonderful things that you do
to help people navigate this craziness of Alzheimer's and dementia.
For so many people that we love, the seven million
people in this country alone, so many sisters and brothers
and aunts and uncles and moms and dads and grandparents,
we can do something about it, and we can do
the walk to end All's. Like I said, you had
(15:27):
locations Oliver Southern California, well all over the country obviously,
and then Oliver Southern California in the past couple weeks.
And we have Los Angeles on Saturday, and then Santa
Monica is on Sunday.
Speaker 2 (15:38):
Right, Yes, so we have Los Angeles on November ninth,
and then we have following that on November tenth at
Santa Monica.
Speaker 1 (15:47):
Yes, so November ninth, Saturday. Next Saturday at Exposition Park
that yours July. I'll be going with my boyfriend and
we'll be there with a group of people the Gold Stains.
They have a team Mission Possible. We walk with Meal
and Peter every year. They're just wonderful. They're on a
mission again for personal reasons. So many people and they
just want to raise that money and do the walk together.
(16:08):
And we meet so many like money people out there.
And again when you do these walks and you come
out and see, oh yeah, I'm not I'm not alone
in this. There's five thousand people here. You know, I
got a couple thousand new friends to make. And the
support system grows in his building and you know it's
there when you need it, when you need a lean
on it. So we'd love for anyone listening right now
if you'd like to make a donation or sign up
(16:29):
for the walk. It's free to register, but you can
sign up for not team. If you want to walk
with Lisa Fox, Hey I'm fun. If you want to
walk with us, Eric and I and the Gold Stains,
you can do so. Look for a team Mission Mission Possible,
or you can just look under Lisa Fox with two x's.
We'd love to have you out there in person. We're
doing the La Walk on Saturday, Exposition Park. We have
(16:49):
to be out there it's a registration at seven, like
I said, free to register, ceremony at eight thirty. We
start walking at nine and it's just like a mile
or two, right, that is correct. And then Sunday and
no remember tenth Santa Monica, here you come. The final
walk to end Alls. That's going to be at Crescent
Bay Park, two thousand Ocean Avenue, just south of Peico
near Bay Street. And that one you can get there
(17:11):
a little later. Nine am registration, ten am, ceremony, ten
to thirty walk times. So a couple of choices if
you're able to pop online at Alls dot org and
join us at one of the walks this coming weekend
and come together with some really amazing people to help
make a difference. So you got the walk to end
Alls this coming weekend. You have the gala that you
do every spring. That's a big fundraiser, that is correct.
Speaker 2 (17:33):
The gala is going to be next spring on May fourth,
twenty twenty five, and we're really excited about it.
Speaker 1 (17:39):
All kinds of ways to stay involved, to get on
the email list, learn about it, know about it, don't
be afraid of it, embrace it. It's not a fun one,
but boy, I just know, like my coworkers and people
in our lives are gonna need to like lean on
us to learn to figure out how to deal with this.
And to know that your organization is there is really huge.
Speaker 2 (17:59):
Yeah, we need to be there for people, and you
know we're here for you as well. So that's so important,
so so important. One of the other big needs that
we have we need volunteers. We need volunteers that not
only help us at the walk, help us at the gala,
but we also need volunteers that come into the office
that can help us with presentations and awareness training. So
(18:21):
volunteers is a really really big push for us for
us as well.
Speaker 1 (18:25):
And your new office is in Century City.
Speaker 2 (18:28):
We're over in Culver City. Put us right off of
South Sepulvida, so local you guys can come in and
help us out.
Speaker 1 (18:34):
Okay, volunteers always needed donations, and just really if there's
any way you can empower yourself with the information and
know that there's a wealth of support people wise. That
eight hundred phone number, the twenty four to seven helpline
that's free through the Allzhummers Association at eight hundred two
seven to two thirty nine hundred if you want to
walk with us this coming weekend, we'd love to have
(18:55):
you out there physically in person to see and give
you a big hug with our rock and our purple
T shirts. Thank you, Gloria Crockett and everyone there at
the Alzheimer's Association, thank you so much for all that
you do to help people and their families deal with
Alzheimer's and dementia. We greatly appreciate all that you do.
All the info at alls dot org, and Gloria, I'll
(19:15):
see you at the walk next weekend.
Speaker 2 (19:18):
I will see you there. Thank you,
Popular Podcasts
The Breakfast Club
The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy And Charlamagne Tha God!
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
Decisions, Decisions
Welcome to "Decisions, Decisions," the podcast where boundaries are pushed, and conversations get candid! Join your favorite hosts, Mandii B and WeezyWTF, as they dive deep into the world of non-traditional relationships and explore the often-taboo topics surrounding dating, sex, and love. Every Monday, Mandii and Weezy invite you to unlearn the outdated narratives dictated by traditional patriarchal norms. With a blend of humor, vulnerability, and authenticity, they share their personal journeys navigating their 30s, tackling the complexities of modern relationships, and engaging in thought-provoking discussions that challenge societal expectations. From groundbreaking interviews with diverse guests to relatable stories that resonate with your experiences, "Decisions, Decisions" is your go-to source for open dialogue about what it truly means to love and connect in today's world. Get ready to reshape your understanding of relationships and embrace the freedom of authentic connections—tune in and join the conversation!