FogHorn May 21 Meeting

Posted by Editor: D Bobko 
 
FOGHORN 
 
ROTARY CLUB OF HALF MOON BAY
MAY 21, 2015 MEETING
 
Program:  Wes Burgess, M.D., PhD - Dementia 
Article by Bill Johnston​
Meeting Notes - May 21, 2015
Article by Denali St. Amand
 
Program Recap- Wes Burgess, M.D., PhD -  Presentation on Dementia
As the program notes scribe, I took detailed notes of this excellent and informative program by our own Wes Burgess PhD, M.D. on the subject of dementia. After the presentation I had a chance to look at his outline and I discovered that everything I had written down was more concisely stated in his outline then it was in my notes. Accordingly, I have incorporated his program notes in my reportage. About the only thing that is not in Wes's notes is the abuse that some of the members of the audience had inflicted upon them when, for example, they asked a three-part question and forgot part three. Obviously, I shall not embarrass the foot doctor by naming names. Wes pointed out that dementia was often characterized by a loss of short-term memory such that the patient might remember things that happened years ago but not five minutes ago. The question was propounded "if you tell an Alzheimer's patient about an event that happened a long time ago will they then forget that event after five minutes?" This had many of us trapped in on Escher-like continuum. Wes saved us by pointing out that short-term and long-term memories are not stored in the same place and therefore converting a long-term memory into a short-term memory does not make it disappear. This was a tremendous relief to Ralph. The outline follows as you read on. 
 
 
             DEMENTIA
I. WHAT IS DEMENTIA-WHAT CAUSES IT?

WHY Dementia? Dementia is the # 1 cause of elder disability; Dementia affects 50% of individuals >85

Any of us could get it - but we can act NOW to save the brain cells we have & reduce the dangers of Dementia!

Dementia IS a GRADUAL decline in mental function: Dementia IS CAUSED by death/injury to brain cells

Location of brain cell injury determines type of decline - Attention/Memory/Language/ Abstraction/Logic

Expensive brain scans can't diagnose Dementia but simple tests can - try a SCREENING QUIZ

II. TYPES OF DEMENTIA

Alzheimers Dementia (50%), Vascular Dementia (25%), Physical Injury/Alcoholic/Toxic, (FTD/Picks DO),

Often Overlap - Also, Parkinson's Dementia (Lewy Body), Huntington's, Wilson's Disease, CJD

Reversible causes include Depression, BPDO, Lyme Disease, Infection, B 12 deficiency, hypothyroidism

Alzheimer's Dementia

SMOOTH decline in mental function, often lose cells in Memory areas also Attention/Language/Abstrac/Logic

Brain cells are coated with sheets of Protein (Beta Amyloid/Tau) like gelatin, causes brain cell malfunction,

CAUSE is mostly genetic (Apo lipoprotein E) - can't prevent, Save brain cells you have NOW

From birth lose we brain cells until at some point deficits occur.

Avoid Injury: Wear seat belts, don't speed, don't drink and drive, wear cycle helmets, avoid contact sports

Reduce Stress: Get 8 hrs sleep per night, time off, use relaxation exercises (BOOK) meditate/sing/pray

Keep Brain Active: As you grow older, join projects (Rotary), socialize (Rotary). (Rotary prevents dementia)

Vascular or Multi-Infarct Dementia

STAIRSTEP decline in mental function with recovery and worsening, emotions (anger & depression) common

Caused by many tiny strokes (TIAs). Most people> 30 years have them. Overlaps Alzheimer's.

Tiny strokes caused by bits of gunk in heartlblood vessels which lodge in brain & starve brain cells of oxygen.

Reduce the formation of vascular plaques and heart disease: Control your blood pressure,

Get moderate exercise, lose weight, don't smoke, moderate drinking

Genetic: If family history of stokes or heart disease - place yourself in the care of a knowledgeable doctor

Physical Injury, Alcoholic and Toxic Dementias

Don't have an accurate idea of the contribution of these factors to dementia but probably very big!

Caused when brain cells are killed or injured directly by injury or poisons.

Physical Injury: already discribed - seat belts, helmet, etc.

Alcoholic Dementia: Associated with Korsakoffs Syndrome - impaired short-term memory.

Safe Alcohol Use: don't drink more than 3 alcoholic drinks/day & no more than 6/week

Toxic Dementias: Avoid polluted environments, work toxins, radon gas, filter your water, organic foods ...

III. HOW WE CAN HELP INDIVIDUALS WHO ALREADV HAVE DEMENTIA?

1. Drugs: (Cholinesterase blockers-Donepezil; NMDA blockers-memantine) help little - unpleasant side effects.

2. Practical measures - big clock, big calendar, check visionJhearing, talk radio, sleep at night

3. YOU CAN: Be a role model (seatbelts, helmets, reduce stress).

                        Volunteer in elder care

                        Educate others! To hang on to the brain cells they have! Thanks.

 
May 21 Meeting Recap
Lisa’s inspirational thought reminded us that we are happiest with friends around a table and that if we join to help others, too, then we have “won the lottery of life”.
 
Guests
Susan introduced Dennis Fisher as her guest. Eric Hartwig, a 20-year member of the Menlo Park Rotary, announced that he will try to be here next week for the induction of  Linda Croce Anderson who is transfering from his club to ours (he thought it might be this week.)  He is looking forward to welcoming Steve, who is his neighbor in Ocean Colony, back from China where he has been on the surgical team.   Also invited us to the “Taste of Menlo Park” dinner, which is to raise money for scholarships.  If you’d like to enjoy a delicious gourmet meal, even including the after dinner Whiskey, you can buy a ticket for $55.00.  
Happy/Crappy News 
 
Liz acknowledged the wonderful article in The Review regarding her retirement and her long career as an outstanding Educator and Administrator part of which has been here in the CUSD. The picture shows her walking through the garden where Liz has helped students at Pilarcitos High School tend to their tomatoes plants, which they have grown from seedlings as part of a program to learn about cultivating plants and growing their own food. 
Dan Miller was back from a short trip to his property in one of our very rainy northern neighbor states.
Ginger and Mary  spoke of the latest specials at Bay World Travel, fabulous group trips, which they will be offering for travelers once a month.  In April 2016 it will be in the Bordeaux region in France.
It was good to see Kendall back.  She had a great adventure at the Preakness in her (as she said) 'Big, fat......Hat!"
(Editor's Note: AND WHO are those CUTE Guys with you, Kendall?)

Announcements
Dianne announced that Eric Shapiro was honored at a District 5150 Brunch event on Sunday for reaching the $10,000.00 Major Donor level. We will honor him at the next meeting he can attend.
Charise reported that the Rotary at High School classes and training have been going very well.  Students are ready for their interviews!  She also invited us all to the Network At Night tonight at Via Uno Cucina Italiana at which our club will be the featured non-profit.
Teresa reminded us that the mentoring program at Pilarcitos High School, “Big Coyote, Little Coyote”, will be in full swing in August.
The Passeggiata on Main Street will be Friday, May 29th, and Rusty reminded us that we can donate to “My Relay” right on the Facebook page any time.
Dianne announced that she is already planning for the 4th of July and will have the first committee meeting today.  There is a new Rotary club, Daly City/Colma.  We are sending $100.00 in support and as a welcome.
 
The marble draw was won by Paul Wrubel, but no prize! He pulled out a green marble.