It has been just over two centuries since Dr. James Parkinson first extensively characterized the major symptoms of the disease that came to bear his name in 1817. Slowly but surely our understanding of the disease has improved and effective treatment has been developed, but Parkinson’s disease remains a huge challenge to those who suffer from it and to those involved in its management.

Parkinson’s disease is a chronic, degenerative neurological disorder that affects one in 100 people over age 60. It is the second most common age-related neurodegenerative disorder after Alzheimer’s disease. An estimated 7 to 10 million people worldwide have Parkinson’s disease. Scientists predict the number of people with Parkinson’s in the world will double by 2042. About one million Americans are thought to have Parkinson’s, more than those affected by multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, and Lou Gehrig’s disease combined. While the average age at onset is 60, people have been diagnosed as young as 18 and one case in Canada reports that a two-year old was diagnosed with the disease. Incidence of Parkinson’s increases with age, but an estimated four percent of people with PD are diagnosed before the age of 50. Men are one and a half times more likely to have Parkinson’s than women.

Every year, about 60,000 Americans are diagnosed with Parkinson’s. This does not reflect the thousands of cases that go undetected. There is no objective test or biomarker for Parkinson’s disease, so the rate of misdiagnosis can be relatively high, especially when the diagnosis is made by a non-specialist.

The average cost of Parkinson’s medication is $2,500 per year. Parkinson’s-related surgery can cost up to $100,000 per patient. The combined direct and indirect costs of Parkinson’s in the United States, including treatment, disability, and similar payments, plus lost income from an inability to work, are estimated at $25 billion per year.

Statistics are from the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, Parkinson’s News Today, the Parkinson’s Foundation, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health and other credible sources. If you have been diagnosed with or care for someone with Parkinson’s Disease, please know that you are not alone and are welcome to join the Ventura Parkinson’s Disease Support Group every second Wednesday of the month from 1PM to 3PM at the Lexington Assisted Living, 5440 Ralston Street in Ventura. For more information call Patty at 805-766-6070. We are an independent and volunteer-organized group not affiliated with or a part of any other organization or group.

by Essie L. Landry Social Security Public Affairs Specialist in Sierra West Area

National Social Security Month is celebrated in April and is dedicated to educating you about Social Security programs and services.  From programs that help support you through life’s journey, to services that help put you in control, to systems that help protect what’s important to you, Social Security is committed to helping secure today and tomorrow for you and your family.

During National Social Security Month, we encourage people to take control of their future with my Social Security at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount. Create a my Social Security account to check your earnings history, confirm you have enough credits to retire, see an estimate of future benefits while still working, or manage your monthly benefits once you begin receiving them. You can also check the status of your claim or appeal, request a replacement Social Security card, and get an instant benefit verification letter.

Our Retirement Estimator is another great tool that provides you with immediate and personalized benefit estimates based on your own earnings record. This allows you to receive the most accurate estimate of your future retirement benefits. Estimate your benefits now at www.socialsecurity.gov/estimator.

After you have viewed your earnings history for accuracy, confirmed you have enough work credits to retire, and determined the best age to retire, you can get started on the next phase of your life right away by retiring online! It’s fast and easy at www.socialsecurity.gov/retireonline.

For more than 80 years, Social Security has changed to meet the needs of our customers. During National Social Security Month, and throughout the year, Social Security puts you in control with secure access to your information anytime, anywhere. From estimating or managing your benefits, requesting a replacement Social Security card, to retiring online, visit SocialSecurity.gov today, and see what you can do online at www.socialsecurity.gov/onlineservices.

by Carol Leish

This important forum, ‘A Call to Action,’ was presented on February 20, by the Ventura Council For Seniors. It was very timely after the Thomas Fire in Ventura and then the mudslides in Montecito.

Chief David Endaya, of the Ventura Fire Department, moderated the forum. He said that the evacuation of 27,000 people in Ventura within 90 minutes on the evening of December 4, 2017 saved lives.

Assistant Chief Andy Ortega, Ventura County Fire Department, Retired, gave a moving personal story of coping with the loss of his home, and through that loss, becoming more resilient. He commended the fact that neighbors were helping other neighbors during this trying situation of the fire. He also commended the 600 city workers and first responders who helped tremendously. He focused on being able to rebuild together and to be able to come out on the other side of the disaster by appreciating what he and his family does have.

“It’s important to stay aware,” according to Assistant Chief Ortega. “Being prepared is vital, in order to be: ready to act; set to act; and, being able to go (taking the action).” He also stressed the vital importance of evacuating, in order to save lives, during both voluntary and mandatory evacuations. He said that, sadly, loss of life occurred during the mudslides in Montecito, and not during the fire in Ventura, because those who were given a ‘voluntary’ evacuation notice in Montecito didn’t necessarily leave.

The panel discussion, with Captain Steven Lazenby, Santa Paula Fire Department, Retired; CERT Trainer; Gracie Huerta, Co-Founder, LISTOS Disaster Preparedness; and, Laura Hernandez, Emergency Management Professional reemphasized the importance of being prepared, along with what Assistant Chief Ortega had already said.

These important tips included the importance of having a magnetic, ‘File of Life,’ on your refrigerator, that has medical information about the family. Realizing the importance of having a gallon of water a day for each person in the household for seven days. Having important documents (or copies of them) all in one folder. This includes: social security cards; Drivers Licenses; Passports; medical records; insurance information; bank records; and, rental and/or mortgage information. Also, remembering to have pet care items, such as: identification; immunization records; carrier or cage; muzzle and leash; and, pet food.

Other things to keep in mind before a disaster occurs, be it a fire or an earthquake, for example, are; having a phone number of a contact friend or family member outside of the (805) area code; packing up pictures and irreplaceable memorabilia; having personal computers with information on hard drive and disks; and, having plastic (credit cards, ATM cards) and cash.

A special thank you to, Suz Montgomery, who makes sure that, ‘Seniors are working for the benefit of seniors,’ which is a motto of the Ventura Council For Seniors, which she is the chair of. And, another special thank you to, the Downtown Ventura Rotary, for having a free barbeque lunch, after the forum.

by Sue Carrington

It’s a force to be reckoned with. Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) are debilitating conditions that impair memory, interfere with thought processes, and limit day-to-day functioning. As the disease continues to surge—affecting more than five million Americans and as many as 16 million by 2050—the nation is seeking new ways to care for people with ADRD. One leading approach is focusing not on losses but on remaining potential. Empowerment: Taking a New Approach to Dementia

“Fear about getting Alzheimer’s disease is pervasive,” says Kim Warchol, an occupational therapist and president and founder of Dementia Care Specialists, a nationwide dementia training and consulting company. “Why is the disease so scary? Because of the belief we continue to hold that if you’re diagnosed with dementia, you’re on your way down a long road of suffering.”

“Although this perspective is gradually changing, it’s still there in part because of the way we’ve traditionally cared for people with the disease. As soon as a person experiences memory challenges, we confine them to a world of losses—what they can’t do anymore. Over time, we begin to use labels like ‘wanderer,’ ‘rummager,’ or ‘feeder.’ Suffering is born out of this negativity.”

For healthcare stakeholders—providers, payers, and patients and their families—the challenges of ADRD are steep. Seniors with dementia are hospitalized three times more often than seniors without dementia and experience a greater reduction in quality of life. They may need intensive long-term services and support. Psychotropic medications are often overused to control behavior issues. Many caregivers eventually burnout and leave their profession.

ADRD is also taking a huge financial toll. At an annual cost of more than $200 billion, it is the most expensive illness in America today.

According to Warchol, the devastating effects of the disease are made even more so by mistaken perception. The result can be such problems as depression, physical weakness, negative behavior expressions, more hospitalizations, and eventually, failure to thrive.

“Yet if we come from an empowered, person-centered point of view, focusing not exclusively on the disease, but on the person first and his or her remaining potential, we can significantly change the future for this individual and the downward spiral of events.”

A key theory that’s helping to change the perception of ADRD is retrogenesis, meaning “back to birth.” Warchol explains this as the concept that the brain of a person with Alzheimer’s disease deteriorates in the reverse order that the brain developed from birth. “Cognitive skills acquired last are the first to go, and the ones attained first are the last to leave.

“Functional cognitive capacity defined in the stages of dementia can be equated to capacity within developmental ages. Someone at the end of life with Alzheimer’s has the same cognitive abilities and functional capabilities as an infant. Yet we need to remember that regardless of their stage of cognitive development, children live a quality life. Even an infant has quality of life, because we celebrate who they are and what they can do—and we accommodate for what they can’t do. We create many meaningful moments, not despair.”

Sue Carrington is a seasoned and purpose-driven journalist, with a focus on healthcare innovation. Sue is a native of the Washington, DC, area.

Even though retired nurse Barbara Leonard just turned 92 she still feels that she could be a great nurse.

What started as a simple idea to get area seniors involved in learning more about their health, has now become an annual staple across Ventura County. Cypress Place Senior Living is announcing its 10th annual Health and Wealth Expo. This year’s event, titled “Laughter Is the Best Medicine,” features 35 local vendors, as well as local comedian Randy Lubas as keynote speaker.

The Health and Wealth Expo is from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wed., April 11, at Cypress Place, located at 1200 Cypress Point Lane in Ventura. The event is free and open to the public.

Over the last 10 years, the expo has featured speakers with incredible stories that inspire seniors across the area. This year’s event will be no different, as one of Ventura’s most well-known comedians inspires attendees of all ages to let go and laugh. Lubas is the co-owner of Ventura Harbor Comedy Club, and has made appearances on several nationally televised and radio broadcasts, including Comedy Central, Showtime and Bob and Tom Radio.

In addition to enjoying the Lubas performance, attendees can get their blood pressure checked, receive a mini stroke evaluation, along with balance and hearing tests. Wealth management and veteran benefit consultants will also be on hand to answer any questions. A free healthy gourmet lunch will be provided.

Raffle prizes will be given away throughout the event, including one grand prize: a 50’’ HD flat screen TV. Free shuttle parking will also be available.

Corporate sponsors for the event are Ventura Post Acute, Coastal View Healthcare Center, Mission Home Health, Victoria Care Center, Meditech Health Services, and Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association.

For more information or to RSVP, please call 416-8793 or visit the Cypress Place website at www.cypressplaceseniorliving.com/events.

In recognition of mothers being the primary caregivers in our lives and the community, Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association will honor Carolyn Daily Menne and remember Helen Kimball Pidduck at a Mother’s Day Luncheon, Friday, April 27 at the Las Posas Country Club in Camarillo.

Proceeds from the event support Livingston’s home healthcare programs and services throughout Ventura County.

For ticket and sponsorship information, please contact Stephanie Montenegro at 642-0239 x793, [email protected], or www.lmvna.org.

Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association supports the total well-being of our community. As part of their services, they host free monthly education classes throughout the county which include the following:

Social Services/Bereavement Groups

Ojai Adult Bereavement Support Group: Tuesdays, March 27th 10:30 am-noon at Help of Ojai, West Campus 370 Baldwin Rd., Ojai. These groups are open to individuals who have experienced loss and are free of charge. Call 642-0239 for more information or email [email protected].

Oxnard Adult Bereavement Support Group: on Mondays, March 19 and 26, from 3:00-4:30 pm at First Presbyterian Church, 850 Ivywood Dr., Oxnard. These groups are open to individuals who have experienced loss and are free of charge. Call 642-0239 for more information or email [email protected]. If you have any schedule questions, please check the website calendar (http://lmvna.org/calendar/index.html) or call us.

Ventura Adult Bereavement Support Group: Wednesdays, March 14, 21, and 28 from 6:30-8:00 pm at Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association office, 1996 Eastman Ave., Suite 109. These groups are open to individuals who have experienced loss and are free of charge. Call 642-0239 for more information or email [email protected].

by Patty Jenkins

Research from Parkinson’s Disease Studies show that increasing physical activity to at least 2.5 hours a week can slow decline in quality of life. (Parkinson’s Foundation). Because people with Parkinson’s Disease may have a number of different symptoms, the right exercise prescription may include some combination of endurance, strength and balance training (Davis Phinney Foundation). In addition to problems walking and exercising, speech problems are also common in patients with Parkinson’s disease. These symptoms can make it hard to understand a person with Parkinson’s and can directly affect their care and quality of life.

Come discover the amazing programs, “Big and Loud” presented by Two Trees Physical Therapy and Wellness at the Ventura Parkinson’s Disease Support Group on Wednesday, March 14, from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm at The Lexington Assisted Living at 5440 Ralston St.

We are pleased to bring Marc Broberg, PT, MSPT, NCS and co-owner of Two Trees Physical Therapy & Wellness, to discuss the most current evidence-based guidelines for therapy and exercise for individuals with Parkinson’s Disease. He will also give us information about a very special exercise class offered for people with Parkinson’s Disease at Two Trees called “Neuro Boot Camp”. Marc is a Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Neurological Physical Therapy.

We will also have two members of Marc’s team, Christina Malone and Tamara Backer, who are certified in special therapies called LSVT BIG and LOUD for people with Parkinson’s and other neural conditions.

Christina Malone PT, DPT, CSCS, is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist who graduated from Azusa Pacific University in 2015.

Tamara Backer, MS CCC-SLP, is a Speech Therapist and was certified in 2011 in LSVT LOUD, the first speech treatment with level 1 evidence and established efficacy for treating voice and speech disorders in individuals with Parkinson’s Disease and other neurological disorders.

We welcome all of our members, their care-partners and new friends who find themselves in this battle with Parkinson’s Disease along with us. There is a drop-off/loading and unloading driveway in the front of their building and extra parking graciously available across the street from the Lexington in the Baptist Church parking lot.

Thanks to the generosity of the Lexington Assisted Living, we are able to have our meetings every second Wednesday of the month. For more information call Patty at 766-6070. We are an independent and volunteer-organized group not affiliated with or a part of any other organization or group. Reservations are not required.

The City of Ventura Parks and Recreation is offering a Zumba Gold series at the Ventura Avenue Adult Center from 12:00-1:00pm every Monday and Wednesday beginning March 26, and a Friday class beginning March 30.

Zumba Gold is perfect for all active adults, 50+, looking for a Zumba class at a lower-intensity level. This easy to follow class focuses on heart rate, balance, range of motion, and coordination. Come ready to sweat, leave feeling empowered, strong. Regain flexibility and strength while having fun learning a dance step or two! Having two left feet is no problem.

Participants should wear workout shoes, comfortable clothing and bring water to keep hydrated.

For more information call (818) 515-8590. Sign up by phone 658-4726 requesting Zumba Gold-10148 Monday and Wednesdays or Zumba Gold-10688 Fridays.