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Frequently asked questions about Alzheimer’s Disease

“Now if I can only remember why this is on my finger!”

What is the difference between Alzheimer’s disease and dementia?
Alzheimer’s disease is a type of dementia. Dementia is a loss of thinking, remembering, and reasoning skills that interferes with a person’s daily life and activities. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia among older people. Other types of dementia include frontotemporal disorders, Lewy body dementia, and vascular dementia.

What are the early signs of Alzheimer’s disease?
Memory problems are typically one of the first signs of Alzheimer’s disease, though different people may have different initial symptoms. A decline in other aspects of thinking, such as finding the right words, vision/spatial issues, and impaired reasoning or judgment, may also signal the very early stages of Alzheimer’s disease.

Mild cognitive impairment, or MCI, is a condition that can also be an early sign of Alzheimer’s disease — but not everyone with MCI will develop Alzheimer’s. In addition to memory problems, movement difficulties and problems with the sense of smell have been linked to MCI. If you have MCI, it’s important to see a doctor or specialist regularly to monitor any changes in memory or thinking .

What are the stages of Alzheimer’s disease?
Alzheimer’s disease progresses in several stages: preclinical, early (also called mild), middle (moderate), and late (severe). During the preclinical stage of Alzheimer’s disease, people seem to be symptom-free, but toxic changes are taking place in the brain. A person in the early stage of Alzheimer’s may exhibit the signs listed above.

As Alzheimer’s disease progresses to the middle stage, memory loss and confusion grow worse, and people may have problems recognizing family and friends. As Alzheimer’s disease becomes more severe, people lose the ability to communicate. They may sleep more, lose weight, and have trouble swallowing. Eventually, they need total care.

What are the causes of Alzheimer’s disease?
Scientists do not yet fully understand what causes Alzheimer’s disease in most people. In early-onset Alzheimer’s, which occurs between a person’s 30s and mid-60s, there may be a genetic component. Late-onset Alzheimer’s, which usually develops in a person’s mid-60s, arises from a complex series of age-related brain changes that occur over decades. The causes probably include a mix of these changes, along with genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. These factors affect each person differently.

Is there a cure for Alzheimer’s disease?
Currently, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease. Some sources claim that products such as coconut oil or dietary supplements can cure or delay Alzheimer’s. However, there is no scientific evidence to support these claims.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved several drugs to treat people with Alzheimer’s disease, and certain medicines and interventions may help control behavioral symptoms.

Scientists are developing and testing possible new treatments for Alzheimer’s. Learn more about taking part in clinical trials that help scientists learn about the brain in healthy aging and what happens in Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Results of these trials are used to improve diagnosis, treatment, and prevention methods.

Currently, there is no definitive evidence about what can prevent Alzheimer’s disease or age-related cognitive decline. What we do know is that a healthy lifestyle — one that includes a healthy diet, physical activity, appropriate weight, and control of high blood pressure — can lower the risk of certain chronic diseases and boost overall health and well-being. Scientists are very interested in the possibility that a healthy lifestyle might delay, slow down, or even prevent Alzheimer’s. They are also studying the role of social activity and intellectual stimulation in Alzheimer’s disease risk.

For more information about Alzheimer’s
NIA Alzheimer’s and related Dementias Education and Referral (ADEAR) Center
800-438-4380 (toll-free)
[email protected]
www.nia.nih.gov/alzheimers

Ventura Land Trust and Topa Topa Brewing Company announce $10,000 match campaign

Harmon Canyon Preserve. Photo by Rafael Ojeda

Ventura Land Trust and Topa Topa Brewing Company have joined together in the month of December to launch giving campaign Harmon for the Holidays. Topa Topa Brewing Company will match up to $10,000 in donations to Ventura Land Trust (VLT) in support the conservation of Harmon Canyon Preserve. Ventura Land Trust is proud to be one of Topa Topa Brewing Company’s local 1% for the Planet partners.

“We are proud to partner with VLT as one of our 1% for the Planet beneficiaries this year,” says Jack Dyer, founder and CEO of Topa Topa Brewing Company. “As stewards of our community, we are beyond excited about the great work VLT does to protect and steward the open spaces that make Ventura the wonderfully vibrant outdoor community that it is.”

Harmon Canyon Preserve was in development for 10 years before it opened in 2020. “This is our first real opportunity to invite the community to directly support the conservation of Harmon Canyon Preserve,” says Ventura Land Trust Executive Director Melissa Baffa. “We really believe that connecting to the land and connecting to community go hand in hand, so we couldn’t be more pleased to partner with Topa Topa for this campaign.”

Topa Topa Brewing Company’s Harmon for the Holidays campaign will benefit Ventura Land Trust‘s work to protect and preserve Harmon Canyon Preserve forever. Across the preserve’s 2,123 acres, trails and dirt roads climb through coast live oak groves and stream crossings, up to expansive views of Southern California mountain ranges, coastlines, and Channel Islands National Park.

The preserve protects over 1,000 acres of coastal sage scrub, one of the most endangered habitats in North America, as well as a variety of other plant and animal species. Visitors can enjoy 10 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and enjoying nature. The preserve is open daily, dawn to dusk, for free.

The mission of Ventura Land Trust is to permanently protect the land, water, wildlife and scenic beauty of the Ventura region for current and future generations. Founded in 2003, Ventura Land Trust believes that preserving open space and providing public access enhances the economy, quality of life, and public well-being of Ventura and surrounding communities. The organization owns and manages land along the Ventura River and in the Ventura hillsides, including the 2,123-acre Harmon Canyon Preserve, opened in June 2020.

Started in 2002 by Yvon Chouinard, founder of Patagonia, and Craig Mathews, founder of Blue Ribbon Flies, our business members and individual members have given hundreds of millions of dollars to our approved nonprofit partners to date. Today, 1% for the Planet’s global network consists of thousands of businesses, individuals and environmental nonprofits working toward a better future for all.

Housing Trust Fund Ventura County announces $1 million investment

Housing Trust Fund Ventura County (Housing Trust Fund VC) announced a $1 million investment by Bank of the Sierra into the nonprofit’s Everyone Deserves a Home Revolving Loan Fund. This community impact note will be pooled with funds from investors, both public and private, to provide flexible, below-market interest rate loans in support of building safe and equitable homes in diverse neighborhoods, that positively impact people’s lives in Ventura County. Additionally, investors earn a modest financial return on their investment.

Housing Trust Fund VC also welcomed a $250,000 investment from CBC Federal Credit Union. “We are honored investors like Bank of the Sierra and CBC Federal Credit Union see the value in helping to support more affordable apartments and housing in our community,” commented Linda Braunschweiger, CEO of Housing Trust Fund Ventura County. “Having funded over $18 million in loans in the past 10 years, it’s truly a fulfilling moment to reflect on the significant impact we and our community partners have made and continue to make throughout our county by providing lending capital for the early development costs of affordable housing units, from land acquisition to early construction.”

Join Housing Trust Fund VC at its Annual Meeting to learn more about its “Community Promise” – a commitment to positively impact people’s lives through the ongoing funding of safe and equitable homes. Local housing experts Ray Pearl, Executive Director of California Housing Consortium, and Troy Brown, Moorpark City Manager will join Housing Trust Fund VC CEO Linda Braunschweiger on January 26th from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. via Zoom.

Launched as a 501c3 nonprofit corporation in 2011, Housing Trust Fund VC is the local trusted leader in helping to increase affordable housing options throughout Ventura County by leveraging public-private partnerships to provide low-cost, flexible loans early in the housing development cycle. As of January 2021, Housing Trust Fund VC has invested over $18 million through its revolving loan fund, creating 847 affordable apartments and homes for very-low, low- and middle-income employees, transitional age foster youth, veterans, farm workers, and the homeless.

Harrison turns 90 with an eye on the future

Ten members of Harrison were in attendance at Chamber breakfast.

Founded in 1932, the local trash and recycling hauler and processor will take recycling to the next level in 2022, when it introduces weekly residential food waste collection and recycling as well as a program to ramp up the commercial recycling of food and other organic waste.

Harrison officially kicked off its 90th anniversary on Friday, at the Ventura Chamber of Commerce’s monthly Connection Breakfast, which Harrison hosted at Four Points Sheraton at Ventura Harbor. With 10 members of the Harrison team in attendance, the company used the opportunity to share news and literature about the big changes ahead.

“Food waste recycling is coming, and soon,” said Harrison’s Nan Drake, who addressed the more than 100 local businesspeople at the event. “It’s great news for the Earth, and it’s a great time for us all to become better recyclers.”

Harrison was well received at the event, with many attendees lavishing praise on the company that’s been a solid fixture in the community. “I can’t believe Harrison is turning 90,” said Ashley Pope, membership development manager for the Ventura Chamber. “I grew up in Ventura, so I’ve never known a time without those green trucks – and those awesome, incredible drivers. I have literally never seen an unsafe truck or an unreliable driver. … Here’s to another 90 years!”

Harrison unveiled a new two-minute video at the event; created to honor its milestone anniversary, the video noted Harrison’s deep roots and longtime philanthropy in the community but also looked ahead, to a consequential year that will affect all of its 90,000 customers in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties, as residential customers are asked to start bagging their food waste and placing it in their yard waste carts for weekly curbside pickup.

The food waste recycling program complies with California Senate Bill 1383. A highly ambitious measure, SB 1383 aims to reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions by greatly decreasing the landfilled organic waste that generates it. According to the bill, organic waste in 2025 must be cut to 75% of 2014 levels.

To accommodate the new law, Harrison has spent years working with its community partners Gold Coast Recycling and Agromin to build world-class facilities in Ventura County to process and reuse the food and other organic waste. “As we’ve always been, for 90 years now, we’re ready for what’s next,” Drake said at the Chamber event.

The Harrison team wrapped up the event with anniversary cake and a special gift to everyone in attendance: bags of organic potting soil from Agromin, delivered by company CEO Bill Camarillo.

Visit Harrison, Gold Coast and Agromin for more information on their services.

The Ventura Police Department increases transparency and announces Community Academy

The Ventura Police Department is now accepting applications for the next Community Academy open to Ventura residents and business owners. The academy can accommodate 30 participants and the deadline to apply is Friday, December 31, 2021.

The 2022 Ventura Police Community Academy is part of the Department’s ongoing efforts to strengthen community partnerships and increase transparency. This free program will take participants on a patrol ride-along, provide interactive trainings, showcase hands-on activities that provide an inside look at local policing, and much more. Each night features a new topic with different speakers, demonstrations, and discussions.

“The success of any police department depends largely upon the collaboration and support it receives from the residents it serves,” said Police Chief Darin Schindler. “It’s my hope that by opening our doors and demystifying police operations, we can work together to make Ventura a safer community.”

The Community Academy, set to begin on February 23, 2022, will be held on 10 consecutive Wednesday nights from 6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. with a final class and graduation on April 27, 2022. Nine classes will be held at the Ventura Police Department. The session on March 16, 2022, will be held at the Ventura County Criminal Justice Training Center in Camarillo.

To be eligible for the Ventura Police Community Academy applicants must:

  • Be a minimum of 18 years old
  • Live or own a business in the City of Ventura
  • Pass a criminal background check with no misdemeanor convictions in the past two years and no felony convictions
  • Participate in an in-person interview process
  • Commit to attending all sessions

Interviews are expected to occur in late January and those accepted will be notified in early February.

To learn more or apply for the 2022 Ventura Police Community Academy, visit

www.CityofVentura.ca.gov/CommunityAcademy.

Caregiver Navigation Program in Ventura County

by Carol Leish, MA

Caring for one’s older parent, neighbor, or child is not an easy job. According to data from the 2020 California Health Interview Survey (CHIS), a sizeable proportion of family and friend caregivers in California are struggling financially, experiencing physical or mental health problems, and are receiving little, if any, financial support for their caregiving responsibilities. Also, more than 20% have reported that caring for a family member or a friend was “Somewhat or extremely financially stressful” for African American (28%), Asian (23.4%), and Latino adult caregivers (21.9%) compared to white adult caregivers (17.7%), who have reported their experiences.

In Ventura County three hospitals are responding to this Caregiver burden/need. The Ventura County Community Foundation (VCCF), has funded Caregiver Navigators at three local hospitals: Community Memorial Health Systems (CMHS) in Ventura; St. John’s Hospital in Oxnard; and, Adventist Health, Simi Valley. Channel Islands State University has been providing data collection. Each hospital has its own unique program. At CMHS, a Caregiver Navigator is working specifically with families who are patients for the Centers for Family Health. Maureen Hodge, Program Manager of High-Risk Programs at Community Memorial Health Systems said, “Families are often overwhelmed or have no idea where resources are to help their loved one. Patients can be in any stage of life. We have a mom who is a caregiver to her 18-year-old bipolar, schizophrenic son; a grandma who is caregiver to her grandchild with a disability, and even an 85-year-old wife who is a caregiver to her 93-year-old husband.”

In the U.S. there are about 40 million unpaid family caregivers, which includes: older parents, spouses, aunts, uncles, and other adults who help loved ones to live independently at home. About 6.5 million family caregivers assist both adults and children as they deal with chronic illnesses, hospitalizations, and more. In Ventura County the highest diseases for our aging population are: Alzheimer’s/Dementia, heart disease, cancer, strokes, and diabetes. With these illnesses, or others, patients often also experience depression, anxiety, and/or substance use, too, which compounds their already challenging situation.

“When patients are sent home from the hospital with their spouse or a loved one,” according to Hodge, “this person doesn’t even consider themselves to be a caregiver. They are often in the dark about how to navigate patients’ chronic illnesses, find resources, or to stay in touch with the doctor. For Ventura County, these issues resonate, and the need to support family caregivers has been identified as a ‘critical health need’ in our county.”

By starting this Caregiving Navigation Program, the overall goals include: 1) Reducing hospital readmission and depression among care recipients; 2) Reducing caregiver burden of caregivers; and, 3) Integrating family caregivers into the care team in collaboration with primary care physicians. Kristine Supple, Director of Population Health at CMHS said, “CMHS’s partnership with the Ventura County Community Foundation (VCCF), has allowed us to explore the role of supporting the caregivers as they guide their loved ones through illness and disability. It’s a unique perspective to focus on the well-being of the caregiver as a way of improving the quality of life and outcome for the patient. We are grateful to VCCF for the opportunity to be one of the grant-funded hospitals in the Caregiver Navigator Initiative, collaborating to meet the needs of the caregiver.” The Caregiver Navigation is grant funded and the early results show that with the support of Clinical professionals to support and aid the caregiver has reduced depression and has increased their resilience. For more information, please reach out to Maureen Hodge, at CMHS at (805)948-2816; or Rosie Hernandez at St. John’s Hospital in Oxnard at (805) 988-2500 ext. 1684.

Ventura City Attorney Greg Diaz announces retirement

After more than seven years as Ventura’s City Attorney, Gregory Diaz has announced his retirement, effective February 14, 2022. Diaz’s last day will be December 23, 2021.

“City Attorney Greg Diaz has had a significant impact in our organization and led the City’s legal services team with the utmost professionalism and integrity,” said Mayor Sofia Rubalcava. “On behalf of the City Council, I thank him for his exemplary legal contributions that have greatly benefited our community. We wish him all the best in his retirement.”

Since joining the City in 2014, Diaz has led the City Attorney’s Office in achieving many notable accomplishments, including providing homeless shelter agreements that allowed the City to open its first permanent, City-sponsored homeless shelter in the County; and leading the Citizens Charter Review Committee in updating the Ventura’s Charter Amendment, which transitioned the City’s at-large election system to geographic district elections for Councilmembers in 2017. This substantial change to the Charter Amendment proactively avoided an expensive and time-consuming California Voting Rights Act lawsuit.

“It has been my honor to serve the City Council and the City of Ventura through many complex initiatives,” said City Attorney Greg Diaz. “One of the accomplishments I’m most proud of is the work our City Attorney’s Office did during the tragic time of the 2017 Thomas Fire.”

Under Diaz’s leadership, the City Attorney’s Office recovered $8 million from Southern California Edison for Thomas Fire damages. Diaz also supported the Council-sponsored initiative, Measure O. The half-cent sales tax increase has provided vital funding to essential public safety services and increased maintenance of City facilities, roads, and sidewalks.

Diaz has had the opportunity to speak and write on various municipal law during his career, focusing the last few years on legal issues associated with emergencies and disasters. He had the honor to prepare a “Disaster Playbook” on managing legal issues during an emergency that was presented for use by both County Counsels and City Attorneys in California. For the last two years, he has served as the Chair of the City Attorneys Department of the League of California Cities Ad Hoc Emergency Response Committee.

Upon retirement, City Attorney Diaz plans to relocate and join his wife, Angela, in their new home in Tampa, Florida. He looks forward to a few months of rest and relaxation and then finding new challenges.

Vol. 15, No. 06 – Dec 15 – Dec 28, 2021 – Movie Review

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers
King Richard – HBO Max

4 out of 4 palm trees

King Richard chronicles the rise of Venus and Serena Williams to tennis elites, at one time being ranked No.1 and No. 2 in the world of tennis, all due to the plan their father’s grand plan.

Richard Williams (Will Smith) started coaching them from a very young age on the neglected tennis courts of Compton rain or shine to develop their skills to a level in which he was able to seek out funding and to find a professional coach that would take them on for nothing. King Richard (as he was come to be known in the Compton neighborhoods) was able to get the attention of pro tennis coach Paul Cohen (Tony Goldwyn)

Cohen coached well-known players like John McEnroe and Pete Sampras, and after seeing both girls play he agreed to take on Venus (Saniyya Sidney), but didn’t feel that Serena (Demi Singleton) was ready. While Venus was coached by Cohen, Serena’s mother Brandy Williams (Aunjanue Ellis) worked with Serena to strengthen her skills. The family had 5 girls total, including Richard’s 3 stepdaughters, who were all very close and supported of each other.

Cohen convinced Richard to have Venus play in juniors tournaments, the traditional pathway to going pro, and Venus was 63-0 in her first season. Richard wanted his daughters to be respectful and practice modesty, and was constantly on them to manage their pride and egos, especially as Venus was quickly seen as unbeatable. Though she was playing great and winning all her matches, Richard decided to pull Venus from the juniors after only one year and stopped working with Cohen after a meeting that went wrong with some investors Cohen had lined up.

Richard was even more convinced of Venus’ ability to go pro, so looked for a new coach and the means to follow their dreams. He reached out to Coach Rick Macci, who coached players like Jennifer Capriati and had a training facility in Florida, and convinced Macci to come to California to see Venus and Serena. Macci agreed to coach Venus and move the family to Florida.

Richard decided to remove Venus from any tournament play for the next several years and only practice with pros, focus on studies and have childhood fun. Once the whole family relocated to Florida, he shared this with Coach Macci who was stunned, feeling duped and quite confused how to move forward but went along with Richard’s unrelenting commitment to his plan. Though it was hard for Serena, Richard told her that though he knew Venus was eventually be No.1, that Serena would be the greatest ever.

Venus improved significantly over the next few years, and at 15 years old Coach Macci felt she was unquestionably ready to play a pro tournament, suggesting the upcoming Bank of the West tournament in Oakland. Though Richard had his reservations. he eventually allowed Venus to play after asking her personally if she felt ready. Coach Macci found a sponsor willing to offer a $3 million dollar if they would sign the contract before the tournament.

When asked, Venus decided to pass on the contract and see what offers could come after her first tournament in years. Venus played well and ended up in the finals on the main court with Arantxa Sánchez Vicario, the No.1 ranked player at the time. Though she didn’t win, she became known to the world and 9 months later signed a $12 million dollar contract with Reebok.

Venus went on the win Wimbleton five times, and two years later Serena joined Venus on tour becoming a 23-time Grand Slam champion and considered perhaps the greatest player in tennis history, just as Richard predicted.

Rated: PG-13
Runtime: 2h 26m

 

Vol. 15, No. 06 – Dec 15 – Dec 28, 2021 – Mailbox

Sheldon:

Sticks+stones
Maybe we could tag team to raise funds. Take on any haters over 68.
Don’t always agree with you but keep up the good work. Beats the Star for me.
Thanks
Chris Reinhart

Chris: Sometimes I don’t even agree with me but we are having fun aren’t we?

 Breeze:

The Ventura City Council has an important vote on December 6th that will affect development in our coastal city for years to come. They are set to approve a Streamlining Ordinance which strips power away from our land use boards and turns that power over to one person, the Community Development Director (CDD). The CDD and the City Attorney spent 2021 rewriting the Municipal Code to benefit out of town developers and the City Council appears willing to rubber stamp their proposals. 

Parking, traffic, density and water decisions, sign changes (like the Auto Center enlargement), Conditional Use Permits and building façade issues will be decided by the Development Director, who ironically doesn’t even live here. Projects are not being looked at collectively and therefore infrastructure improvements are not being addressed. Hundreds of units are being added in the downtown area and the city has not prepared an Environmental Impact Report. They closed one of the three main streets through the downtown area, eliminated parking spaces and are approving six story condo and apartment buildings? People still need cars to “live, work and play” in Ventura. 

If you look at the donors and contributors to the election campaigns of our City Council members you can see who is benefitting from all this construction. These new million-dollar condos going up all over town are not going to help current residents. I urge your readers to contact the City Council to stop this over-development and vote “no” on Streamlining. 

Eileen Shaw

Editor: See article on front cover. We received many similar emails.

Breeze:

I hear so many people call Camino Real Park El Camino Real Park. Even though we have a high school named El Camino there is no El in the park name. So get the el out.

Charles Goble

Children on a Beach

Oceans build their shores with stones,
And fortify its walls with children at play,
Control nature’s borders with a swift undertow.
A coastal defense hemmed in by the tide.

When uncertain waters crash onshore,
The storms will produce a sure foundation,
For we consider the night’s arduous horizon.
To reflect on the hope of peaceful seas.

As waters sift through our rocky shores,
They polish the surface to smooth their edges,
Returns in search of precious treasure.
For there made by the hands of little children.

By Jeff Russell

A person without a sense of humor is like a wagon without springs,
jolted by every pebble in the road.
~ Henry Ward Beecher