TuscBDD examines Down syndrome Alzheimer’s link
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the National Institute on Aging, many people with Down syndrome develop Alzheimer’s disease when they get older.
The Tuscarawas County Board of Developmental Disabilities will host a free Alzheimer’s disease and Down syndrome presentation by Amy Woodland of the Alzheimer’s Association on July 16 from 10-11 a.m. at the Service and Support Center at 610 Commercial Ave. SW in New Philadelphia.
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the National Institute on Aging, many people with Down syndrome develop Alzheimer’s disease when they get older. By age 40 almost all people with Down syndrome have excess plaques and proteins, which can increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s dementia.
Each month TuscBDD arranges educational opportunities for local provider agencies that offer services to people with developmental disabilities as well as internal TuscBDD staff members, and some topics are open to the general public.
TuscBDD’s monthly topics range from nutrition, to Medicaid, to state law changes and beyond.
“After hearing about the services that the Alzheimer’s Association offers family members of people with the disease, I thought it was important to share that information with staff, local agencies and the general public,” said Chris Sapp, TuscBDD’s community connections specialist. “If you know someone with Down syndrome or Alzheimer’s disease, I would encourage you to spend an hour learning about the many resources the Alzheimer’s Association has to offer.”
Woodland is the program coordinator for the Greater East Ohio Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, where she provides education and outreach throughout the region with particular emphasis placed on outreach in rural communities. Currently Woodland is developing a chapter-wide support group facilitator training workshop, which will bring over 30 volunteer facilitators together annually.
To attend this event, an RSVP is required no later than July 15 to Sapp by emailing csapp@tuscbdd.org or calling 330-339-9769.