Meghan Burton called the meeting to order at 12:30.
Ramon Ware reminded us that we are all amazing. We have power, potential, and courage. We are not perfect but that’s okay. And none of us are alone.
Guests
- Lissa Kreisler introduced her friend Bonnie Broderick.
- Dagmar Schildwach and Claire Day visited for the Alzheimers Association presentation.
This week's 'Rotarian in the Wild': Barry and Lisa Cheskin with the redwood giants in Big Sur
Congratulations to Doug Brent who is one of 2 worldwide to be selected as a member of the joint technology committee for Rotary International. Thank you Doug for stepping up!
Coming up: Our next First Tuesday Happy Hour is on Feb 6 at the Milan Italian Restaurant in San Jose.
Crabfest is coming!
Lisa Cheskin and Suzanne Boxer-Gassman thanked all those who have volunteered so far. There is still room for more. This is our major fundraiser and you can help! If you haven’t already committed to help, please do. If you haven’t yet bought tickets please buy them at https://events.
The majority of the proceeds come from the auction so PLEASE look at the catalog and bid! https://events.
Rachelle Lopp reminded us that our official centennial was yesterday. Our first meeting as a chartered club took place January 15, 1924 at the Lyndon Hotel, where Lyndon Plaza now stands. She honored those who have been a part of 100 years of service to our community.
Wes Sadumiano sent photos of the water system that we support in the Philippines through our international grants. This latest water project will serve 4400 students! These are the kinds of projects the CrabFest makes possible.
30 for 30
- Patti van der Burg acknowledged and thanked our Rotarian town commissioners: outgoing Jeff Barnett and incoming Adam Mayer.
- Barry Cheskin gave in honor of Lisa and Suzanne wearing their crazy crab hats!
- John Pencer’s wife left for her girls trip. He donated with heightened appreciation for all she does.
- Avis La Grone is happy to be back with us after not being around lately.
- Hal Rosen had a disappointing trip cancellation because of Covid but he and his wife are healthy now and happy to be back at Rotary.
- Canan Sonuk gave in honor of her son coming home after serving in the Marines for 5 years. We thank him for his service! She hasn’t attended rotary in a while and is happy to be back.
Guest Speaker
Sue Heller introduced Claire Day, Chief Program Officer, from the Alzheimers Association.
She oversees all their research programs and came to give her talk, entitled ‘Advancing the Science: The latest in Alzheimers and Dementia care and research'.
Ms. Day started by thanking Rotary. Rotarians have raised over $500,000 nationwide with 140 teams in Walk to End Alzheimers. This year’s walk will be Sept 28 at Lake Cunningham.
Dementia is a syndrome, not just forgetting things. It’s loss of function due biological change in the brain. Alzheimers is the most common kind of dementia. Mixed dementia is very common. Often a doctor cannot confirm it is Alzheimers with the tools on hand so they broadly call it dementia.
We are learning more and more about the biology behind Alzheimers, and how to prevent it, diagnose it, and treat it.
Risks include age, genetics, sex that we cannot control as well as things we CAN control such as substance abuse, exercise, cardio health (what is good for the heart is good fro the brain), sleep, diet, social engagement, etc. They are currently studying all risks from all angles.
Early detection can have emotional, social and medical benefits. It’s better to understand symptoms early on and explore one’s options, plan and manage costs, etc.
What is the research?
So far success has been mostly about getting good medical care for those who have it.
However, the plaque that causes Alzheimers is building up in the brain 20 years before symptoms show, so they are looking for a treatment for people who are pre-symptomatic. That would be revolutionary. They are looking for a blood test (like for cholesterol), which would be the most accessible and affordable option. They are getting closer. They’re working on it!
Brain imaging is also getting better and insurance is catching up to cover it.
Dr Alzheimer described the disease in 1906 but it took almost 100 years to come up with any treatment. We treat symptoms now, not the biology. Only in the last 1-3 years do we have some new medications to treat the actual cognition/behavior changes, but they are in early stages and still controversial. The best path is early intervention, so early detection is critical. They have over 140 unique treatments currently on trial.
What can you do?
Up to 40% of dementia cases could be prevented or delayed by healthy habits. If more than 20% of your caloric intake is ultra processed food, that’s bad news for your brain. Making changes can have an impact. It’s never too late to change your habits!
Exercise helps. It slows cognitive decline, whether cardio or strength and balance - it all helps.
If you address your cardiovascular disease risk factors you help your brain, so treat your high blood pressure! There are large-scale, worldwide clinical trials happening now to really get into these interventions and how they will help us fight Alzheimers.
Want to know more? There is a ton of information and support at alz.org. Or contact the 24/7 helpline at 800-272-3900.