Gerontology Program Promotes Alzheimer's and Dementia Awareness

Westfield State University’s Gerontology Center and College of Professional Studies recently hosted Megan Lemay, Regional Manager of the Alzheimer’s Association of Western Massachusetts, to present “Advancing the Science at Any Given Moment: The Latest in Alzheimer’s and Dementia Research.”  

Coordinated by Tamara Smith, Professor in the Department of Health Sciences, the event aimed to educate attendees on the condition's background, current treatments, and ongoing advancements in care. As the room filled, Smith emphasized the significance of the Alzheimer’s Association’s presence on campus. 

"This topic is really pertinent in society just from the point of view of how many people have Alzheimer’s. Six million people in the United States alone have Alzheimer's disease. Through events like this, we can all learn more about what the disease is and what different treatments exist for it right now." 

Lemay’s presentation highlighted her role of overseeing education programs and services for the Alzheimer's Association, including support groups and awareness initiatives. The nonprofit group, Alzheimer’s Association, is oriented towards the mission to lead the fight to end Alzheimer’s and other dementias by accelerating research, promoting risk reduction and early detection, and bridging the gap between people and science.

Lemay noted that the number of people living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia is expected to double in the next 20-25 years due to the aging population and longer life expectancies. She emphasized that women are at higher risk, and Black and Hispanic Americans face additional risk due to the significant health disparities faced by people of color. Lemay recognized the severity of the disease, calling dementia a public health crisis that requires urgent prevention efforts. 

She also explained that dementia is an umbrella term, with Alzheimer’s being the most common form. Lemay explained Alzheimer’s as a continuum, with biological changes in the brain occurring 10-20 years before symptoms appear. She highlights that early detection could one day lead to prevention, “So that someone hopefully never gets their first symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.” 

In the early stages of Alzheimer’s, symptoms affect daily life but individuals remain independent; in the moderate stage, symptoms increase, but individuals can still manage; in the severe stage, 24/7 care is needed. Alzheimer’s progresses slowly meaning many live with it for numerous years, highlighting the importance of community support. “Sometimes it’s just about making a slight accommodation for people so that people can still thrive in our society with this disease,” explains Lemay. 

Lemay stressed that the Alzheimer's Association emphasizes the importance of getting an early and accurate diagnosis rather than waiting for a diagnosis until the disease progresses. This helps not only with addressing health concerns but also the financial implications of living with the disease as patients need additional medical care and adaptive changes to their living situations. 

Lemay explained that there is no single test for Alzheimer’s so diagnosis involves a combination of neurological, physical, and cognitive tests, with specialists recommended for accuracy. Biomarkers like cerebrospinal fluid analysis and PET scans are more common, and a blood test is close to FDA approval. "What we need is a quick, simple blood test," she noted, as current methods like lumbar punctures are complicated.

She also pointed out that despite research since 1906, an accurate treatment or cure for Alzheimer’s remains elusive. Treatments may temporarily improve symptoms, however, they don’t yet stop disease progression. Lemay emphasized that while not perfect, they improve quality of life, and better options are still being developed.

At this time, Lemay encouraged preventative measures by all attendees. “Doing things like exercise, healthy eating, keeping your brain active, socializing, and getting regular sleep are all good healthy brain activities that could potentially lower your risk for dementia. They potentially play a bigger role than just genetics at this point.”

Lemay concluded by acknowledging the nonprofit group's unwavering dedication to raising funds for further research and ultimately finding a cure for the disease. She also encouraged everyone to participate in or volunteer for the Walk to End Alzheimer's fundraiser.