Senior Living Fall 2018

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10 ESSEX MEDIA GROUP SENIOR LIVING FALL <strong>2018</strong> Eye exam shows promise in predicting Alzheimer’s By Michele Munz ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH ST. LOUIS — Using an easy eye exam, researchers at Washington University of Medicine in St. Louis were able to detect evidence of Alzheimer’s disease in patients before they had symptoms of the disease. The findings, involving 30 patients, were published today in the journal JAMA Ophthalmology. Scientists estimate that Alzheimer’s-related plaques begin accumulating in the brain two decades before the onset of symptoms. Physicians can use PET scans and lumbar punctures to detect the plaques, but the tests are expensive and invasive. Researchers have been looking for ways to detect the disease sooner and test drugs to intervene. “We know the pathology of Alzheimer’s disease starts to develop years before symptoms appear,” said co-principal investigator Dr. Gregory Van Stavern, “but if we could use this eye test to notice when the pathology is beginning, it may be possible one day to start treatments sooner to delay further damage.” PHOTO | TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE Dr. Gregory Van Stavern, seated, and Dr. Rajendra Apte examine the eyes of a woman using technology that may one day make it possible to screen patients for Alzheimer's disease years before symptoms begin. Longer studies involving more people are needed, but if changes detected with the eye test can be used as markers for Alzheimer’s risk, it may be possible to screen people in their 40s or 50s, Van Stavern said. The 30 study participants had an average age in the mid 70s. None were experiencing symptoms of Alzheimer’s. Out of the study group, 17 had PET scans or lumbar punctures that showed evidence of accumulating plaques. The eye exams of all 17 also detected retinal thinning and large areas without blood vessels in the center of their retinas. In the new study, researchers used a technology similar to what is found in many eye doctors’ offices to measure thickness of the retina and optic nerve fibers. They added one component to the common test –angiography – which also allowed them to look at blood-flow patterns. “In patients whose PET scans and cerebrospinal fluid showed preclinical Alzheimer’s,” Van Stavern said, “the area at the center of the retina without blood vessels was significantly larger, suggesting less blood flow.” Another October, another pink month for breast cancer survivor By Gracie Bonds Staples THE ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION On average, every two minutes a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer, and one woman will die of breast cancer every 13 minutes, according to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. That moment arrived four years ago for Bonnie Ross-Parker of Atlanta, just two months shy of her 70th birthday. She’d gone in for an annual checkup and there it was. A lump just under her nipple. An MRI confirmed something was there, and after the biopsy, there were no more questions. Ross-Parker had breast cancer. “I never would’ve imagined I would be diagnosed with cancer at that age,” she said. Actually, breast cancer is still a disease of older women. Half of newly diagnosed women are over 60, and more than a fifth are over 70. If there’s any consolation in that, it is this: While the risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer increases with age, the chance of dying from it declines steadily. Ross-Parker will soon be 74 and cancer-free. Every year, I introduce people to women like Ross-Parker who has had to confront the C-word. And every October, we trot out our pink ribbons in hopes of raising awareness and funds. Ross-Parker has been there, done that, too. Nearly 20 years before her own diagnosis, she signed up for the annual Avon Breast Cancer Walk, a 60-mile stretch over three days, to show her support for a dear colleague. “It was tough,” Ross-Parker said. “It was very tough. There were days I wanted to quit.” But she didn’t. When she arrived at Piedmont Park that day, it was pregnant with women dressed in pink shirts. “I never lost sight of that experience,” Ross-Parker said. PHOTO | TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE Bonnie Ross-Parker, 73, of Atlanta, wears pink the entire month of October. It’s her way of celebrating being a breast cancer survivor and raising awareness about the disease. Then in 2014, she was forced to deal with the same reality, the best change agent there is. “Like anything else, our awareness increases relative to what’s going on in and around us,” Ross-Parker said. Sure enough, something clicked inside Ross-Parker, and she wanted to remember all those sisters who’d already been diagnosed and those who would follow, while at the same time celebrate the survivors, herself included. Her own cancer journey increased her compassion for others and helped her realize how uncertain and precious life is. It’s why she signed up to volunteer at Northside Hospital, where she underwent chemotherapy and radiation treatment; wrote an e- book titled “Discovery and Recovery”; and continues doing whatever she can to raise awareness about the disease.
SENIOR LIVING FALL <strong>2018</strong> ESSEX MEDIA GROUP 11 Make a Difficult Day a Bit Easier For Your Family Planning-Ahead Final Arrangements Although planning final arrangements is not something most of us want to think about, it is one of the greatest gifts you can give your family. For 85 years, Puritan Lawn has been a leader in providing Plan-Ahead information. Making cemetery Plan-Ahead programs available to our community has continued to be one of the cornerstones of Puritan Lawn’s charter. Plan-Ahead information is provided to families and it is up to them to decide how and when it makes sense to start a program. Why Consider Planning Ahead? The alternative to Planning-Ahead is a partner, spouse, or children are left to make all the decisions alone and at a very difficult time. Taking this step together removes this burden from your family at what is already a very difficult emotional time. What if I Want Cremation? We have a state of the art cremation facility and offer both traditional burial and cremation arrangements. We will customize arrangements to accommodate your wishes. Do I Save Money by Preplanning? On average, cemetery costs double every 8-10 years. Planning-Ahead secures today’s prices and avoids emotional overspending. Are Payment Plans Available? When a cemetery lot is arranged at the time of passing, all cemeteries require full payment prior to a burial. By planning ahead, families can take advantage of a variety of affordable monthly payment plans. Will Cemetery Always be Maintained? Our professionally managed 85 year old irrevocable trust fund assures that park care will continue in perpetuity and there will never be any assessments to owners or heirs. How Can I Learn More? Our staff is available 7 days a week to serve families. We would be honored to provide information or give you a personalized tour of the park. If more convenient, we can even arrange to bring information to your home. It is important that you and your family feel comfortable in the setting that you choose. Puritan Lawn has one of the most naturally beautiful settings in the country and offers dozens or areas to select from. We are one of the few cemeteries in the area where you can Plan-Ahead all necessary steps. Over 90% of Puritan Lawn cemetery services are by families that decided to Plan-Ahead. Learn More About Planning-Ahead Together See for Yourself Why Puritan Lawn is So Unique Make a Wise Choice Learn About Planning-Ahead Together Puritan Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery & Crematory 185 Lake Street Peabody, MA 01960 (978) 535-3660 Puritanlawn.com
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Senior Living Fall 2018

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