Alzheimer’s Association, Clark County YMCA work to raise awareness of brain health

Janis Jasinsky became a community educator for the Alzheimer’s Association a decade ago, but her connection to the organization runs even deeper.

Her mother, Grace, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia in 2007. It was during this turbulent time Jasinsky saw firsthand how difficult caregiving for someone with dementia can be. Her father, Victor, struggled to take care of Grace on his own.

After her father died, Jasinsky cared for her mother until she died in 2014.

“Behind every stat is a real person with a real family, their life forever changed,” Jasinsky said.

The 64-year-old Camas resident is ready to share her experiences and knowledge with fellow Clark County residents. The Alzheimer’s Association and the Clark County Family YMCA will host free community-led workshops on brain health to raise awareness about the disease and potential risk factors.

YMCA Healthy Living Coordinator Sherri Carothers said the partnership is just getting going, but the pair of nonprofits aim to offer classes throughout the year. Jasinsky taught her first class on March 25 about building healthy habits, which was well received, Carothers said.

Over 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s. By 2050, that number is projected to rise to nearly 13 million, according to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Yet many are unaware of early symptoms or risk factors, which is why brain health education is critical, Jasinsky said.

“We need to start with brain health early,” she said.

Allison Lindauer, an associate professor at the Oregon Health & Science University’s Alzheimer’s research center, said scientific evidence proves brain health education can help prevent dementia by raising awareness of modifiable risk factors.

Brain health is similar to heart health. It encompasses such habits as reducing cholesterol, maintain blood pressure and exercising, Lindauer said. Addressing hearing and vision loss, as well as social isolation, can also prevent dementia.

While about 1 in 9 people age 65 and older have Alzheimer’s, Lindauer said intravenous infusions can slow down the progression of Alzheimer’s. They work best when started in the earliest stage of the disease, she said. That requires recognizing early symptoms, which include withdrawal from work or social activities.

“Early childhood education, and throughout our lives, is a big factor that helps promote brain health,” Lindauer said.

Future classes from the Alzheimer’s Association at the Clark County Family YMCA will be posted on the Y’s website and social media, Carothers said.