Wartburg Hosts Informative Alzheimer’s Disease Panel in Conjunction With Their 150th Anniversary of Caring for Our Community

Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia: An Integrative Perspective Seminar Hosted at Wartburg

Mount Vernon, N.Y. (December 1, 2016) – Wartburg hosted an interactive seminar “Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia: An Integrative Perspective” on November 1, 2016 highlighting challenges of living with, and caring for those living with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. The event was held in the Gatz Conference Center located on Wartburg’s beautiful 34-acre historic campus in Mount Vernon, NY. The seminar was presented by Wartburg; in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association, Burke Medical Research Institute, Institute for Music and Neurologic Function (CenterLight Health System) and Pace University. Over 65 individuals were in attendance, including health care professionals, community members, religious leaders, caregivers, residents, board members and staff.

“As underscored by the participants in this seminar, supporting families and letting them know they are not alone is a gift, especially for the professionals who are dedicated to Alzheimer’s disease and dementia research and caregiving,” said David J. Gentner, Wartburg President and CEO, who delivered the opening remarks. “Wartburg is humbled to partner with these outstanding institutions and individuals in the field of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia in presenting this information. I’d like to thank the individuals who shared their areas of expertise with our attendees, so we may continue assisting individuals with the challenges of living with memory impairment as well as provide the support their caregivers need.”

Angela Ciminello, Wartburg Vice President of Development and Marketing and moderator of the event said, “Wartburg was proud to host another free educational event on this topic. With half of those 65-or-older experiencing memory impairment, it is more important than ever to provide information and resources to our community so they can get the help they need, when they need it. I am especially thankful to the dynamic panelists who work tirelessly each day on behalf of those living with Alzheimer’s and dementia.”

Ms. Ciminello led the panel discussion featuring seven well known experts, including Mark Adelman, BS, MLS (ASCP), DLM (ASCP), Integrative Health Consultant; Linda Carozza, PhD, CCC-SLP, Pace University; Ann Frey, BA, Wartburg; Patricia Gaston, LMSW, Alzheimer’s Association; Gary Gibson, PhD, Burke Medical Research Institute; Geraldine Sanders-Joyner, MSW, ACSW, LCSW-R, CCM, Wartburg and Concetta Tomaino, DA, MT-BC, LCAT, Institute for Music and Neurologic Function (CenterLight Health System.)

The panel explored several pertinent topics, including identifying the early warning signs and the special challenges faced by caregivers in providing care for those with early-stage, middle-stage and late-stage Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Mr. Adelman highlighted prevention via a natural lifestyle approach including homeopathic remedies, physical exercise and diet. Dr. Gibson, a researcher at Burke Medical Research Institute, discussed current research for this currently uncurable disease and clinical studies. Dr. Gibson and Ms. Gaston recommendation individuals and caregivers explore trial match resources currently available. Ms. Gaston, a care consultant with the Alzheimer’s Association Hudson Valley Chapter, ended the discussion with an overview of community resources available for anyone touched by the disease.

“It is critically important to get the word out to local communities as to what Alzheimer’s is and how organizations can support families and people with the disease,” said Ms. Gaston, a care consultant with the Alzheimer’s Association Hudson Valley Chapter. “This timely panel, presented during National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness and Caregiver Month, advanced the discussion and provided a valuable source of information for anyone touched by this disease.”

Ms. Frey, who help start Wartburg’s award-winning, internationally-recognized Council for Creative Aging and Lifelong Learning, spoke of the benefits of engaging individuals with Alzheimer’s creatively through arts and music, specifically the benefits experienced by Wartburg residents, some of whom have cognitive impairments. And Ms. Tomaino, Executive Director and Co-Founder of Institute for Music and Neurologic Function (CenterLight Health System), communicated the opportunities music therapy can offer individuals living with memory impairment, including self-expression, a sense of accomplishment and increased self-esteem.

“It is so important that caregivers have resources available on how to interact with their loved ones, manage the effects of dementia and provide a good quality of life,” said Ms. Tomaino. “Within music therapy specifically, we use music to enhance memory function, enhance physical activity, and enhance motivation. Music therapy even decreases depression and so many other issues caregivers face when taking care of a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.”

Wartburg invites everyone to view the seminar currently on Wartburg’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/thewartburg.

About Wartburg

Wartburg, located in Westchester County, N.Y., offers integrated, comprehensive senior residential and healthcare services for all stages of life. Unlike conventional providers, Wartburg delivers a wide range of services to residents living on campus and people in their own homes. From independent, assisted living and award-winning nursing home care to inpatient/outpatient rehabilitation, home care and adult day care services, Wartburg’s continuing care approach has earned them a trusted reputation. Wartburg also provides caregiver support at every stage, with an array of options to find the right level of care for the individual while also considering the needs of the whole family. Wartburg’s award-winning, internationally recognized Council for Creative Aging & Lifelong Learning program lets residents and community members express themselves through art, song, theater, poetry and oral histories. The Creative Aging & Lifelong Learning initiative promotes increased emotional health and social engagement for seniors through a wide range of arts-based programs led by professional teaching artists trained to develop the creative capacity of older adult learners.

Wartburg celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2016 with special events and activities. Founded in 1866, Wartburg began as an orphan farm school after the Civil War. It now serves area seniors through residential and at-home healthcare services. Established on the principal and belief that caring for the body, mind and spirit is an essential component of a rich and happy life, Wartburg has expanded its community impact and honored the lives of seniors during a century-and-a-half of service.

Wartburg Website Homepage: www.wartburg.org

Wartburg Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/thewartburg

Wartburg Twitter Page: www.twitter.com/thewartburg

YouTube Page: www.youtube.com/wartburgny

Creative Aging Stories and Historical Archives: www.creativeagingstories.com