Dear Friends,

Happy 4th of July!! July is an exciting month for everybody; it is the beginning of the Summer, holidays, picnics, and family and friends’ reunions. This year will be even more special after the last year we had.

Many of these events involve some great summer foods. Things like grilled hamburgers and brats come to mind, but don’t forget those fresh summer when the vegetables are the best either directly from the garden or from your local farmers market.

Here at the ADRC we will be hosting a fun, free cooking demonstration provided by our Registered Dietician. These will take place at the Soldiers Grove and Prairie du Chien Library. Check out the back page for all the details and times. You won’t want to miss this delicious recipe. What a wonderful way to enjoy the summer gardens!

Speaking of libraries, did you know that July 30th is Paperback Book day? Celebrate this by picking up your favorite paperback book at the library while you are there for the cooking demo. Each library will even have cooking books on display.

As always, stay healthy, be kind, be grateful, and volunteer freely.

See you at the center, Roby Fuller

See page 3

Serving Crawford County Seniors, Adults with Disabilities and Their Families and Caregivers 225 N. Beaumont Road, Suite 117 Staff: Prairie du Chien, WI 53821 Roby Fuller, Director Open Monday – Friday 8am – 4:30pm Jacob Schneider, Administrative Assistant Jill Olson, Home Delivered Meals Coordinator Contact ADRC Melissa Goodman, Information & Assistance Specialist Phone…….608-326-0235 or 877-794-2372 Kelli Brooks, Information & Assistance Specialist Fax……..…608-326-1150 Ashley Greene, Elder Benefit Specialist Amy Eastlick, Disability Benefit Specialist Email……[email protected] MaryAnn Haug, Registered Dietitian Web ………. www.adrceagle.org Pam Kul-Berg, Dementia Care Specialist— Facebook…Crawford County ADRC – Regional Office Prairie du Chien Office

Money Matters Help Finding Services Elder & Disability Benefit Specialist Information & Assistance Specialist

Make decisions that are right for you. Explore private and/or government benefit options.  Want to stay independent & live where you want? Benefit Specialists provide information & assistance,  Looking for help with housekeeping, bathing, education, and advocacy for a variety of programs, or transportation? such as:  Need to understand a dementia diagnosis?  Medicare  Helping care for a loved one and  Medicaid need answers & stress relief?  Prescription drug assistance ADRC staff listen to your unique situation.  Social Security benefits They focus on your wants and needs. Staff provide unbi-  Benefit appeals & denials ased options, so you can make informed decisions. Food - Meals Nutrition Program - Transportation Homebound Meals We will get you there! Transportation is door-to-door service Stay connected with friends & meet new ones with 48-hour advance notice for schedul- over a delicious lunch at a community cafe. ing. Sit back and relax while one of our Get healthy eating tips at educational classes caring drivers takes you shopping, to a throughout the year. Lunch can be delivered at medical appointment or out for lunch at home for qualifying, homebound older adults or one of our meal sites. adults with disabilities.

Help Build Your Community Stay Healthy, Stay Active Make a Difference & Give Back Learn More - Grow Strong - Have Fun

As a non-profit organization, ADRC's mission would not be Add laughter, independence, friends, and possible without the generous support from community energy to your life! members just like you.  Improve Your Health- Understand a  Get Involved: Share a skill with different diabetes diagnosis volunteer opportunities  Stay Safe- Reduce your risk of falls  Make Your Dollar Count- No amount too small  Have Fun- Try a new hobby or take a trip around  Loan Closet- Donate home medical equipment the community  Advocate- Let your voice be heard Exercise classes, support groups, workshops, and more, there is so much to do at ADRC! MISSION STATEMENT: To provide older adults and people with physical or intellectual/development disabilities the resources needed to live with dignity and security, and achieve maximum independence and quality of life. The goal of the ADRC is to empower individuals to make informed choices and to streamline access to the right and appropriate services 2 and supports. 3 4 Rivercrest Village LaBatisse on Dousman One Bedroom Apartment Homes for Apartments older adults or persons with a disability. 700 South Dousman Street Prairie du Chien, WI 53821 AMENITIES: (608) 326-3200 • Appliances •Ceiling Fans •I ntercom Entry System Experienced. Focused. Solution Driven. Affiliated with Community Health Services Campus: • Free-Off Street Parking • Community Room with Kitchen Prairie Maison ~ Bluff Haven ~ LaBatisse • On-Site Coin Operated Laundry • Social Activity Program • Small Pets Allowed • Social Services Coordinator Prairie Du Chein • Gays Mills • Soldiers Grove Retirement living at its best! • Convenient Location 608-326-2854 | meridiangroupinc.net www.chscwi.org

Czajkowski Higgins & Tisdale, S.C. KEVIN J. MULROONEY General Practice Law Firm 608-326-8461 (Ext. 104) Lara M. Czajkowski Higgins • Amanda K. Tisdale 106 W. Blackhawk Ave. Prairie Du Chien Attorneys At Law phone: 608.326.8434 fax: 608.326.6314 216 East Blackhawk Avenue, Prairie du Chien, WI 53821 Life / Health Insurance / Sales + Services • MEDICARE SUPPLEMENT / MEDICARE ADVANTAGE www.prairieduchienlaw.com • FINAL EXPENSE LIFE • IRREVOCABLE FUNERAL TRUST LIFE Assisting with Elder Law, Estate Planning and Probate • LONG TERM CARE • ANNUITIES

WE ARE HERE FOR YOU AND YOUR INSURANCE NEEDS!

LEAH GRANZOW AGENCY, LLC Prairie Maison Skilled Nursing ~ Bluff Haven Assisted Living ~ LaBatisse Senior Living Boscobel & Highland American Family Mutual Insurance Company, S.I. American Family Insurance Company, Bus: (608) 375-5776 6000 American Parkway, Madison, WI 53783 “A nurturing community 006441 – Rev. 11/15 ©2015 – 11293387 [email protected] delivering passionate, Pre-Plan now so your Hours exceptional care family won’t have to later Mon.-Fri. 9-5 throughout life’s stages” Poor planning affects everyone... Good Planning will too. Reduce the emotional stress and financial 700 South Fremont Street strain on your family, plan ahead today! Prairie du Chien, WI 53821 334 W. Elm, Lancaster 608.723.4537 www.lancastermonumentcompany.com (608) 326-8471 • www.chscwi.org

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Local long-term care supports and services delivered with a focus on Life. Defined by you.

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6 From the Desk of MaryAnn Haug, ADRC Dietitian

Coffee...more than just your morning “pick me up”?

Although you may be drinking coffee just for the caffeine needed in the morning to get your day started, you may be pleasantly surprised to know that that cup contains quite a few health benefits as well. Studies have found that drinking moderate amounts of coffee is linked to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes and Parkinson's disease.

Researchers have yet to determine the exact science behind some of the disease-preventing effects, but it is important to keep in mind that these compounds may have other benefits, such as acting as an anti-inflammatory, which will help to reduce such things as cancer, heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, depression, and Alzheimer's. There are also small amounts of some nutrients, including potassium, niacin and magnesium that are found in coffee, which together can reduce tiredness and fatigue.

Drinking your coffee with fat-free or low-fat milk is a great way to increase your daily calcium and vita- min D intake. If dairy is not a part of your diet, a fortified soy beverage is a calcium-rich alternative. Be careful though, if adding sweetener, since coffee drinks can be a source of added sugars.

So, is there such a thing as too much coffee? The recommended amount of caffeine for healthy adults is about 400 milligrams. That is equivalent to about three to five 8-ounce cups of coffee. Certain groups, such as people with hypertension and the elderly, may be at a higher risk for negative side ef- fects of caffeine and so should consider limiting their intake. Here is a chart showing the type of coffee, serving size and caffeine content:

Coffee Banana Smoothie Mocha Coffee Cake Directions:

Ingredients: Ingredients: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly coat an 1 ¼ cups low-fat milk 1 ½ cups flour 1/2 cup silken tofu (may substitute with 8x8x2-inch or 9x9x2-inch ½ cup packed brown sugar baking pan with cooking plain, low-fat yogurt), drained 2 tablespoons unsweetened 1 ripe banana spray; set aside. In a medi- cocoa powder um bowl combine eggs, sour 1 tablespoon sugar, or to taste 1 tablespoon instant espres- 2 teaspoons instant coffee powder, cream, water, canola oil, and so coffee powder vanilla. Add to flour mixture; preferably espresso 1 teaspoon baking powder 2 ice cubes stir just until combined. ¼ teaspoon baking soda Spread batter evenly in pre- Ground cinnamon, (optional) ¼ teaspoon salt pared pan. Bake for 25 to 30 Directions: 2 eggs, lightly beaten, or 1/2 minutes or until a wooden cup refrigerated or frozen toothpick inserted in the cen- Combine milk, tofu (or yogurt), banana, egg product, thawed ter comes out clean. Cool in 1 tablespoon sugar, coffee powder and ½ cup fat-free sour cream or pan on a wire rack for 15 ice cubes in a blender. Blend until very plain lowfat yogurt minutes. Cut into 12 pieces; frothy. Taste and add more sugar, if ¼ cup water serve warm. needed. Pour into glasses and sprinkle 3 tablespoons canola oil with cinnamon, if desired. Serve 1 teaspoon vanilla immediately. 7 HOME DELIVERED MEALS Call 326-0235 for meal changes before 9am Jill, Meals Coordinator MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY

1 2 Menus are Swedish Fish Wedge, subject to Meatballs, Egg Red Skin Noodles, Green change Potatoes, Peas, Cinnamon Cole Slaw, Sliced Apples Banana Cake 5 6 7 8 9 Pork Chop, Meatloaf w/ Roast Turkey, Poorman’s July 4th Mashed Ketchup Glaze, Whipped Lobster, Au Gratin Observance Potatoes, Gravy, Mashed Potatoes, Potatoes, Gravy, Potatoes, Brussel Baked Beans, Gravy, Peas, Herbed Green Sprouts, Dinner No meals Lemon Cake w/ Banana Torte Beans, Roll, Lime/ Icing Pumpkin Pie Applesauce Mold 12 13 14 15 16 Meatballs, Creamed Lasagna, Pork Loin, Lemon Pepper Mashed Potatoes, Chicken on a French Green Mashed Potatoes, Pollock, Red Skin Glazed Carrots, Biscuit, Broccoli, Beans, Garlic Gravy, Capri Potatoes, Marble Cake w/ Double Breadstick, Vegetables, Brussel Sprouts, White Frosting Chocolate Blueberry Peach Shortcake Cherry Chrisp Brownie Cheesecake 19 20 21 22 23 Homestyle Roast Turkey, Beef Steak w/ Spaghetti/Meat Breaded Fish Meatloaf, Mashed Mashed Potatoes, Gravy, Mashed Sauce, Fillet, AuGratin Potatoes, Gravy, Gravy, Potatoes, Green Beans, Potatoes, Butterscotch Buttered Corn, Diced Tomatoes, Breadstick, Cole Slaw, Torte Spiced Apples Mandarin Chocolate Sour Cream Oranges Frosted Brownie Orange Cake 26 27 28 29 30 Hawaiian Ham, Shepherd’s Pie, Pork Loin, Swedish Fish Wedge, Sweet Potatoes, Beet Pickles, Mashed Potatoes, Meatballs, Egg Red Skin Green Beans, Strawberry Gravy, Noodles, Green Potatoes, Lemon Chiffon Shortcake w/ Carrots, Peas, Cinnamon Cole Slaw, Torte Whip Cream Orange Whip Sliced Apples Banana Cake 8  There is not a specific charge for those 60 and better.  Suggested donation for 60 and better is $3.50.  Quest Card or FoodShare can be used for a meal donation. MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY 1 2 Pecan Crusted Battered Fish, Menus are Chicken Breast, French Fries, subject to Butter/Herb Rice Savory Green change Pilaf, Broccoli, Beans, Cherry Crisp Lemon Bar 5 6 7 8 9 Grilled Marinated Pork Chop/ Meatloaf, Seasoned Cod, July 4th Chicken, Mashed Mushroom Gravy, Mashed Potatoes, Cheddar Potato Potatoes, Buttered Fettuccini Beef Gravy, Spudz, Stewed Observance Asparagus w/ Noodles, Corn, Tomatoes,

Bacon, Butter Broccoli, Apple Crisp Lemon Bar No meals Pecan Bread Cherry Fluff Pudding 12 13 14 15 16 Bratwurst/Bun, Swiss Steak w/ Chicken Marsala, Baked Pit Ham, Potato Crusted Sauerkraut, Tomatoes, Butter & Herb Rice Baked Sweet Cheddar Cod, Potato , Mashed Potatoes, Pilaf, Malibu Blend Potato, Scalloped Tomato Slices, Creamed Corn, Vegetables, Green Beans, Potatoes, Stewed Mandarin Slices Homestyle Peach Watermelon Pears in Citrus Tomatoes, French Cobbler Gelatin Silk Dessert

19 20 21 22 23 Rosemary Pork Smoked Beef Fried Chicken, Roast Beef, Lemon Baked Cod, Steak, Baked Sweet Brisket Sandwich, Homemade Potato Mashed Potatoes, French Fries, Potato, Steamed Onion Tanglers, Salad, Gravy, Asparagus, Pickled Beets, Cauliflower, Baked Beans, Broccoli, Frosted Yellow Tiramisu Dessert Key Lime Parfait Watermelon Diced Pears Cake

26 27 28 29 30 Crusted Pork Chop, Chicken Pot Pie/ Mushroom & Swiss Roast Turkey, Salmon Loaf, Parmesan Noodles, Biscuit Topping, Burger, American Stuffing, Mashed Sweet Potato Sunshine Carrots, Peas, Fries, Broccoli Potatoes, Gravy, Wedges, Plums Cherry Crisp Cauliflower Ranch Caramelized Lemon Buttered Salad, Watermelon Butternut Squash, Asparagus, Mini Cream Puffs Lemon Cake 9 Call Leisure Time at 326-2782 to make your reservations. Punch cards available. Amber, 1618 S. Marquette Rd., Prairie du Chien Suggested meal donation $4.00. Hostess Dine In & Carry Out Meals MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY 1 2 Menus are Chicken Noodle Hand Breaded subject to Casserole, Roll, Cod, Broccoli, Roll, Baked Beans change Fruit Cocktail, Applesauce, Brownie Pudding 5 6 7 8 9 Spaghetti w/Meat on Sliced Ham, Shrimp, July 4th Sauce, Croissant, Mashed Potatoes Cherry Hash Observance Pea Salad, , Gravy, Roll, Browns, Roll, Breadstick, Broccoli, Corn, Stewed Tomatoes, Pineapple, Fruit Cocktail, Applesauce, Peaches, No meals Cake Pumpkin Bar Cherry Bars Cookie 12 13 14 15 16 Swiss Steak, on Ribs, Roasted Baked Chicken, Hand Breaded Mashed Potatoes, Croissant, Potatoes, Cheesy Hash Cod, Au Gratin Roll, Green Beans, , Peas, Browns, Broccoli Potatoes, Pineapple, Pickled Beets, Applesauce, Peaches, Baked Beans, Pudding Fruit Cocktail, Texas Sheet Cake Bread Pudding w/ Pears, Poke Cake vanilla sauce Pudding 19 20 21 22 23 Hamburger Sliced Turkey Sloppy Joe, Hot Pork Shrimp, Stroganoff, Roll, Roll, Mashed Potato Salad, Sandwich, Potato Salad, Green Beans, Potatoes, Baked Beans, Mashed Potatoes Roll, Fruit Cocktail, Gravy, Carrots, Peaches, Gravy, Stewed Buttered Beets, Cookie Applesauce, Dump Cake Tomatoes, Pineapple, Poke Cake Pears, Cookie Blueberry Bars 26 27 28 29 30 Creamed on Tater Tot Tuna Casserole Hand Breaded Chicken over Croissant, Casserole, Broccoli, Cod, Cheesy Hash Biscuits, Peas Potato Salad, Pasta Salad, Roll, Browns, Roll, Au Gratin Carrots, Stewed Tomatoes , Green Beans, Potatoes, Peaches, Roll, Pears, Pineapple, Fruit Cocktail, Applesauce, Cherry Chocolate Strawberry Bars Poke Cake Pudding Pudding Dump Cake 10 

 Dine In & Carry Outs  104 Passive Sun Drive,  Soldiers Grove Call 624-3295 to reserve your meal today! Suggested

meal donation $4.00. MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY 1 2 Hamburger Steak, Cherry Glazed Menus are Dinner Roll, Baked Pork Loin, Dinner Potato, Brussel Roll, Roasted Red subject to Sprouts with Cheese Potatoes, Corn, change Sauce, Creamy Jello with Fruit, Cucumber Salad, Melon Cup, Fresh Fruit, Cupcake Dessert Bar 5 6 7 8 9 Chicken Tortellini, Stuffed Pork Chop, Meatballs with Creamed Turkey July 4th Mixed Vegetables, Mashed Potatoes, Gravy, Dinner Roll, over Biscuit, Observance Tossed Romaine Green Beans, Mashed Potatoes, Peas & Carrots, Salad, Fruit Cup, , Baked Beans, Coleslaw, No meals Cook’s Choice Melon Cup, Mandarin Spinach Melon Cup, Dessert Dessert Bar Salad, Fruit Crisp Dessert Bar

12 13 14 15 16 Sloppy Joe, Open Faced Beef Tips over Scalloped Potatoes Ranch Chicken Baked Beans, Turkey Sandwich, Noodles, Roasted & Ham, Dinner Roll, Breast, Baby Red Potato Salad, Mashed Potatoes, Asparagus, Beets, Carrot Cake Potatoes, Melon Cup, Carrots, Broccoli Marinated Vegetable Salad, Fruit Cup, California Medley, Dessert Bar Craisin Salad, Salad, Melon Cup, Cupcake Cottage Cheese with Peaches, Fruit Cobbler Dessert Bar Dessert Bar 19 20 21 Birthday Meal 22 23 Roasted Turkey, Open Faced Beef Parmesan Crusted Meatloaf, Dinner Roll, Creamed Chicken Dinner Roll, Sandwich, Mashed Pork Chop, Dinner Boiled Potatoes, over Biscuit, Roasted Baby Red Potatoes, Italian Roll, Seasoned Rice, Roasted Broccoli, Peas & Carrots, Potatoes, Squash, Pasta Salad, Roasted Cauliflower, Creamy Cucumber Three , Coleslaw, Melon Corn, Fruit Pie Kale Berry Salad, Salad, Melon Cup, Cup, Dessert Bar Melon Cup, Fruit Cup, Banana Pudding Birthday Cake Dessert Bar 26 27 28 29 30 Baked Cod, Chicken Parmesan Baked Chicken, Salisbury Steak with Chili, Grilled Seasoned Rice, Noodles, Garlic Dinner Roll, Mashed Mushroom Gravy, Cheese Sandwich, Mixed Vegetables, Breadstick, Peas Sweet Potato, Dinner Roll, Mashed Seven Layer Apple Snicker Bar , Fruit California Medley, Potatoes, Squash, , Salad, Cup, Cook’s Choice Watergate Salad, , Melon Cup, Melon Cup, Dessert Dessert Bar Pie Cupcake Dessert Bar 11 Information & Assistance From your I & A Specialists Kelli Brooks Melissa Goodman

12 Make your health and wellness a priority. Lower your risk of illness or injury by scheduling important screenings and annual exams.

608.357.2500 l Prairie du Chien, WI l crossingrivers.org/medicare MEDICARE WELLNESS VISITS • ACUTE ILLNESS CARE PREVENTIVE MEDICINE • CHRONIC DISEASE MANAGEMENT 608.357.2500 l crossingrivers.org/medicare Prairie du Chien & Fennimore, WI

BETHEL HOME Your Community Partner in NE Iowa & SW Wisconsin! & SERVICES 101 Sunshine Blvd. Your community resource for services to the aging Soldiers Grove, WI 54655

608.637.2171 (608) 624-5244 www.soldiersgrovehs.com 608.326.3500 bethelhome.org www.peoplesfinancial.com Concerned about Medicare fraud? Give us a call… PROTECT your personal information DETECT suspected fraud, abuse, or errors REPORT suspicious claims or activities

This project was supported, in part by grant number 90MPPG0041-01-00, from the U.S. Administration for Community Living, Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, D.C. 20201. We’re here to fill in in the missing pieces Prairie du Chien Meal Prep/Cleaning Overnight/Weekend 24 hr. care Housing Authority Errands Blackhawk Personal Care Respite Care And More Apartments HOMEWARD BOUND Contact Alex Nicholas to place an ad today! General Occupancy SUPPORTIVE HOME CARE & HOME HEALTH SERVICES [email protected] Rent based on 30% of adjusted gross income 695 E. Blackhawk Ave. 608-723-6601 or (800) 950-9952 x2538 hwbcare.com (608) 326-8323 We bill Medical Assistance, Medicare & Insurance for you! [email protected]

For ad info. call 1-800-950-9952 • www.lpicommunities.com Aging & Disability Resource Center, Prairie Du Chien, WI B 4C 01-1247 Just for You From your Elder Benefit Specialist, Ashley Greene Don’t Miss Your IEP!

Are you going to become eligible for Medicare soon? If so, do not miss your initial enrollment period (IEP)! Most people become eligible for Medicare the month they turn 65. Some people who are younger than 65 can qualify for Medicare, too, including people receiving So- cial Security Disability benefits and those with end-stage renal disease. People who do not sign up for Medicare during their If you are receiving Social Security benefits, you will be IEP have limited opportunities to sign up later. If you automatically enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B when are eligible, you can sign up for premium-free Part A any- you are eligible. However, if you are turning 65 and not time after your IEP starts. However, unless you qualify receiving Social Security benefits, you will have to sign for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP), once your IEP up with the Social Security Administration (SSA) to get ends, you can only sign up for Part B and Part A with a Parts A and B. You can apply online at https:// premium during the General Enrollment Period (GEP). www.ssa.gov/benefits/medicare/ or call SSA at 1-800- The GEP takes place each year from January 1 through 772-1213. If you worked for a railroad, call the Railroad March 31. If you enroll during the GEP, your coverage Retirement Board at 1-877-772-5772. will start the following July 1. You may have to pay a late enrollment penalty. If you are becoming eligible for Medicare because you are turning 65, your seven-month IEP begins the three If you are covered under a group health plan based on months before you turn 65, includes the month you turn current employment, you may qualify for a SEP. You can 65, and ends three months after the month you turn 65. sign up for Part A and/or Part B at any time as long as: th Please note that if your 65 birthday falls on the first of the month, you will actually be eligible for Medicare the  You or your spouse is working, and month before you turn 65. This means that the IEP be-  You are covered by a group health plan through the gins a month earlier for people with first-of-the-month employer or union based on that work. birthdays.

If you sign up for Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) You will also have an eight-month period to sign up for and/or Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) during the Part A and/or Part B that starts the month after the em- first three months of your IEP, your coverage starts the ployment ends, or the month after group health insur- first day of the month you turn 65. If you sign up during ance based on current employment ends, whichever the last four months of your IEP, your coverage will comes first. In general, if you sign up during a SEP, you begin as follows: will not pay a late enrollment penalty. Please note that you will only qualify for a SEP if you are covered under If you sign up for Part A (if Your coverage starts: employer group health insurance. You will not qualify you have to buy it) and/or for a SEP if you are covered by a different type of health Part B in this month: insurance, like Medicaid or a Marketplace plan. The month you turn 65 1 month after you sign up If you would like more information about Medicare en- 1 month after you turn 65 2 months after you sign rollment, please contact your local Aging and Disability up Resource Center at 608-326-0235. 2 months after you turn 65 3 months after you sign up

3 months after you turn 65 3 months after you sign 14 up

Many of you have heard the news that on Monday, the FDA approved a new Alzheimer’s disease drug, aducanumab. Aducanumab, which will be marketed under the trade name Aduhelm, is not only the first new drug therapy approved for Alzheimer’s disease since 2003, it is the first medication that targets the underlying disease, rather than simply treating symptoms.

While Aduhelm represents a new treatment option for people with Alzheimer’s disease, many questions remain about its effectiveness, how it will be prescribed, and how the approval may affect people diag- nosed with FTD.

There are several factors our experts want people impacted by FTD to keep in mind:  Aduhelm was not approved for the treatment of FTD. Aduhelm works by targeting the beta- amyloid plaques that are a key feature in Alzheimer’s disease. Since these plaques are not found in FTD, Aduhelm is not indicated for (and would not be expected to be effective in) people with an FTD disorder.

 Aduhelm’s effectiveness is still unproven. Although Aduhelm reduces beta-amyloid plaques, we do not yet know how much it may improve functioning in people with Alzheimer’s disease. As a result, the drug received conditional approval from the FDA, meaning it must be further studied to confirm that the reduction in beta-amyloid translates into a reduction in symptoms or slower disease progression for people with Alzheimer’s disease.

 Aduhelm has the potential to cause serious side effects. About 40% of participants in Aduhelm clinical trials experienced brain swelling or bleeding. Although most had few or no symptoms, people taking Aduhelm should have regular brain scans to ensure they can continue to take the drug safely.

 Aduhelm will be costly to both patients and insurers. Biogen, the company that manufactures Aduhelm, has set the price at $56,000/year. The drug must be administered by infusion in a doctor’s office, so the cost of the drug itself may be covered for older patients under Medicare Part B. People taking the drug, however, may have additional costs, including brain imaging to determine if the drug is likely to benefit them, as well as routine imaging to detect side effects.

Aduhelm’s approval, however, is a hopeful sign for FTD.  Aduhelm’s approval highlights the importance of biomarkers. AFTD is actively involved in research- ing biomarkers that indicate the presence of an FTD-specific disease process in the brain (as beta-amyloid does for Alzheimer’s disease). The reduction in beta-amyloid played a key role in Aduhelm’s approval and was made possible by the development of methods to detect beta-amyloid in brain imaging. AFTD has priori- tized the development of biomarkers to similarly advance FTD drug development.

 Aduhelm’s pathway to approval may enable speedier approval of drugs for other neurodegenera- tive diseases, including FTD. The FDA’s conditional approval of Aduhelm establishes a precedent for an accelerated approval pathway. In essence, the FDA has signaled a willingness to approve a treatment based on change in an underlying biomarker of the disease, making the treatment publicly available while longer- term studies are carried out to confirm benefit to people’s symptoms and/or disease progression. This path- way can speed the availability of promising treatments where they are most needed, such as for fatal condi- tions that have no existing treatments, like FTD.

AFTD remains committed to improving the quality of life of people affected by FTD and driving research to a cure. While Aduhelm itself is not likely to benefit people with FTD, the processes that drove its conditional approval are hopeful signs for the future of FTD drug development and approval.

15 News for You Amy Eastlick, Disability Benefit Specialist

Choose a Representative Payee for Social Security to Consider Before You May Need One

The future is uncertain. Our Advance Designation program allows you to pre-select a trust- ed individual if a time comes when you need a representative payee to help manage your money. Advance Designation enables you to identify up to three people, in priority order, whom you would like to serve as your potential representative payee.

We offer advance designation to capable adults and emancipated minors who are applying for or receiving Social Security benefits, Supplemental Security Income, or Special Veter- ans Benefits. If you become unable to manage, or direct others to manage your benefits in the future, you will have peace of mind knowing that someone you trust may be appointed to manage your benefits for you.

We only contact advance designees if we need to find a representative payee to assist you in managing your benefits. Advance designation is not an appointment of a representative payee, nor is it a power of attorney. It is optional, and you can update or withdraw your advance designation at any time. If you choose to participate, we will send you a notice each year listing your advance designees for your review.

A representative payee receives your monthly benefits on your behalf and must use the money to pay for your current needs. Eligible costs include:

 housing and utilities;  food;  medical and dental expenses;  personal care items;  clothing; and  rehabilitation expenses (if you’re disabled).

You can submit your Advance Designation information when you:  File a claim for benefits online.  Use the application available in your personal my Social Security account at www.ssa.gov/myaccount.  Call us by telephone at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).

We have updated our Frequently Asked Questions to answer any questions you may have about Advance Designation at www.ssa.gov/faq under “Other Topics.” You may also find more information about representative payees on our blog at blog.ssa.gov.

16 The Care Corner ~ Information for Caregivers Are YOU a Caregiver?

What do you think of when you hear the word caregiver? Do you picture someone who spends their day providing hands-on care for someone? If so, you are not alone. It’s common for people to think of a care- giver as someone who lives with a loved one and assists them with daily activities such as dressing, groom- ing, walking, and meals. But caregiving includes much more than those hands-on tasks.

Caregiving also includes helping someone with a wide assortment of tasks that enable them to live more independently in the community. Look around and you will notice people assisting an older friend or rela- tive by taking them grocery shopping, picking up medication, accompanying them to appointments, and helping with yard care. These helpers are also considered caregivers, even if they don’t live with the person or provide support every day. The tasks they help with, no matter how big or small, are enabling people to continue to live in their homes.

There are thousands of people who are playing a vital role in maintaining the independence of an older per- son, but don’t realize it or don’t consider their work as very important. They certainly would not call them- selves a caregiver. Are you one of them? Read on to find out.

Are you a son, daughter, neighbor, relative, or friend who:  Arranges medical appointments and provides transportation, too?  Prepares meals to ensure nutritious food is available?  Helps pay bills and/or balance the checkbook?  Helps with cleaning and/or laundry?  Assists with weekly grocery shopping?  Sets up medication?  Receives frequent phone calls with requests for help?  Feels the need to regularly “check-up” on your parent/loved one to be sure they are okay?

Are you a spouse who:  Has taken on duties that used to be done by your spouse? (cooking, cleaning, laundry, car mainte- nance, bookkeeping, bill paying, etc.)  Needs to accompany your spouse to places he/she used to go alone?  Is assisting with daily living tasks like dressing, grooming, and bathing?  Ensures medications are taken properly?  Makes medical decisions for your spouse?  Feels unable to leave your spouse home alone?

If you answered “yes” to any of these, then you are a caregiver! You may think that these tasks are just things that you do for the people you love. While that is true, don’t downplay the importance of your assis- tance in these areas. Without your help, the older person may not be able to continue to live in their own home. The “little” things that you do are crucial to the independence of your loved one.

Identifying yourself as a caregiver is important because it opens the door to many supports and resources that can benefit the person you are caring for as well as yourself. We know that when caregivers are sup- ported, they can provide care more effectively, more safely, and for a longer period which is a benefit to everyone. If you are a caregiver, please call the Aging & Disability Resource Center—Prairie du Chien Office at 608-326-0235 to learn about supports and resources that can help you help the ones you love. 17

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