IN THIS ISSUE: "Senior Moment," Dividat Senso, Farm Labor at Linnell Camp, "My Diabetes Tutor," 80-Year-Old Tops UK Album Chart News,TheThe Health & Leisure for South GoodGood Valley Adults 50+ • Volume VIII, NumberLifeLife 3 • July/August 2021 New Alzheimer's Treatment Offers Hope, Uncertainty On June 7, the FDA our elected officials and other approved Aduhelm (the brand interested stakeholders. With name for aducanumab) to a treatment for a serious, life- treat patients with Alzheimer’s threatening disease in the disease using the "accelerated balance, it makes sense that so approval" pathway, which al- many people were following Pictured (above left, l-r) are Tulare County Supervisors Eddie Valero, lows the FDA to approve a the outcome of this review." Amy Shuklian and Larry Micari; and (above right, l-r) Tulare County drug for a serious She noted that Supervisors Dennis Townsend and Pete Vander Poel placing purple or life-threatening the data included flags on the lawn of Tulare County Government Plaza in recognition illness when the in the applicant’s of World Elder Abuse month during the annual World Elder Abuse drug is reasonably submission "were Month ceremony on June 1. likely to have a highly complex clinical benefit to and left residual patients, but when uncertainties Tulare County Marks Elder there remains some regarding clinical uncertainty. benefit." Abuse Awareness Month Aduhelm is the "There has been June is World Elder Abuse Abuse Awareness Month. first new therapy approved for considerable public debate Awareness Month and Tulare Due to the ongoing Alzheimer’s disease since 2003. on whether Aduhelm should County Health & Human Ser- COVID-19 pandemic, the flag The drug is the first treatment be approved," Cavazzoni vices Agency (HHSA) partici- ceremony planners limited the directed at the underlying conceded. "As is often the case pated by encouraging commu- attendance to follow health pathophysiology of the disease, when it comes to interpreting nity members to wear purple and safety protocols. the presence of amyloid beta scientific data, the expert on World Elder Abuse Aware- World Elder Abuse Aware- plaques in the brain. community has offered differing ness Day on June 15. ness Day (WEAAD) was The clinical trials for perspectives. Purple promotes a better launched on June 15, 2006 by Aduhelm were the first to show "At the end of the day, we understanding of abuse and the International Network for that a reduction in these plaques followed our usual course of neglect of older persons by the Prevention of Elder Abuse — a hallmark finding in the brain action when making regulatory raising awareness of the cul- and the World Health Organi- of patients with Alzheimer’s — is decisions in situations where the tural, social, economic and de- zation at the United Nations. expected to lead to a reduction data are not straightforward," mographic processes affecting The purpose of WEAAD is to in the clinical decline of this she continued. "We examined elder abuse and neglect. provide an opportunity for devastating form of dementia. the clinical trial findings with a On June 1, Tulare County communities around the world "We are well-aware of the fine-tooth comb, we solicited HHSA came together with com- to promote a better under- attention surrounding this input from the Peripheral munity leaders to bring aware- standing of abuse and neglect approval," said Dr. Patrizia and Central Nervous System ness by placing purple flags of the elderly. Cavazzoni, director of the FDA Drugs Advisory Committee, we and ribbons on the grounds In 2020, 866 reports of elder Center for Drug Evaluation listened to the perspectives of of Tulare County Government abuse were received in Tulare and Research. "We understand the patient community and we Plaza along Mooney Boulevard County. If you or a loved one is that Aduhelm has garnered reviewed all relevant data. in Visalia in a show of support experiencing elder abuse, call the attention of the press, the "We ultimately decided to and awareness for World Elder (877) 657-3092. Alzheimer’s patient community, use the Accelerated Approval pathway — a pathway intended to provide earlier access to Life Slowly Gets Back to Normal for Local Seniors potentially valuable therapies It seems that things are She also informed us that, for patients with serious changing and that life is getting “The status for Senior Games diseases where there is an back to normal following the lift- 2021 is yet to be determined.” unmet need, and where there ing of the state mask mandate “We’re trying to get back to is an expectation of clinical last month. There is one con- normal,” said Armando da Sil- benefit despite some residual stant in recent months, howev- va, recreation supervisor for the uncertainty regarding that er – there continue to be mixed City of Hanford. “We’re in the benefit." messages about how much has process of hiring staff and once Alzheimer's Association actually gotten back to normal. they are hired on, we will hope- Response Local senior centers are wait- fully open up completely.” “This approval is a victory for ing for city and county officials It should be noted, however, people living with Alzheimer’s to give them a green light be- that the city’s parks and commu- and their families,” said Harry fore they open their doors. nity services department con- Johns, Alzheimer’s Association “We are awaiting new guid- Zumba in Hanford's Civic Park tinues to host aerobics classes president and chief executive ance from public health officials helps some to celebrate the in Longfield Center and zumba officer. “This is the first FDA- in order to determine when we end of the pandemic. classes in Civic Park. approved drug that delays will be able to offer in-person genkamp, recreation manager No announcement was forth- decline due to Alzheimer’s programming at the (Visalia) Se- for the City of Visalia Communi- coming from the City of Tulare. disease. This means individuals nior Center,” said Laurissa Rog- ty Services Department. (continued on page 9) (continued on page 14) VETERANS CORNER www.TheGoodLifeSV.com July/August 2021 2 - The Good Life VETERANS CORNER Burial Benefits Are you aware that the Department of VeteransVETERANS Affairs (VA) CORNER offers burial benefits? One of these benefits is burial in a Nation- al Cemetery. National Cemetery burials in- Heat and Older Adults clude (at no cost to the family) a gravesite People aged 65 years or old- hot weather. in any of the 155 national cemeteries that er are more prone to heat-relat- • Don’t use the stove or has space, opening and closing the grave, ed health problems. Below is in- oven to cook — it will make you perpetual care, a government headstone or formation from the Centers for and your house hotter. marker, a burial flag, and a Presidential Me- Disease Control and Prevention • Wear loose, lightweight, morial Certificate. website (www.cdc.gov) about light-colored clothing. The San Joaquin Valley National Cem- Ken Cruickshank how you or the person you are • Take cool showers or caring for can stay safe during baths to cool down. etery in Gustine and the Bakersfield National Cemetery outside the heat this summer. • Do not engage in very of Bakersfield are the two closest national cemeteries to Tulare Why are Older Adults More strenuous activities, and get plen- County.VETERANS Cremated and CORNER casketed remains are either buried or in- Prone to Heat Stress? ty of rest. urned in the same manner and with the same honors. • Older adults do not adjust • Check on a friend or A veteran’s spouse or dependent can also obtain burial ben- as well as young people to sud- neighbor and have someone do efits at no cost, which includes eventual burial beside the veteran den changes in temperature. the same for you. in a national cemetery and perpetual care. The veteran’s head- • They are more likely to • Follow additional tips on stone will include the spouse or dependent’s name and dates of have a chronic medical condition how to prevent heat-related ill- birth and death, even if he or she dies before the veteran. that changes normal body re- ness. If a veteran prefers a private cemetery burial, benefits include sponses to heat. Stay Informed a government headstone or marker, a burial flag, and the Presi- • They are more likely to • Check the local news for dential Memorial Certificate, also at no cost. Some veterans may take prescription medicines that health and safety updates. be eligible for a burial allowance, regardless of type of burial. affect the body’s ability to control • Seek medical care im- Specific National Cemetery gravesites cannot be reserved in its temperature or sweat. mediately if you have, or some- advance; however, a veteran may complete a VA Form 40-10007 Stay Cool, Stay Hydrated one you know has, symptoms of Pre-Need Determination Request. This form will not guarantee • Stay in air-conditioned heat-related illness like muscle you will be buried in a specific national cemetery, but it will assist buildings as much as possible. If cramps, headaches, nausea or the VA in fulfilling your final wishes. your home doesn’t have air condi- vomiting. Veterans should advise their family members of their burial tioning, contact your local health Caretaker Checklist wishes, as well as where to find their separation papers (provid- department or find an air-condi- Keep a close eye on those ed at separation from military service), because they establish the tioned shelter in your area. in your care by visiting them at veteran’s benefit eligibility. If you need copies of these papers, • Do not rely on a fan as least twice a day, and ask yourself your local Veterans Services Office can help you apply for them.