Supporters of the Alzheimer & Parkinson Association of Indian River County gathered at Northern Trust Bank last Wednesday for a Donor Reception sponsored by Mercedes-Benz of Fort Pierce, Northern Trust Bank, and Becky and Bob Allen, and learned a little more about some of the newer programs and services they offer.
“We’re learning more and more that the brain is extremely complex,” said Board President Bruce McEvoy, who recently attended an international Parkinson Symposium. “The number suffering from neurological diseases is well understated.”
He was encouraged to learn that exercise has emerged as a cornerstone of recovery, and that indications are that Parkinson’s can be slowed if a program of physical exercise, nutrition and medical treatment is implemented soon after diagnosis.
“In looking at our strategic plan, a key goal will be community outreach, so those who are suffering from neurological diseases can request consultations and a range of services that we are able to give them,” said McEvoy.
“In Indian River County, statistically, we feel there are 5,000 cases of dementia-related disorders,” said Peggy Cunningham, APAIRC executive director, adding they anticipate that number to triple in the next 30 years. “As a community, we need to be ready for this.”
She said that because 80 percent of dementia sufferers are cared for at home by unpaid family and friends, there is a 65 percent chance a caregiver will predecease the spouse caused by the expense and stress of caring for their loved one.
“We want to talk about what we can do for the residents in this county to give them the quality of life that they so deserve,” said Cunningham, adding that these individuals need to be supported, socially validated, connected and empowered. “What your support has done is you are providing these families with a comprehensive local resource. You are allowing us to operate entirely by private funding, so there is no burden on any taxpayer.”
Free services are currently offered in Vero Beach, Gifford and Sebastian, impacting roughly 1,000 residents each year through such programs as support groups and respite care, movement and exercise programs, memory screening, private counseling, Virtual Dementia Tours and Project Lifesaver.
Three of the more innovative approaches were demonstrated Wednesday: Maureen Burkhart, a certified music therapist, leads a weekly Movin’ & Groovin’ class, which effectively addresses balance and gait; Mugs Holifield’s Qi Gong classes provide energizing exercise and spirit serenity; and Dawn Miller, program manager for Movement at the Museum, leads a dance program in collaboration with the Vero Beach Museum of Art designed to increase flexibility and awareness of the mind-body connection.
