Prior to the start of the Brain Health Summit, I became quite frazzled with so many presenters, presentations, and technical angles to navigate, but once the day started with Judge Montero presiding, I knew everything would be perfect. Age - and Dementia-Friendly Winnemucca joined Humboldt Connections in this marvelous endeavor and even though the main focus of each group differs, together we care about people and good health.
Every speaker added depth to our understanding on how to thrive.
Diaz Dixon’s topics included “mindset” stating that we are a product of our mindset: fixed or growth.
Add to this challenge the “know, grow, change” mantra, and you are bound for success. It is easy to drift along in a fixed mindset with everything calm and collected.
But staying in this comfort zone too long means a lack of advancement. Equilibrium is pleasant; disequilibrium, the uncomfortable sense of “which way to go”, indicates personal development. Mindset comes from the research of Dr. Carol Dweck of Stanford University and is a subject discussed with my 8th graders.
Once they overcame their previous definition of “fixed” as in repaired, they confronted growth, realizing that failure produces an opportunity to try new ideas, attempt unfamiliar tasks, stretch, and engage. Scary at first, attempting novel things expands brain and body power.
Jake Wiskerchen spoke next with more ideas including how coping skills, while helpful, may actually allow a person to avoid a problem by not addressing it rather than facing obstacles to find a solution.
“I feel…” according to Wiskerchen, ruins our ability to think, to explore options, to advance. Many find it easier to be angry, disengaged, or invisible instead of seeking answers, compromising, or dealing with worries and emotions. Diaz and Jake guided the audience to Alexis Kranovich and “Anticipatory Grief”.
She pointed out that there are stages of grief and many believe that if you just take them step-by-step, you can exit with anxiety and depression eradicated.
Recognizing grief and working to manipulate it into recovery leads to better mental health and the ability to move forward.
Cathy Maupin shared information on APOE4, the Alzheimer’s gene, and what it may mean, but she also pointed out all of the things we can do to enrich body, mind, and soul. It comes as no surprise that nutrition, exercise, and sleep are important.
These three are also things over which we have primary control. Other factors for good health are not smoking or vaping, prioritizing oneself, and dealing with stress.
I am sure you are not surprised at these and a reminder that you are the power behind these as well. I admit it is hard to prioritize my wants and needs but when I do so, I also reduce stress. Busy people with busy minds increase stress but we can implement slow breathing exercises, yoga, and thinking positive thoughts to help us relax.
Day 2 started with an introduction by AARP representatives Riley Franco and Jessica Padron.
They also provided many goodies for the swag bags. Nancy Nelson and Kat Hartley entered the stage with their Dot and Dangle presentation.
Nancy has been diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer’s and Kat is a retired pharmacist. Together they combine for “Dementia Conversation” and for trips to Winnemucca to share knowledge and humor with us: “Doing Dementia Differently”.
Tag-teaming the non-stop action engages as it educates. Being mindful, appreciative, genuine, and grateful are ways to accentuate life.
Humboldt General Hospital Doctors Argyle, Khong, and Rodriguez offered insight on Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.
An important perspective included issues that mimic dementia: stroke, depression, hypothyroidism, B12 deficiency, hydrocephalus, and more. ‘These are items a trained physician can rule out through a thorough screening and then a diagnosis.
Did I mention lunch? Amy of the Back Porch Barbecue parked her food truck outside of the backdoor each day and then served tri-tip, mac and cheese, salad, fruit, dessert, and huckleberry lemonade. Someone had suggested contacting Amy and I am so happy that I did.
While we had originally planned on 150 attendees, fewer registered and while I panicked, she solved the situation. Dividing one meal into two, lunch each day was perfect. Marigold SSR funded the meals so pressure was relieved. Thanks!
I have skimmed the surface of two days of education – I could go on with more details and feedback. I’m guessing a repeat of the Summit with fresh material will soon be in the works. Stay tuned…