Alzheimer’s Resources - Calvary Westlake

Alzheimer's Resources

Content on this website is for informational reference and educational purposes only. It is not intended, and should not be used, for self-diagnosis or as a substitute for advice given by a physician, pharmacist, or other licensed healthcare professionals. Please consult your physician before implementing any new diet, exercise, and dietary supplements, especially if you have pre-existing medical conditions or are taking prescribed medications. Statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition. Calvary Community Church assumes no liability for inaccuracies or misstatements that may be contained in linked websites, books, articles, or any other resources referred to on this website.

Welcome to the Alzheimer’s Resource Page!

Again, Calvary is not a medical institution, we’re a church that cares about its congregation and surrounding communities. Because so many have asked for resources, the Hope Alzheimer’s Team has compiled several resources that might help. In no way are we directing you to any “one” resource, but we hope that you’ll find something that will educate and help you during your journey.

Find resources below if You or a loved one have…

Resources for those who have a family history of Alzheimer’s

Research has proven that there are both genetic and lifestyle risk factors associated with Alzheimer’s.

Genetic Risk Factors

The ApoE4 gene is the strongest genetic risk factor when it comes to Alzheimer’s disease. Learn more about the APOE4 gene from The Alzheimer’s Association.

ApoE4.Info is also a wonderful resource for more information about living with one or two copies of this gene and how you can further reduce your risk, even if you have a genetic risk factor.

Lifestyle Risk Factors

In terms of lifestyle risk factors, answering the following questions will help you determine whether you have a heightened risk of Alzheimer’s, with or without the ApoE4 gene. The more questions you have a “yes” answer to, may indicate a heightened risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

Read the questions

Do you have one or two copies of the ApOE4 gene?
Do you or your family have a history of Alzheimer’s Disease or dementia?
Do you or your family have a history of chronic disease or are you currently dealing with diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, high blood pressure, Lyme disease, or thyroid issues?
Are you or have you been exposed to mold/toxins – e.g., black mold or other toxins (mercury/heavy metals)?
Are you moderately or significantly overweight, e.g., BMI greater than 25?
Do you regularly consume processed foods?
Do you feel stressed out much of the day?
Do you get less than 8 hours of sleep each night or do you have sleep apnea?
Are you sedentary when it comes to exercise?
Is your blood glucose level consistently greater than 100?

Many with genetic and lifestyle risk factors have chosen to implement the Bredesen Protocol for prevention of Alzheimer’s disease. If this is of interest to you, you can click the button for more info.

Resources for those who have begun to have memory concerns

Start with Cognitive Assessments

There are several assessments physicians use to determine whether someone needs further evaluation for a definitive diagnosis. While we recommend having a physician administer these assessments, they are readily available online and can be administered by a loved one. While this is not a substitute for a medical exam by a physician, this can be a helpful starting point.

Resources for those who have recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s

Hearing this diagnosis from a doctor is very daunting. There are many different issues to consider when it comes to Alzheimer’s disease, including caregiving, treatment decisions and financial considerations. We want you to know that you are not alone. HOPE Alzheimer’s Ministry at Calvary exists to be a place to connect you with resources that help you navigate what is best for you and your loved one.

It is very common to need support and encouragement in the form of counseling and prayer when you are facing this diagnosis. Please reach out to Calvary’s Care Ministry at anna.williams@calvarywestlake.org.

Hope Alzheimer’s Seminar

In February of 2022, we invited medical professionals to come share research and information around the subject of Alzheimer’s Disease. Our goal was to provide a place where people could come gather information that might help in their journey to give care to their loved ones.

At the link below you can find video of the entire seminar as well as each speaker’s slides. We hope this is a helpful resource for you.

Begin putting financial plans in place as soon as possible after a diagnosis to help figure out financial costs.

Support Groups

Hope Alzheimer’s is a new ministry at Calvary that exists to offer you resources and to help you navigate what is best for you and your loved one. If you would be interested in support group in this area, please call Calvary Community Westlake Care Ministry at (818) 575-2267 or email anna.williams@calvarywestlake.org

Alzheimer’s association also offer support groups. For more information please check out, https://www.alz.org/

As you learn more about the disease and further your research, you may discover that there are various ways to treat Alzheimer’s that may be of interest to you, in terms of halting its progression or minimizing some of its symptoms.

Research

There has been extensive research on the importance of fueling your body and brain with ketones instead of glucose when it comes to preventing Alzheimer’s or slowing its progression. The Amos Institute, founded by Amylee Amos, MS, RDN, IFMCP, provides a comprehensive Cognitive Health Program which walks participants through all of the diet and lifestyle changes needed for cognitive health.

The Bredesen Protocol is one such program that many people have followed to stop and even reverse cognitive decline.

Clinical trials are another way that some people go about minimizing Alzheimer’s symptoms.

Resources for further reading

Each image is clickable and will redirect you to a website where you can purchase that specific book. We hope the resources below are helpful in your journey with understanding Alzheimer’s Disease.