The "Manhattan Optimist Club Bulletin": Vol. 2024 #24: 3-13-24
Second-Vice President Kelly Karl welcomed the membership and guests and noted the passing of Tom Claman and Bruce Spellman. Jerry Banaka presented a reflection, followed by the flag salute.
Mike Fincham introduced Margaret Haden, Manager of the Alzheimer’s Association. Margaret is one of our newest members, and it’s always good to hear from one of our own. Margaret graduated from Kansas State University in 2012 with a BS in Marketing. She left Manhattan after graduation to work for GAF Equipment Co. in Texas. After years in the oil and gas industry, Margaret completed a master’s degree in data science and then spent three years as a Consumer Insights Analyst. Pairing her passion for using science to help people and with her outgoing personality, Margaret is now on a mission to cure Alzheimer’s disease through awareness, education, and fundraising. She is currently the manager of the Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Margaret lives in Clay Center, Kansas, is married to Brett, and they are the proud parents of a cat named Waldo. Her guilty pleasure is watching the soap opera The Bold and the Beautiful. Her topic is “Alzheimer’s Warning Signs.”
Alzheimer’s is under the umbrella term “Dementia.” Memory loss that disrupts daily life may be a symptom of Alzheimer's or other dementia. Alzheimer's is a brain disease that causes a slow decline in memory, thinking and reasoning skills. There are 10 warning signs and symptoms. If you notice any of them, don't ignore them. Schedule an appointment with your doctor.
One of the most common signs of Alzheimer’s disease, especially in the early stage, is forgetting recently learned information. Others include forgetting important dates or events, asking the same questions over and over, and increasingly needing to rely on memory aids (e.g., reminder notes or electronic devices) or family members for things they used to handle on their own.
Sometimes forgetting names or appointments, but remembering them later.
Some people living with changes in their memory due to Alzheimer's or other dementia may experience changes in their ability to develop and follow a plan, think of the next step or work with numbers. They may have trouble following a familiar recipe or keeping track of monthly bills. They may have difficulty concentrating and take much longer to do things than they did before.
Making occasional errors when managing finances or household bills.
People living with memory changes from Alzheimer's or other dementia often find it hard to complete daily tasks. Sometimes they may have trouble driving to a familiar location, organizing a grocery list or remembering the rules of a favorite game.
Occasionally needing help to use microwave settings or to record a TV show.
People living with Alzheimer's or other dementia can lose track of dates, seasons and the passage of time. They may have trouble understanding something if it is not happening immediately. Sometimes they may forget where they are or how they got there.
Getting confused about the day of the week but figuring it out later.
Some people living with Alzheimer's or other dementia could experience vision changes. This may lead to difficulty with balance or trouble reading. They may also have problems judging distance and determining color or contrast, causing issues with driving.
Vision changes related to cataracts.
People living with Alzheimer's or other dementia may have trouble following or joining a conversation. They may stop in the middle of a conversation and have no idea how to continue or they may repeat themselves. They may struggle with vocabulary, have trouble naming a familiar object or use the wrong name (e.g., calling a "watch" a "hand-clock").
Sometimes having trouble finding the right word.
A person living with Alzheimer's or other dementia may put things in unusual places. They may lose things and be unable to go back over their steps to find them again. He or she may accuse others of stealing, especially as the disease progresses.
Misplacing things from time to time and retracing steps to find them.
Individuals living with Alzheimer's or other dementia may experience changes in judgment or decision-making. For example, they may use poor judgment when dealing with money or pay less attention to grooming or keeping themselves clean.
Making a bad decision or mistake once in a while, like neglecting to change the oil in the car.
A person living with Alzheimer’s or other dementia may experience changes in the ability to hold or follow a conversation. As a result, they may withdraw from hobbies, social activities or other engagements. They may have trouble keeping up with a favorite team or activity.
Sometimes feeling uninterested in family or social obligations.
Individuals living with Alzheimer’s or other dementia may experience mood and personality changes. They can become confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful or anxious. They may be easily upset at home, with friends or when out of their comfort zone.
Developing very specific ways of doing things and becoming irritable when a routine is disrupted.
All of the above true/false questions were true.
Link to Alzheimer’s Association web site: https://www.alz.org/
Kelly Karl introduced our speaker, Margaret Haden, Manager of Alzheimer’s Association. Tom Hintz introduced Mason Barta from Holton. Mason is a KSU graduate in data analysis. He played fullback at KSU. Mason does data analysis for Varney and Associates CPA's. Bob Seymour introduced his grandson, Andrew Wasinger from Wylie, Texas.
Jim Franke noted we were a week out from the Spaghetti Dinner. We are set for people on Friday afternoon, but still need help for Saturday starting at 4:30. We still need more contributions of cookies for dessert. Donations are also needed for the silent auction. Jim has extra tickets and also has posters advertising the Spaghetti Dinner available to display in a business or other location.
Kelly Karl announced the Special Olympics Basketball this weekend. Volunteers are still needed.
Doug Jardine announced that he wore the jersey he received for raising over $10,000 the past three years from his bike ride for childhood cancer fundraising. He thanked the members for contributing and said he plans to ride again in September.
Kelly Karl also reminded the group of the GMCF Monday Radio Show – March 18th: Manhattan Optimist Club is featured at 10:15 AM. Listen and review the lesson taught by Heather and Jim Franke pitching the Spaghetti Dinner and other activities.
Save these dates: March 23 Spaghetti Dinner; May 8 IPS Celebration; May 9 New Member Dinner; May 25, Bill Snyder Half Marathon; October 19 Aggieville Chili Crawl.
Adjourned with the Optimist Creed
March 20 – Breakfast Meeting: Program: Patrick Fu, Manhattan High School Robotics, Topic: “Manhattan High School Robotics Club”
March 27 – Noon Meeting: Program: Katharine Henfler, Director - Riley County Historical Society: Topic: “Leading Ladies – Influential Women in Riley County’s History”