TTUHSC Joins Dementia Friendly America
Garrison Institute on Aging a Leader for New Dementia Friendly Lubbock Effort
The Garrison Institute on Aging, a research institute of Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC), recently continued efforts to expand its horizons and contributions to the community by joining a national network of individuals, communities and organizations known as Dementia Friendly America.
The Dementia Friendly America network seeks to establish communities across the country that are equipped to support people living with dementia and their caregivers. Dementia refers to a wide range of medical conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease, that cause a decline in one’s cognitive abilities. More than 6.2 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s and 11 million caregivers support them. In Texas, more than 400,000 persons live with dementia and 1.5 million family and friends are providing care.
Annette Boles, director of community outreach and education for the Garrison Institute on Aging, said the Dementia Friendly Lubbock initiative is proud to help foster the development of change in the way people think and act toward those living with dementia and their caregivers.
“Every positive action we take as a community will increase awareness of this disease and have an impact on those affected,” Boles said. “Through education, services and advocacy, Dementia Friendly Lubbock will strive to serve all in the community. As Dementia Friendly Lubbock continues its partnership with Dementia Friendly America, we will continually engage the public in awareness of dementia and how understanding this disease can make a positive impact and a difference in all lives.”
Boles said the continuing support of local medical, government and public entities, as well as the efforts put forth by the various planning partners who assisted in achieving Dementia Friendly status for Lubbock, is important as the organization moves forward. Those local supporters include the City of Lubbock, Brookdale Memory Care, South Plains Association of Governments, Retired Senior Volunteer Program, West Texas Alzheimer’s Association, Texas Tech Physicians and Texas Tech University.
Boles said Dementia Friendly Lubbock is making plans to host a kickoff event next spring where attendees will learn about the dementia friendly program and its vision is for Lubbock. For more information, email Boles.
Related Stories
A Rite of Passage for Next Generation of Physicians
Students in TTUHSC's School of Medicine Class of 2028 received their first white coat and pledged their commitment to the medical profession at the White Coat Ceremony Friday (July 26) at the Buddy Holly Hall of Performing Arts and Sciences.
How Does Your Garden Grow?
As spring approaches, some people’s thoughts turn to gardening. Whether it’s a flower garden they desire or a vegetable garden want to have, they begin planning what they’ll plant and what they need to do to ensure a successful garden.
Adopt a Growth Mindset for a Better Life
A “growth mindset” accepts that our intelligence and talents can develop over time, and a person with that mindset understands that intelligence and talents can improve through effort and learning.
Recent Stories
Alumni Spotlight: Ryan Mize, DCLS, MHA
Ryan, Mize, DCLS, MHA, is a Medical Director for Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), an Associate Medical Director for Mass General Brigham System (MGB), and is Pathology faculty for Harvard Medical School (HMS).
From Oil Field to Health Care: Chineme Chima-Nlewem, PA-C
Chineme Chima-Nlewem, PA-C, works as a pain management provider at MCH ProCare Interventional Pain Medicine - a career born out of her own painful experience.
Navigating Holiday Cheer
Seasonal alcoholic beverages at festive parties are woven into many holiday traditions, and many experts agree that consumption can bring risks worth keeping in mind as the holiday season gets into full swing.