COA to host ‘Memory Makeover’ series

Published 8:46 am Thursday, September 12, 2019

CASSOPOLIS — While there is no current cure for Alzheimer’s, a disease that causes a loss of memory and cognitive function, new research suggests there may be actions people can take to prevent or slow its progression. Next month, the Cass County Council on Aging will be hosting a series to highlight this research.

Throughout the month of October, the COA, 60525 Decatur Road, Cassopolis, will host “Memory Makeover,” a series that will discuss the book “Memory Makeover: How to Prevent Alzheimer’s and Reverse Cognitive Decline the Natural Way” by Dr. Wes Youngberg. The session will take place from 1 to 2 p.m. each Thursday in October. During each session, family members of Youngberg’s will present a video and answer questions regarding Youngberg’s research into ways people can use diet, exercise and mental stimulation to ward off symptoms of Alzheimer’s. The series is free to attend.

“This is all about ways people can work to prevent Alzheimer’s and cognitive decline in a more natural and homeopathic way,” said Lori Hardy, a registered nurse and the COA’s care services team lead. “We will be looking at case studies that [Youngberg] has compiled. It’s pretty amazing the work that he has done.”

Through her work at the COA, which includes overseeing the home care and day services programs, Hardy said she sees and works with individuals who have Alzheimer’s or dementia. Additionally, the COA hosts support groups for individuals caring for a loved one with cognitive decline. Because she has seen the toll the disease can take, she was inspired to bring the “Memory Makeover” series to the COA.

“I believe that there are other options people can try — and some people are trying anything to see if it will work for either themselves or their loved ones,” she said. “I just wanted to bring another option to people. … This plan is all natural and things that people can do at home.”

Hardy said she would encourage anyone to attend at least one session of the series as she believes those who attend will learn valuable information.

“I hope people will attend, learn something new and try some of the [techniques] out at home,” Hardy said. “I just think it is such a tough disease for families and individuals. It’s a scary diagnosis, so if there is something [in the series] they can do to help themselves, to feel they have tried everything that they can or learned everything that they can, that will help them understand the disease.”