While there may be ways to slow the progression, there is no sure way to prevent dementia itself. However, there are ways to improve quality of life throughout the progression for the person with dementia, for caregivers and loved ones.
In this 13th episode of the Now What? series Dr. Anna Fisher and her guests explore these topics. They offer practical resources and approaches for the best possible outcomes and quality of life for anyone who finds themselves on this journey. They also attempt to dispel myths and misinformation that are abundant in the media rich culture we live in today.
Panel of Experts
Dr. Anna Fisher serves as the Hillcrest Health Services health, quality, and nursing services education expert. She is responsible for the implementation of educational and quality improvement programs following the identification of clinical needs, competency exams, and supporting the need for high quality of care for diverse business lines that include assisted living, memory support, adult day services, home health care, palliative, hospice, post-acute, and skilled nursing care.
Dr. Fisher is also an adjunct professor in the College of Arts and Sciences at Bellevue University and teaches in the Masters-Health Administration Program. She was awarded the prestigious Maenner Award for Professorship of the Year in 2012. In 2015, she received the APEX Award for Excellence in Health & Medical Writing by Nursing2015, for an article she co-authored entitled, "Best Practices for Engaging Patients with Dementia."
Dr. Fisher is co-producer of the Connects series, Now What?, about elder care and dementia. The program series received a 2014 Nebraska Broadcasters Association Silver Award in the Service to Community category and a 2012 Nebraska Broadcasters Association Bronze Award of Excellence in the category of Service to Community.
Dr. Fisher is currently President of the Consortium of Dementia Alternatives and Vice President of the Montessori International School of the Plains. She is a certified dementia practitioner, licensed nurse, and holds an undergraduate degree in human resources, graduate degree in business management, and a doctorate in health administration.
Dr. Sanjay P. Singh, MD is the Chairman & Professor of the Department of Neurology at Creighton University School of Medicine. He is also the Medical Director of Neurological Services at Alegent Creighton Health. Earlier he was the Vice Chairman (Education) at University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC). He was also the founder Director of the The Nebraska Epilepsy Center at UNMC. He has also served as the Program Director of the Creighton-Nebraska Joint Neurology Residency Program.
Dr. Singh received his medical degree from M.L.N. Medical College in India, where he was the Valedictorian of his class. He completed a neurology residency at George Washington University Medical Center; he was the Chief Resident of Neurology in his PGY-4 year. He then did a two year fellowship in Epilepsy and Clinical Neurophysiology, as the Gilbert Glaser fellow, at Yale University School of Medicine. He is Board certified in Neurology and is a member of the American Academy of Neurology and the American Epilepsy Society.
He is the author of the 'Locatelli & Singh's Handbook of Neurology'. He is the author of numerous articles and also a few Book Chapters. He has been the recipient of numerous awards and honors including the A.B. Baker Teacher recognition award by the American Academy of Neurology, The UNMC Chancellor's Gold U Award & Kudos award of the Board of Regents award for University of Nebraska.
He has been invited to Lecture at many national and international institutions and conferences. He has also given talks to the community in 'Science Cafes & Simply Science' programs.
Dr. Michele Faulkner, PHARMD is a Professor in the Pharmacy Practice department and the Neurology department in the Creighton University Schools of Pharmacy and Medicine. She received her doctorate in pharmacy at Creighton, and completed a residency at Southwest Texas Methodist Hospital in San Antonio. Dr. Faulkner is a member of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists House of Delegates. Additionally, Dr. Faulkner serves on the Board of Directors of Parkinson’s Nebraska, and she has been appointed to the Nebraska Stroke Advisory Council. Most recently, Dr. Faulkner authored a section of the Dementia Curriculum for Healthcare Professionals for the Health Resources and Services Administration.
Allan Schur married his high school sweetheart, Sharon, 46 years ago. In 2005, Sharon was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. She was then just 54. They determined that they would do whatever they could to fight the disease, including public education and seeking out clinical trials. Clinical trials were important to Sharon especially because, as an RN, she knew how important that research is in the search for a cure. She volunteered for a trial at the University of Nebraska Medical Center and continued her involvement until it concluded four years later. Allan has remained a strong advocate for more research funding and encourages increased participation in clinical trials. And he continues to be a Sharon's caregiver and advocate.
Just Keep Moving
Michael Pollack, Director of Lifestyle and Wellness at Hillcrest Country Estates in Bellevue, Nebraska demonstrates various types of exercise and activity that contribute to better quality of life for people as they age.
Co-Producer
Partners
