A Newsletter from the Sunshine Terrace Foundation

Spring 2011

Unlocking the Mysteries of Alzheimers

When you think about all the things Cache Valley is famous for, cheese and Aggie Ice Cream probably top the list. However, did you know that we have prestigious national and internationally recognized research happening all around us? We are the fortunate home of The Cache County Study on Memory, Health, and Aging. Started in 1995 as a collaborative effort between Utah State University, The Johns Hopkins University, and Duke University Medical Center, the study has produced innovative research on the progression of Alzheimers disease in aging adults. In the past fifteen years, the study has made incredible contributions toward understanding dementia. First its important to recognize what makes Cache County worth studying. Our population has a higher life expectancy, higher educational levels and lower incidences of chronic illness - all of which contribute to the study of dementia risks and progression. Chances are you know someone who has contributed to the study. It began with over 5,000 county

residents enrolled and currently focuses on those members of the community with significant memory loss.

What weve learned:

Vitamins can help. A number of studies have examined the use of combinations of vitamins C & E and NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug) pain relievers like aspirin and ibuprofen. Over three years, people using antioxidant vitamins or NSAIDs experienced less memory loss than those who did not use vitamins or NSAIDs. Another reason to reduce stress. People who have a spouse with dementia have an increased likelihood of getting dementia themselves. In a In this Newsletter Alzheimers Research in Cache Valley 1 CEO Corner 2 Wish List 3 Heartfelt Thanks 4 2010 Annual Donor Honor Roll 5 Why I Give 6 Boost Your Memory 7

Thats the Sunshine Way

study focused on approximately 1,200 married couples we saw that the spouses of people with dementia were six times more likely to develop dementia themselves. One explanation for this may be the heightened stress of caring for a loved one with dementia, as well as other shared factors.

engaged in stimulating cognitive activities (reading, puzzle games, etc) declined more slowly than those engaged in fewer activities. This further emphasizes the importance of staying mentally active, no matter what your age or ability.

The study is on-going and we can look forward to learning about more ground breaking discoveries. On the horizon are new initiatives to examine genes Family can make a that make people more vulnerable difference. People with to developing Alzheimers disease, dementia who have close nutritional factors that promote better relationships with their caregivers decline cognitive health, the link between stress more slowly over time. Engaged caregivers and dementia, and things that may slow may be more familiar with their loved one decline after the onset of dementia. We and be better able to adapt to their needs. will keep you updated as new discoveries from the Cache Memory Study are Maintain an active mind. published. More information about Most recently we discovered that people the study can be found online at http:// with Alzheimers disease who were www.usu.edu/epicenter/htm/studies/ memorystudy.

CEO CORNER

Steven Tracy CEO Sunshine Terrace Foundation Continuity gives us roots; but change gives us branches, letting us stretch and grow and reach new heights. ~Pauline R. Kezer This quote could have been written to describe my first year and a half as CEO of Sunshine Terrace Foundation. We have begun a much anticipated remodel of our physical facilities. If you havent visited us lately, I encourage you to do so. Sunshine Rehabilitation: Beautiful new wall coverings, paint and flooring have updated long-term care. Gone are the high walls that surrounded the institutional style nursing stations, replaced by functional desks that allow eye contact and better communication. Residents, their families and staff gather in new seating areas to enjoy conversation, games and snacks. Physical Therapy moved from the basement to the main floor and now looks out on the patio through floor to ceiling windows. This light-filled room is a 2 motivational space that encourages healing. Terrace Grove Assisted Living: There is a new Theater room complete with a 10 x 8

Indeed change has come and it has been wonderful. Yet amidst this change, some things remain constant. Our renowned level of care, both in nursing and rehabilitation, remains unchanged; as does our commitment to our community.
screen for viewing movies and an oldfashioned popcorn cart. We added a Bistro

248 West 300 North, Logan, Utah www.sunshineterrace.com 435.752.0411

dining room to the lower level for casual eating, a library next to the sun room, and an art studio where all gather to learn and create. Kathryn C. Wanlass Wellness Center: We are proud to offer the Valleys first AquaWorx Physical Therapy Pool. This pool features a fully adjustable floor and treadmill, commonly used to speed healing in elite athletes, is now accessible for anyone who would benefit from aqua therapy. Sunshine Home Health: This welcome service brings our esteemed nursing care to you, making it possible to stay in the comfort of your home during a critical or long term illness. Sunshine Cares helps with the daily tasks of living at home like cleaning, running errands and cooking. Indeed change has come and it has been wonderful. Yet amidst this change, some things remain constant. Our renowned level of care, both in nursing and rehabilitation, remains unchanged; as does our commitment to our community. We are honored to be Cache Valleys not-for-profit care center, providing a home and place of healing for everyone regardless of financial capability. In this newsletter we recognize the community, donors, volunteers and our board that have made progress possible.

Each of you has made your commitment to Sunshine Terrace Foundation clear through donations of time and dollars. Every gift is important to us, especially in these difficult times. All that we have accomplished is due to your support and I want to take this opportunity to thank you on behalf of our residents and staff. I hope you enjoy the new format of this newsletter. Our cover story on the remarkable Cache Memory Study features cutting-edge research taking place every day, right here in Cache Valley. This study has been responsible for many of the breakthroughs in understanding Alzheimers, a cruel disease that robs us of our most precious possession, our memory. We are so very fortunate to have a rich and extended history forming our roots. I believe our founders would be proud of our remarkable transformation from a 12-bed home on Center Street to our current campus that offers a continuum of care for those needing help. We are proud of our role as a community resource and look forward to sharing our knowledge, expertise and especially our successes with you.

Our Residents Wish List

Each item on our wish list will enhance the lives of our residents, providing engagement and entertainment opportunities. If you are interested in helping us purchase items on this list, call Alta Markeson at 425-770-0615. Uno Card Games (12) Large Piece Wooden Puzzles (20) Alzheimers Activity Aprons or Muffs (5) Salt Water Fish Tank for the Entry Piano for the Terrace Grove Living Room Energy Efficient Fireplace Insert for the Living Room $ 6 each $15 each $ 55 each $ 2,500 $ 3,500 $ 7,000 3

248 West 300 North, Logan, Utah www.sunshineterrace.com 435.752.0411

A Heartfelt Thank You

My name is Alyssa Audd. I am a 31-year old wife and mother of two young children. At the young age of 21, I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, a degenerative autoimmune disease of the central nervous

Since that first contact, the staff has challenged me on so many levels and I am now exceeding goals that I thought I would never accomplish.

several programs with little success. In one last attempt to see if something would help me, I contacted Aqua Worx Physical Therapy and Fitness. Since that first contact, the staff has challenged me on so many levels and I am now exceeding goals that I thought I would never accomplish. The therapists did not stop when I hit a roadblock but rather led me to success. I truly believe that in any type of weakness, there is strength. Aqua Worx Physical Therapy and Fitness has helped me to acquire this strength both physically and mentally. I have always said that I may have MS but MS does not have me. The staff at Aqua Worx has helped me gain the confidence that I need so I can now say, I can succeed. I feel so grateful to all of you that have made this success a possibility for me. Thank you.

system for which there is no cure. That experience shifted my perspectives and goals in my life. I am now a motivational public speaker and try to inspire and help others by sharing my trials and my triumphs that I have had in life. For the first eight years of having MS, my daily activities were not affected; however, over the last few years, I have acquired some disability. When I found that physical and exercise therapy was needed, I tried

248 West 300 North, Logan, Utah www.sunshineterrace.com 435.752.0411

2010 Annual Honor Roll of Donors

Platinum Donors
Alan M. Hofmeister J. Michael Huie Lloyd R. Hunsaker Lynn E. Janes Daniel Judd John E. & Linda Keith Frederick & Jo Knowlton Robert E. Lee Clare & Cathy Leishman Rae S. Leishman Lewiston State Bank James A. MacMahon Clarke P. Maughan Jo Ann R. McDonald E.A. Junior Miller Jay A. & Jane Monson Luana J. Mortensen F. Neal & Ann W. Mortenson Anonymous Glen & Lorna Nicholls Grayson & Janet Osborne Rodney Pack Tom Proffitt Clair F. Rasmussen Jan Roush & Michael Butkus Dan & Manon Russell Sally K. Russell Brent S. & Allyson Sandberg Darla Sant Anthony J. Sara Steven D. Sargent Stephanie B. & Roy G. Sorenson L. Brent Stucki J. Gaurth & Joyce Thompson United Way Don & Elaine Vanderbeek Fred & Marilyn Wagner Dennis Watkins David & Marilyn Watts Randy & Kathie Watts Vincent & Virginia Wickwar Melva Wiebe Michael Williams

In grateful recognition of those who have so generously given to The Sunshine Terrace Foundation in 2010
Gifts of $1000 and above Kay Bouma Vernon M. Buehler Reed Bullen, Jr. Cache County George H. Herb & Helen Champ George S. & Dolores Dor Eccles Foundation Marriner S. Eccles Foundation Eastman N. & Anne C. Hatch Craig Larson Spencer & Melanie Raymond Norman Savoie F F and C C Sawyer Foundation United Way of Cache Valley Kathryn C. Wanlass Alan P. & Helen M. Warnick Wasatch Sunshine Terrace Foundation

Gold Donors

Gifts of $500 $999 Stan & Joyce Albrecht Victoria Rowe Berry & Thomas R. Berry Campbell Scientific, Inc. Merrill & Betty T. Daines Gossner Foods Jack & Sally Keller Ray A. & Aileen Minkler Larry & Gay Olsen TEC Electric Harvey B. & Dorothy S. Van Wagoner Jon M. White

Silver Donors

Gifts of $100 - $499 Frederick M. Berthrong Karen Boehme Book Fair LLC Alyce Bosch Joanne Burnett Nancy Carlisle Roger Cartwright Stanford Cazier Norbert V. & Mary Debyle Keith Dixon Tamra J. & Larry R. Dursteler Donald & Janet Fiesinger G. David Glissmeyer Kallee Hamblin Edd & Monica Harris Anne F. Hatch & Joel W. Zimmerer

Friends

Gifts of $99 and below James S. Albiston Allan Anderson Douglas Anderson M. Brian Anderson Robert F. and Jan Appuhn Michael Ballam Trina LaMar Balls

248 West 300 North, Logan, Utah www.sunshineterrace.com 435.752.0411

E. Jay Berry Nan Booth June & Terri Bowen Fred Brasfield William A. & Vivian Brindley Todd A. Brown A. Jerry Butler Patricia & Clifford Cahoon Janet & Gary Carlston Robert Chambers Michael & Katherine Christiansen Alma & Clark Millard Ann Colston Lee Darrington Arnold Eberhard Emma Rae Eyre Marvin Fifield Beverly Gancheff Francine K. & William Gilbert Bruce L. & Lynette Gittins C. Val & Sue Grant Rosalie H. Hancey Belva Hansen E. Matthew & Dawn Hansen Joseph E. & Sandra S. Hatch Richard Hatch Kent B. & Kay L. Haueter Havaview Condo Association Heritage Cove Homeowners Lyle W. & Alice Hillyard Mr. & Mrs. Farrell Hillyard Loran Hirschi Rachel J. & N.S. Holyoak Norman Jones Peter & Mary Kolesar Kendall G. Lawton Estela Leiva

Charles H. Lichtendahl Geniel Loveless Frances H. & Gordon H. Lynn Nancy Jo Maughan M. Jack McFarland Amelia John Meatoga Earl M. Miller Julie Miller John D. Murray Lillian Nielsen L. Frederick Pack Loye L. Painter Val and Norma Palmer Virginia C. Parker Zetta Peterson Jean Pugmire Robert N. Radtke Clyde R. Richards Bland Richardson George Roohr Lee & Jacquie Rulis Raymond & Roselena Sanders Robert W. & Rhea Sidwell Mildred Singer R. Keith Spencer Paula Stucki Merlin Tams Dorothy L. Taylor Mark Teeples LuAnn Tripp Leland F. Turner Anonymous Josephine M. Wadsworth Linda Wagenet Scott L. Wallentine Irving Wassermann Mark & Cyndy Weiss Paul A. & Diane Wheeler

Why I Give
Sunshine Terrace became a big part of my life when we brought my mother here April 2008. She had been recuperating from a broken hip in a forprofit rehabilitation center in Phoenix. Her progress was not satisfactory and we began to worry. My sister, a Cache Valley resident familiar with the excellent reputation of Sunshine Terrace, suggested moving Mom to Logan. I was skeptical that one facility would make the difference, but willing to give it a try. When we got Mother to Sunshine Terrace she not only recovered, she flourished. The kindness and compassion that Mom experienced each day was amazing. But it was also the superior skill of the nursing and therapy staff that made the healing possible. Mom got well enough to move into the Terrace Grove Assisted Living Center. There she got her independence back, living in her own apartment. And our family got to see Mom enjoying her life again as she made friends and participated in activities. Sunshine Terrace is a treasure. I am grateful for the combination of exceptional caring and expertise given to my mother and I choose to give back to the Sunshine Terrace Foundation as a way to express my thanks. Kay Bouma

In Loving Memory of Virginia L. Kirk

248 West 300 North, Logan, Utah www.sunshineterrace.com 435.752.0411

Get off Autopilot & Boost Your Memory

These fun brain games can be done every day and cost nothing. Changing your routine stimulates nerve cells in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex, areas of the brain that are responsible for memory and abstract thought. Active brain cells create more nerve-tonerve connections, which in turn, build stronger brains. 1. Become a leftie (or a righty). Brush your teeth, dial the phone or draw a picture with your non dominant hand. 2. When you open mail, turn it upside down and then read it. Its a great use for all that junk mail. Or try reading the ads upside down in your favorite magazine. 3. Turn all the photos on your desk upside down. Next week, turn them on their sides. 4. Switch your exercise routine. Walk a different route, try a different aerobics class, or change the order when you lift weights.

The National Institutes of Health annually spend: $6 billion on cancer research $4 billion on heart disease research $3 billion on HIV/ AIDS research $480 million on Alzheimers Disease research Researchers believe increasing the dollars available to study Alzheimers to $1 billion would be sufficient to develop methods to treat, prevent or cure most dimentias. In the United States, an estimated 5.4 million people are living with Alzheimers disease, and someone develops the disease every 69 seconds. In Utah there are 32,000 people living with the disease. Unless something is done, as many as 16 million Americans will have Alzheimers in 2050 and someone will develop the disease every 33 seconds. In 2010, 14.9 million family members and friends provided 17 billion hours of unpaid care to those with Alzheimers and other dimentiascare valued at $202.6 billion.

Care Tip
If you are caring for a loved one with dementia, keeping their mind stimulated while reducing confusion can be challenging. In Memory Lane, the Alzheimers care unit at Sunshine Terrace, we use a variety of items that soothe the senses and provide tactile stimulation. Activity Lap Aprons and Muffs are effective for helping to engage our residents. These portable, fabric activity stations use bright colors and different textures to provide visual and tactile stimulation. Threading the shoe lace, buttoning the buttons or just stroking the soft, furry pocketoffer calming and interesting entertainment, as well as improve fine motor skills. When people with dementia use these items, they stay more in the present, experience less agitation and participate more. At home with your loved one try working simple puzzles or playing easy card games and looking at family photographs to help them maintain an active mind.

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Bringing More to Life

Upcoming Events July 19 Pie Social at Terrace Grove September 10 Walk to End Alzheimers

Contributors
CEO Steven Tracy Writers Emily Arnold Alyssa Audd Kay Bouma Carolyn Christensen Alta Markeson Photographers Cache Photography Guild Firefly Productions Rebekah Severn Copy Editors Alta Markeson Cyndy Weiss Jennifer Weiss

248 West 300 North, Logan, Utah www.sunshineterrace.com 435.752.0411