New Cleveland Clinic program helping patients and caregivers with memory loss

CLEVELAND (WJW) — Taking daily walks have become a way of life for Jerry and Alyse Calhoun of Richmond Heights. It was just eight years ago when Jerry, at the age of 65, had a massive stroke.

“I couldn’t move. Couldn’t move at all. My right side was paralyzed.”

While on the road to recovery, Jerry’s wife of 46-years would also notice a decline in his short-term memory.

“He would ask a question and then about 5 or 10 minutes later, he would ask the question again.”

Cognitive decline can have many causes including stroke, aging, brain injury and Alzheimer’s , with an estimated 6-million Americans, 65 and older, living with the disease.

Doctor Roopa Anmolsingh is the lead geriatrician for community projects at the Cleveland Clinic .

She is also unveiling a new program at the clinic called ‘Refreshing Memories,’ supporting individuals and their families affected by cognitive decline from Alzheimer’s and other dementias.

She says while some memory loss cases can be reversible, the most severe cannot.

“People who may have had strokes in the past or people who may have Parkinson’s Disease , Frontotemporal dementia, so there’s multiple causes.”

Treatment for delays can include medications or lifestyle changes.

The free monthly program at the South Euclid-Lyndhurst Library provides a variety of hands-on activities to help stimulate the brain.

Doctor Anmolsingh adds, “and the evidence has shown that if you remain active, mentally, physically, socially, you’re gonna protect your brain health and by extension you’re also gonna help with those lifestyles or chronic conditions.”

The Calhouns believe Jerry’s diabetes diagnoses led to his stroke.

The couple recently attended a senior prom hosted by Refreshing Memories, saying the monthly activities have not only been life-changing….

“…because you find out that there are other people who are just like you going through the same challenges.”

…but also, life-saving.

“Talking, socializing, it was very interesting,” Jerry Calhoun said.

“All the exercises that we’re doing are helping us to stay functioning, and to stay well and healthy,” said Alyse Calhoun.

The next ‘Refreshing Memories’ program will be held Oct. 16th at the South Euclid-Lyndhurst Library. Registration is required. Each care recipient must be accompanied by a caregiver.

To register, call 216-442-4219 and select option 3.

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