Brain Health, Dementia Risk, and Research Innovations

Fellow Decorah Rotarian Brecka Putnam, Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), will present at the Rotary After Hours meeting on a variety of topics related to Alzheimer’s and other dementia. This presentation is appropriate for all ages, as she will share the many things we can do to keep our brain healthy at any age, reducing our risk for dementia. Early detection of Alzheimer’s leads to better outcomes, so she will also discuss the ten major signs of Alzheimer’s and what to do if you see them in yourself or a loved one. There are more reason than ever to hope for a cure or preventative measures for Alzheimer’s, so Brecka will also share exciting research news. Finally, she will share ways you can help advance research and resources.

Brecka is a hospice social worker at Regional Health Services of Howard County, where she works with patients living with dementia and their families every day and provides community education on dementia and trainings for long-term care facility staff so they have better patient outcomes when working with people living with dementia and their families. She is also a volunteer community educator with the Alzheimer’s Association. Most importantly, she is Dale’s daughter, has witnessed the struggles of being diagnosed with dementia at a young age (57), and has lived experience as one of his caregivers.

---