research efforts underway to help advance
care for seniors. One study examines how
well common cognitive exercises such as
crossword puzzles, dominoes and card
games can maintain or improve memory
and perhaps offset the effects of dementia.
“What we’re trying to find out is
which, if any, of these games or activities
is superior to the others. Right now we
know that globally they help, but perhaps
one or two are better than the others,”
says Dr. Aylor.
Funding for the project on cognitive
exercises will come from the research arm
at Scott & White. “We are probably
looking at six to 12 months before we will
have enough data to be clinically
significant,” says Dr. Aylor.
Dr. Stevens and Dr. Aylor both agree
that keeping family members informed
about the needs of an elderly loved one is
key to improving everyone’s peace of
mind during what can be a difficult time.
“We try to educate the family about the
things they can do so the patients can
stay independent as long as possible,” says
Dr. Aylor. “Scott & White has really
dedicated a lot of time and resources to
allow this to happen.” ■
Dr, Aylor also is an assistant professor of family
medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center
College of Medicine.
Dr. Hitchcock also is an associate professor of
internal medicine and pediatrics, Texas A&M
Health Science Center College of Medicine.
Dr. Stevens also is a professor in the
department of medicine, Texas A&M Health
Science Center College of Medicine.
Caring for the caregivers
Often as a loved one ages,
particularly if the person suffers
from dementia, a relative will step
up to take care of the person at
home. These caregivers, usually a
spouse or an adult child, may not
realize the job is likely to take an
emotional toll on them. The Family
Resource Center, part of Scott &
White’s Program on Aging and Care,
is there to care for the caregivers.
“It is wonderful
having that kind of
resource as close
as the phone, as
close as an e-mail.”
— Mrs. Jolley
“The longer the caregiver is able
to carry out the demands of caring
for a loved one, the longer they can
meet that goal of keeping the
person at home,” says Alan
B. Stevens, PhD, director of the
Program on Aging and Care.
Torey Jolley, of Robinson, TX, turned
to the Family Resource Center
after her mother, Hannelore, of
Wichita Falls, TX, was diagnosed
with Alzheimer’s disease. Mrs.
Jolley shares caregiving duties
with her brother Ben.
“The program taught us how to deal
with the stress and the emotional
upheaval,” says Mrs. Jolley. “I can’t
tell you how much it meant to me
to be able to talk with my brother
and get things out in the open.”
The Scott & White Family Resource
Center, which is funded by the
Johnson & Johnson/Rosalynn
Carter Institute for Caregiving,
provides educational, emotional and
social support. Caregivers are
encouraged to call with questions.
“They’re just so good about
answering questions. And you’d be
surprised at how many questions
you have,” says Mrs. Jolley. “It is
wonderful having that kind of
resource as close as the phone, as
close as an e-mail.”
For more information on the Family
Resource Center, call Program
Director Emily Smith, 254-215-0453,
or Program Coordinator Lisa
Trickett, 254-215-0457.
Spring 09 THE CATALYST
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