About Alzheimer’s Disease | Resources for Individuals and Caregivers | Healthy Tips | CT Brain Health Snapshot | HVHD News and Updates | HVHD Events | Recipe Highlight
🧠 About Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia, a progressive brain disorder that impacts memory, thinking, and behavior. While there is currently no cure; early detection, supportive care, and healthy lifestyle changes can improve quality of life.
- 1 in 9 people aged 65+ in the U.S. lives with Alzheimer’s.
- Risk increases with age but is not a normal part of aging.
- Key warning signs include memory loss, confusion, difficulty completing familiar tasks, and changes in mood or personality.
Learn more about the signs at: https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/10_signs
🛠️ Resources for Individuals and Caregivers
Whether you are concerned about memory loss, caring for a loved one, or seeking to maintain your cognitive health, there are resources available:
AARP Brain Health Resource Center
www.aarp.org/brainhealth
Tools for staying sharp and informed as we age.
Alzheimer’s Association Connecticut Chapter
www.alz.org/ct | 24/7 Helpline: 800-272-3900
Offers support groups, education, and navigation services.
CDC Healthy Brain Initiative
www.cdc.gov/aging-programs/?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/aging/healthybrain/
Strategies to reduce risk and promote cognitive health in communities.
Dementia Friends Connecticut
www.dementiafriendsct.org
Learn how to become a “Dementia Friend” and create inclusive, supportive communities.
🧩 Healthy Aging Tips for Brain Health
Stay socially engaged and challenge your brain with games, learning, and puzzles.
Stay physically active—aim for 150 minutes of movement per week.
Eat a heart-healthy, brain-friendly diet like the Mediterranean or MIND diet.
Get plenty of quality sleep and manage chronic conditions.
📊 Connecticut Brain Health Snapshot
| Data from the CDC Healthy Aging Data Portal shows the impact of cognitive decline and caregiving across our state: 11.5% of adults aged 65+ in Connecticut report experiencing subjective cognitive decline (2021). Among those experiencing cognitive decline, 40.7% report that it interferes with household activities or social engagement. 26.6% of Connecticut adults aged 45+ provide care to a friend or family member with a health condition, including Alzheimer’s or dementia. These numbers highlight the importance of early screening, caregiver support, and brain health awareness. |
HVHD Service Spotlights
Emergency Preparedness Spotlight: Medical Reserve Corps
The Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) is a national network of local volunteer units that engage their local communities to strengthen public health, reduce vulnerability, build resilience, and improve preparedness, response, and recovery capabilities. To join HVHD’s MRC unit, reach out to us at inbox@hvhdct.gov
Environmental Health Spotlight:
Worried about lead in your drinking water?
Homes built before 1988 might contain lead in their plumbing systems, which can affect water safety. It’s important to be aware of potential lead sources within your service line and your home’s plumbing.
Here, you’ll find useful tips for finding potential lead sources and what steps to take if you suspect lead in your home.
Public Health Updates:
HVHD launches online form system
Complete your environmental health forms and pay online. Click here to complete your forms online
What to Know:
- H5 bird flu is widespread in wild birds worldwide and is causing outbreaks in poultry and U.S. dairy cows with several recent human cases in U.S. dairy and poultry workers.
- While the current public health risk is low, CDC is watching the situation carefully and working with states to monitor people with animal exposures.
- CDC is using its flu surveillance systems to monitor for H5 bird flu activity in people.
National situation summary:
- Person-to-person spread: None- there is no person-to-person spread at this time
- Current public health risk: Low- the current public health risk is low
- Cases in the United States: 70 cases
- Deaths in the United States: 1 death
Click here to learn more…
HVHD Events: June 2025
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National Safety Month Healthy Chat – New Milford
National Safety Month Healthy Chat – New Milford
Join HVHD Public Health Nurse for a healthy chat on safety on June 11th from 9:30 am – 10:30 am at the New Milford Senior Center. Topics include home safety, […]
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In-Person CPR Training
In-Person CPR Training
Join HVHD’s Public Health Nurse for an in-person infant, child, and adult CPR training course on June 14th from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm at 77 Main St N #205, […]
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National Safety Month Healthy Chat – Oxford
National Safety Month Healthy Chat – Oxford
Join HVHD Public Health Nurse for a healthy chat on safety on June 19th from 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm at the Oxford Senior Center. Topics include home safety, managing […]
1 event,
National Safety Month Healthy Chat – Woodbury
National Safety Month Healthy Chat – Woodbury
Join HVHD Public Health Nurse for a healthy chat on safety on June 20th from 10:00 am – 11:00 am at the Woodbury Senior Center. Topics include home safety, managing […]
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July Healthy Chat – Stay Safe This Summer
July Healthy Chat – Stay Safe This Summer
Join HVHD’s Community Health Team on July 3rd from 11:00 am – 12:00 pm at the Grace Meadows for a program on staying safe this summer. Topics include be sun […]
Recipe Highlight: Southwest Turkey Burger
Ingredients
Servings: 4
Serving Size 1 burger and about 1/2 cup fries
Southwest Turkey Burger
1 pound ground skinless turkey breast
1/2 cup no-salt-added canned black beans, rinsed and drained
3 medium green onions, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
3/4 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon pepper
Cooking spray
4 whole-wheat hamburger buns (lowest sodium available), split
2 cups shredded romaine lettuce
4 tomato slices (about 1/2 medium tomato)
1 small avocado, peeled, pitted, and thinly sliced
1/4 medium red onion, thinly sliced
Sweet Potato Fries
2 medium sweet potatoes, cut into long strips about 1/2 inch wide
2 teaspoons canola or corn oil
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon pepper
Directions
Southwest Turkey Burger
Preheat the oven to 450°F.
In a large bowl, using your hands or a spoon, combine the turkey, black beans, green onions, garlic powder, cumin, and chili powder until blended. Form into 4 patties. Sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
Lightly coat a medium skillet with cooking spray. Cook the patties, covered, for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until no longer pink in the center.
Serve the patties on the buns, topping the patties with the lettuce, tomato, avocado, and red onion.
Sweet Potato Fries
In a large bowl, stir together the potatoes, oil, chili powder, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Arrange the potatoes in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes, or until crisp, turning once halfway through.
