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webpage Milton Senior Center hosts Alzheimer’s talk New tracks history By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com
MILTON, Ga. — In an effort to bring awareness to Alzheimer’s, the Milton Senior Center hosted an educational session on the disease June 13. Richard Nailling, a volunteer with the Alzheimer's Association of Georgia, described 10 warning signs of the progressive disease to a small group, many older in age. Alongside a video with medical experts and those living with Alzheimer’s, Nailling used anecdotes from his own life. Both his parents suffered from Alzheimer’s, and his oldest sister is beginning to show signs. “That's why I'm here,” Nailling said. “That's why I do this.” June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, nearly six million people are affected by Alzheimer’s, the most common form of dementia. There’s a lot of misconceptions and stigma attached to the disease, Nailling said, which prevent people from seeking help. “If we can find a cure, or at least some way to put it off, or make it more bearable — that's what we're hoping for at the Alzheimer's Association,” Nailling said. Individuals may experience one or multiple warning signs to varying degrees, Nailling said, but they don’t have to experience them all to have a concern. Early detection allows planning for the future, access to treatments for symptoms and participation in clinical studies, he said. If a loved one is experiencing symptoms, Nailing said the first step is
of Milton area
AMBER PERRY/APPEN MEDIA
Richard Nailling, volunteer with the Alzheimer’s Association, talks about the 10 warning signs of the disease at the Milton Senior Center June 13.
Basically, it’s a long journey. It doesn’t happen overnight... RICHARD NAILLING Volunteer, Alzheimer’s Association of Georgia
10 warning signs of Alzheimer’s • • • • • • •
to assess the situation and then have a conversation. “Basically, it's a long journey,” Nailling said. “It doesn't just happen overnight … but you have to be persistent in trying to get them to do something about it.”
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Memory loss that disrupts daily life Challenges in planning or solving problems Difficulty completing familiar tasks Confusion with time or place Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships New problems with words in speaking or writing Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps Decreased or poor judgment Withdrawal from work or social activities Changes in mood or personality
MILTON, Ga. — While the City of Milton was incorporated in 2006, the encompassing area has a rich, deep history that stretches many centuries before then. In cooperation with Friends at the Milton Historical Society, Milton has created a new "History of Milton" webpage at miltonga.gov/residents/history. The webpage offers a broad overview that covers a long period of time, from when the Cherokee called the region home through the present-day. It includes context on the creation and demise of the former Milton County, how the development of roads like Ga. 9 and Ga. 400 impacted the region, as well as the creation and governing approach of the City of Milton. Major elements of this timeline help explain what Milton is today, including its treasured rural heritage. The webpage continues a broad partnership between the city and the nonprofit Milton Historical Society to help relate the area’s history and provide those who live in Milton a more profound level of understanding and connection with the community. This includes monthly historythemed posts on the City of Milton’s Facebook page. Plus, the city's GIS team has worked with the Historical Society to produce an interactive map as well as another page showcasing cemeteries. To learn more about the Milton area's history and to take part in telling its stories, visit miltonhistoricalsociety-georgia.org to learn more about the Milton Historical Society.