Advocating for Alzheimer’s care
One woman’s quest to share hope and resources
By Justine Williams Roper / Photo by Kate Treick Photography
Tina Henson is the senior development manager at Alzheimer’s Association, Central/North Florida, which consists of 16 counties across Florida’s Gulf Coast. Her advocacy work is more than just a job; it’s a personal calling, rooted in her own journey.
Henson’s involvement with the Alzheimer’s Association began in Southern Illinois as a volunteer after her mother was diagnosed with dementia at age 61. Living in a rural community with restricted access to resources, she was able to experience firsthand the cracks in care and support.
Henson’s passion for awareness, education and caregiver support grew after losing her mother in 2020 at the age of 71.
“Making that connection for caregivers, seeing the relief on their faces when they know there is support for them — be it through a support group or respite — connecting the dots with what resources are out there in the community is the paramount thing,” she said.
COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT ALZHEIMER’S
One of the more frequent misconceptions Henson comes across is the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia.
“Many people have a misunderstanding about the definitions of Alzheimer’s versus dementia,” she said. “Alzheimer’s is a disease; dementia is a symptom. You can experience dementia and have something that isn’t Alzheimer’s.”
Dementia symptoms can have other causes as well, including side effects of medications, urinary tract infections, stress or head trauma, she stresses.
“If anyone has suspicions of dementia, please check yourself out.”
EARLY DETECTION IS CRUCIAL
“Most people don’t know that an early diagnosis is often necessary to access the new medicines,” Henson stated.
And early detection is extremely valuable. Some of the newest treatments are approved only for use in the early stages of mild cognitive impairment. This is a great advantage of screening.
CAREGIVER AND
FAMILY SUPPORT
Caregivers are often shouldering a significant emotional and physical burden. Henson knows this all too well, and she wants families to know help is out there. She said the Alzheimer’s Association really tries to make sure that there are not only resources for the person who’s affected by the disease, but their support system as well. Support groups can be useful for coping and connection. The Association also provides free virtual care consultations with licensed clinicians. Henson also believes that getting involved can be impactful on the support journey. There are many different ways to give back; for instance, as a support group facilitator.
“Their primary purpose is to go out into the community and educate people on what Alzheimer’s is, as well as the many areas of support,” she said.
While Henson looks back on her work and her lived experience, she delivers a message of hope because there are now more resources, more support and more information available.
10 Healthy habits for your brain
Challenge your mind. Be curious! Put your brain to work and do something that is new or hard for you. Learn a new skill. Try something artistic. Challenging your mind may have short- and long-term benefits for your brain.
Stay in school. Education reduces the risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Encourage young people to stay in school and pursue the highest level of training possible. Continue your own education by taking a class at a local library, college or online.
Get moving. Engage in regular exercise. This includes activities that raise your heart rate and increase blood flow to the brain and body. Find ways to build more movement into your day — walking, dancing, gardening — whatever works for you!
Protect your head. Help prevent an injury to your head. Wear a helmet for activities like biking, and wear a seatbelt. Protect yourself while playing sports. Do what you can to prevent falls, especially for older adults.
Be smoke-free. Quitting smoking can lower the risk of cognitive decline back to levels similar to those who have not smoked. It’s never too late to stop.
Control your blood pressure. Medications can help lower high blood pressure. And healthy habits like eating right and physical activity can help too. Work with a health care provider to control your blood pressure.
Manage diabetes. Type 2 diabetes can be prevented or controlled by healthier eating, increasing physical activity and medication, if necessary.
Eat right. Eating healthier foods can help reduce your risk of cognitive decline. This includes more vegetables and leaner meats/proteins, along with foods that are less processed and lower in fat. Choose healthier meals and snacks that you enjoy and are available to you.
Maintain a healthy weight. Talk to your health care provider about the weight that is healthy for you. Other healthy habits on this list — eating right, physical activity and sleep — can help with maintaining a healthy weight.
Sleep well. Good quality sleep is important for brain health. Stay off screens before bed and make your sleep space as comfortable as possible. Do all you can to minimize disruptions. Talk to a healthcare provider if you have any sleep-related problems, such as sleep apnea.
ALZHEIMER’S AWARENESS
EVENTS & RESOURCES
Looking to get involved or learn more about Alzheimer’s disease? Here are upcoming events and community resources available in the Pensacola area.
The Brain Bus at Gallery Night
The Brain Bus is a mobile outreach unit raising awareness about Alzheimer’s and other dementias across Florida. Learn about early detection, brain health, risk reduction, caregiving tips and more. No appointment needed, and services are free.
When: 5-8 p.m., June 20
Where: Downtown Pensacola
Jeepin’ for a Better Tomorrow: Poker Run for Alzheimer’s
Six local Jeep clubs unite for a scenic charity ride through Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. Proceeds benefit the Alzheimer’s Association.
When: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., June 21
Where: Starting location at Miller’s Ale House
Info: information@pensacolajeeps.org; 251-215-0309
Blue Wahoos Alzheimer’s Awareness Night
The Blue Wahoos will wear special purple jerseys for Alzheimer’s Awareness. Jerseys will be auctioned during the game to support the Alzheimer’s Association.
When: 4:05 p.m., August 31
Where: Blue Wahoos Stadium at Community Maritime Park
Walk to End Alzheimer’s, Pensacola Bay Area
Join the fight against Alzheimer’s and support local families and caregivers.
When: 2 p.m., October 5
Where: Community Maritime Park
Info: alz.org/Pensacola; 850-502-5947
