Nov.19 hybrid meeting with Debra Dombkowski
Council on Aging dementia specialist
Dementia was the topic at the November 2020 meeting of the Men’s Newcomers Club with Debra Dombkowski LPN, CDP, of the Nassau County Council on Aging, providing a full explanation of the various dementias, including Alzheimer’s Disease, and the COA’s program to help those afflicted and their caregivers.
The Club’s meeting was a hybrid affair, with some members attending the luncheon at the Fernandina Beach Golf Club and others participating virtually through the GoToMeeting program.
Ms. Dombkowski is a Certified Dementia practitioner and nurse for the past 15 years directing the COA’s Adult Day HealthCare Program affectionately referred to as "The Club". This is the only one of its kind in Nassau County. She created "The Club" to be a place where people with a dementia or Alzheimer's' Disease could go to socialize and partake in fun and stimulating activities as well as to provide some much needed and well-deserved respite for their caregivers. She is the 2018 recipient of The ElderSource Luminary Award which honors advocates & caregivers of elders.
With the COA closed during the COVID pandemic, she recently started a Zoom style caregiver support group. She reported that “The Club” will be resuming in January.
After describing the many symptoms that might indicate the onset of a dementia, Ms. Dombkowski said if anyone thinks they might have such symptoms she is available for consultation. She explained that the best approach to preventing dementia is to be active, both mentally and physically.
“Use it or lose it,” she said.
During a discussion with those attending the luncheon, member Rich Lamken reported on a study he read that recommended the Mediterranean Diet of fruit, vegetables, nuts and beans, as a method to prevent dementia. The study can be found by clicking HERE
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