Past-President Bob Doerr, filling in for President Cheri, called the meeting to order.  He called on Duffy Offield.  He asked him who was Archie Offield.  Duffy answered that Archie was his father.  Bob then presented him with a new badge bearing the name Duffy rather than his legal name Archie.  He gladly paid a recognition fine and will now wear his badge with pride.

 

Bob then asked Duffy to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance.  After a couple of false starts we finally got through that.  We were entertained by a few “This Day in History” comments.

 

Guests:  We had two visiting Rotarians.  Assistant District Governor Janette Rabin is a member of the San Carlos Club.  Michelle Privitera is a member of San Mateo Club.

 

Announcements: 

 

Alex Buljan informed us that there will be another Fireside Chat on Thursday, February 6^th.  Joe La Mariana will again host it at his home.  We still have a few new members that need to attend.  But everyone is welcome to join in this Rotary event.   

 

Peter Comaroto and Cary Koh let the Club know that we will again be hosting a group of six students from our sister club in Edogawa, Japan.  This student exchange will occur from March 26 through April 2.  We still need host families who can house one or two of these students over this period.  If you can help, please contact Peter, Cary or Marilyn Orr.

 

 

Acting-President Bob introduced our speaker Stefanie Bonigut, Family Services Manager of the Alzheimer's Association.  She began by answering a common question.  What is the difference between Dementia and Alzheimer’s?  Dementia is the umbrella term for a number of cognitive diseases.  Alzheimer’s is the most common cause.  Stefanie indicated that we have a 10% life-time risk of developing Alzheimer’s.  Some risk factors have been identified.  Age is a major one as incidences of the disease increase as one gets older.  Lifestyle and health can affect one’s   chances for developing Alzheimer’s.  Cardiovascular disease is a risk factor.  Traumatic brain injury and family history play a small part, as well.  There is a higher rate of Alzheimer’s among women.  There is no clear evidence of why this is the case.

 

There is a lot of research being conducted.  The National Institute of Health has received increased funding over the last 10 years.  There are currently 300,000 clinical trials being conducted for various forms of dementia treatments.  Biogen is about to file for FDA approval of a drug that has been shown to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s.

Currently there is no easy way to truly diagnose the early onset of Alzheimer’s.  A blood biomarker is being developed.  In the meantime, there are things that one can do to try to reduce the risk for this tragic disease.  Blood pressure should be controlled.  Exercise and staying socially involved are beneficial.

 

There is progress toward more effective treatment.  A future Alzheimer’s therapy will likely include both lifestyle interventions as well medicines.

 

 

Acting-President Bob then presented Stefanie Bonigut with a certificate indicating we will be making a donation for 5 polio inoculations in honor of her appearance at our Club.