New Virtual Caregiver Schedule for June
While the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health will not hold any site-based programming at its facility until further notice, the center will continue to offer virtual education, support and therapeutic programs. All programs are designed for family and professional caregivers, featuring topics of interest to those who care for individuals with ALS, Alzheimer’s, Huntington’s, Parkinson’s, Dementia, and other neurocognitive disorders. Complementing excellent patient care, the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health is focused on providing supportive services and programs to caregivers and family members, maximizing their knowledge, skills and capacity to provide care.
By leveraging technology, participants will be able to join classes through their computer, tablet or smartphone. Participants can simply reach out to the contact for each program of interest and they will receive customized instructions on how to join the group session. For additional information, please contact Verla Niebuhr at 702.483.6055 or niebuhv@ccf.org You can also view the patient and family services program calendar at ClevelandClinic.org/NevadaEvents.
Special Events
- NEW PROGRAM: LOUD Crowd!
Starting June 2: Every Wednesday, from 3:15 – 4:00 p.m.
A speech therapy program for persons with Parkinson’s. Prerequisite: complete “Speak Out” or individual speech therapy sessions. Those that meet the requirements and are interested in attending, can register by emailing Sherry Perucho, MA, CCC-SLP, peruchs@ccf.org. Registration is required.
- Stepping On: A Falls Prevention Workshop
Wednesday, June 30, July 7, July 14, July 21, July 28, August 4, August 11, & August 18, from 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
A local collaboration between University of Nevada, Reno and the Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, Stepping On is designed specifically for people who are: 1) at risk of falling, 2) have a fear of falling, or 3) who have fallen one or more times. Nationally, this small-group workshop has achieved a 50% reduction in falls. Participants meet for two hours a week for seven weeks. The workshops are facilitated by trained leaders and provide a safe and positive learning experience. Mutual support and success build participants’ confidence in their ability to manage health behaviors, reduce risk of falls, and maintain active and fulfilling lives. Those interested in attending can register here.
Lynne Ruffin-Smith e-Library for Remote Access
The Lynne Ruffin-Smith Library offers an e-Library selection of resources. People in rural and remote areas of Nevada, as well as those who can’t visit the library at the Clinic, can now access e-Books from their computer, phone, tablet or iPad®. To check out materials from the e-Library, register as a library patron and obtain a patron number (library card number) by visiting the library Monday – Friday, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. or call 702.483.6033. Remote access can be gained by visiting keepmemoryalive.org/library. Contact the Library at louruvolibrary@ccf.org, for additional information.
- e-Library Book of the Month: Remember: The Science of Memory and the Art of Forgetting – By Lisa Genova
In the Community:
- Dementia Conversations with Nancy & Kat
Fridays, from 1 – 2:30 p.m.
Join national dementia advocate Nancy Nelson and family care partner Kat Hartley for an open, honest conversation about what it means to live with dementia and how to live well. Those interested in attending can register here. Registration is required.
- Las Vegas Juneteenth Festival
Saturday, June 19, from 6 – 9 p.m. | Kianga Isoke Palacio Park, 951 W. Lake Mead Blvd.
The 20th annual Las Vegas Juneteenth Festival, presented by the Rainbow Dreams Education Foundation, is a live outdoor event featuring delicious tastes of the city, amazing live performances by talented local artists as well as established entertainers, community speakers, various product and services vendors, workshops, and more. Enjoy music, art, dance, and visit the Cleveland Clinic Nevada booth! Those interested in attending can register here.
Therapeutic Services:
- Group Music Therapy for Individuals with Memory Loss
Monday – Friday, from 3 – 4:30 p.m.
NO SESSIONS June 11 & June 14 – 18
Music therapy is place for friends to connect through music and song. Offered to patients and caregivers, this class combines music and therapeutic techniques to help those impacted by memory or movement disorders. These classes help to decrease feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression, increase language and communication skills, aid in regulating movement coordination and provide opportunities for memory recall. They can also improve social interactions and emotional connections with family and caregivers. Contact Becky Wellman for online access and information at wellmar@ccf.org or 702.701.7895.
- Yoga for MS
Wednesdays & Fridays, from 1 – 2 p.m.; Option to join the support group from 12:30 – 1 p.m.
Yoga helps patients be intuitive with their body and understand the challenges and changes they are going through. Through this program, Cleveland Clinic’s goal is to provide a safe space for patients diagnosed with MS, and their loved ones, to participate in physical activity and experience the many benefits that come from practicing yoga. Contact Sandy Chapman for online access and information at chapmas6@ccf.org or 702.778.7000.
- Rhythmic Reminiscence
Thursdays, from 1:15 – 2:15 p.m.
Pre-approval is required
NO SESSION June 17
Rhythmic Reminiscence is a music and movement program specially designed for individuals with memory loss. Led by physical and music therapists from the Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, participants will have the opportunity to exercise, engage socially, and have some fun! Pre-approval is required for this program. Contact Becky Wellman for online access and information at wellmar@ccf.org or 702.701.7895.
- Yoga for Parkinson’s
Saturdays, from 1 – 2 p.m.
Yoga helps patients be intuitive with their body and understand the challenges and changes they are going through. Through this program, Cleveland Clinic’s goal is to provide a safe space for patients diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, and their loved ones, to participate in physical activity and experience the many benefits that come from practicing yoga. Contact Ruth Almen for online access and information at almenr2@ccf.org or 702.778.7000.
Engagement Arts:
- Conversations to Remember
Monday, June 14 & June 28, from 10:30 – 11:45 a.m.
Telling stories through art is fun and can foster creative thinking and thought-provoking exchanges. It can also stimulate distant memories. Ideal for individuals with memory loss or cognitive decline and their care partners, this class helps drive conversations that lead to new discovery, reveal personal history and introduce us to our fellow companions, all through art. For online access, contact LouRuvoSocialServ@ccf.org or call Verla Niebuhr at 702.271.9563.
- The Learning Arts
This program offers eclectic excursions, via videoconferencing, with museums, showcasing remarkable places across the country. No reservations needed. For additional information, contact Verla Niebuhr at 702.778.6702 or louruvosocialserv@ccf.org.
- Tuesday, June 1, from 11 a.m. – Noon: Spanish Art – Cleveland Museum of Art
- Tuesday, June 15, from 11 a.m. – Noon: Rocky Through Time – Rocky Mountain National Park
- Mind in Design – An ONLINE Art Making Class for Everyone
Monday, July 19, from 10:30 a.m. – Noon OR 1 – 2:30 p.m.
Patients, families, and caregivers are invited to come together virtually, tap into their creativity, unwind, and de-stress in a fun, friendly and interactive art session. Art kits with necessary materials are provided to all participants. Advance registration is required by June 25. Those interested in attending can register at louruvosocialserv@ccf.org or can call 702.271.9563.
Support Group Schedule:
FOR CARE PARTNERS ONLY
- Frontotemporal Disorders (FTD) and Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA)
Wednesday, June 2 & June 16, from 6:30 – 8 p.m.
This is an ongoing support group for family members of individuals who have been diagnosed with FTD or PPA. For online access and/or additional information, contact Ruth Almen at almenr2@ccf.org or call 702.483.6054.
- Caring for Persons with Memory Loss – Peer-Led Group
Wednesday, June 9 & June 23, from 1 – 2 p.m.
This is a peer-led caregiver support group for family members and/or individuals caring for loved ones with all levels of memory impairment, regardless of diagnosis. The goal of this support group is to provide educational, emotional, and social support to caregivers in a safe and non-judgmental environment. This group is facilitated by Cleveland Clinic volunteers, and those in attendance are asked to honor the privacy of all group participants and information disclosed during the meeting. For additional information or to register, email lrcbhhealthpsych@ccf.org.
- Dementia with Lewy Body (DLB) Support Group
Wednesday, June 2 & June 16, from 1:15 – 2:45 p.m.
This is an ongoing support group for family members of individuals who have been diagnosed with DLB. For customized instructions on how to register and join, contact Michelle Pester at pesterm@ccf.org or call 702.483.6006.
FOR INDIVIDUALS AND CARE PARTNERS
- Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP)
Monday, June 14, from 1:30 – 2:30 p.m.
This is an ongoing support group for individuals who have been diagnosed with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) and their care partners. For customized instructions on how to register and join, contact Michelle Pester at pesterm@ccf.org or call 702.483.6006.
- Parkinson’s Disease (PD)
Tuesday, June 22, from 11:30 – 12:30 p.m.
This ongoing support group provides education and support for individuals with Parkinson’s disease and adult family members. For customized instructions on how to register and join, contact Ruth Almen at almenr2@ccf.org or call 702.483.6054.
- Huntington’s Disease (HD)
Thursday, June 17, from Noon – 1 p.m.
This ongoing support group is held for individuals with Huntington’s disease and adult family members. For customized instructions on how to register and join, contact Michelle Pester at pesterm@ccf.org or call 702.483.6006.
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Mondays, from 2:30 – 4:00 p.m.
This ongoing support group is held for individuals diagnosed with MS and their care partners to provide an opportunity to share coping strategies, resources, concerns about health and medication, work and safety environment, share uplifting stories and connect with others. For customized instructions on how to register and join, contact Sandy Chapman at chapmas6@ccf.org or call 702.778.7000.
In Honor of Barbara “Spicy Lady” Edmonds – Lunch & Learn Educational Series
Wednesdays, from Noon – 1 p.m.
The Lunch & Learn educational series is provided as a free Zoom webinar. Guests are encouraged to join in on the conversation using the Q & A box during the session. Live or past recordings can be viewed at www.CCLunchLearn.com. For more information about the Lunch & Learn program, please email louruvosocialserv@ccf.org or contact Verla at 702.271.9563.
- June 2: When the Mind Plays Trick in Dementia: Hallucinations & Delusions – Aaron Ritter, MD, Cleveland Clinic
Delusions and hallucinations are commonly experienced in dementias. They can be frightening, agitating, and for some individuals, surprisingly enjoyable. But where do they come from? In this lecture, Dr. Ritter will discuss causes and treatments, as well as new hopes on the horizon for improved management of these challenging symptoms.
- June 9: Remember: The Science of Memory and the Art of Forgetting – Lisa Genova, PhD, Neuroscientist & NY Times Best Selling Author of Still Alice
Join Dr. Genova as she deciphers the mysteries and nuances of human memory, and provides easy-to-follow, no-nonsense advice on how to maximize memory.
- June 16: Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia – Leslie Fuller, MSW, LSW, Alzheimer’s Association
Learn about the impact of Alzheimer’s disease, the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia, stages and risk factors, current research, and resources available through the Alzheimer’s Association.
- June 23: Move It! Physical Therapy’s Role in Managing Parkinson’s Disease– Trevor Mahoney, PT, DPT, MSCS, CDP, Cleveland Clinic
Learn the role of skilled physical therapy intervention in the treatment and management of someone living with Parkinson’s disease. Topics include evidence-based practice, treatment approaches, use of technology, and movement demonstration.
- June 30: Brain 101 – Dylan Wint, MD, Cleveland Clinic
Have you ever wondered what language your neurologist is speaking? Learn the basics of brain anatomy and function as they apply to the types of conditions treated at the Lou Ruvo Center.
Actively Recruiting Clinical Trials and Research Studies:
- DELIVER-MS
The Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health is now recruiting eligible participants for the DELIVER-MS study. The purpose of this global, multi-center study, led by the Cleveland Clinic, is to compare the benefits and risks of two common treatment approaches for multiple sclerosis to determine which is the better course. Men and women, ages 18 to 60, who have been diagnosed with relapsing-remitting MS, are early in their disease course, and have not yet started a disease modifying therapy will be eligible to participate. Additionally, interested participants must be able to show evidence of new MRI lesions or have had relapses over the past 12 months, be able to walk independently or with assistance, and be eligible and willing to follow up at the Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health during the course of the study.
Those interested in enrolling should contact Nicolette Harmon at 702.701.7972.
- TANGO Study
The Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health is now recruiting eligible participants for the TANGO study. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety and tolerability of BIIB092 in participants with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) due to Alzheimer’s disease (AD) or with mild AD. Men and women, ages 50 – 80, who have been diagnosed mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or mild Alzheimer’s disease (AD) are eligible to participate.
Those interested in enrolling are encouraged to call the Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health at 855.568.7886 or email brainhealth@ccf.org.