LOUISVILLE “How in the (Brain) Health Are You?” was the topic of the monthly series created and coordinated by Levi J. Beverly, PhD, associate professor at UofL and co-leader of the Experimental Therapeutics program. The September 12th event took place at Holsopple Brewery on Catherine Lane in Louisville. Samantha Cotton, PhD, MSSW, was the speaker. Cotton is program manager of Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement at the UofL Trager Institute. She is also director of the Alzheimer’s and Related Dementias program.
Cotton addressed research that is narrowing possible causes of Alzheimer’s disease, preventative actions that individuals can take, and the importance of compassionate care and support of caregivers. As an example of compassionate care, Cotton spoke of the importance of understanding the “Why” behind repetitive questioning by Alzheimer’s patients. “Try to understand the emotions behind the behaviors and questions,” she said. “Often the emotions are fear and loss.”