Participants sought for WSU dementia study
Washington State University researchers are seeking volunteers to participate in a study that may one day lead to earlier treatment of dementia.
The study, to be conducted in Pullman and Spokane, seeks 120 English-speaking older adults who have no history of significant brain damage, brain surgery or known neurodegenerative disease. The lead researcher, associated professor Maureen Schmitter-Edgecombe, hopes to find 40 older adults who report experiencing no memory problems, 40 who report mild memory problems and 4o with more significant memory problems.
Candidates will be screened through an initial telephone interview. Anyone interested in participating or obtaining additional information about the study can call the WSU research message line for the Memory and Functional Abilities in Older Adults study at (509) 335-4033, ext. 2. Calls will be returned by a member of the research team.
Medicare assistance
With open enrollment for Medicare Part D, the prescription drug program, ending May 15, there is still time to find a benefits plan that is right for you.
Representatives of the Statewide Health Insurance Benefit Advisers will be on hand from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through May 9 to help participants enroll at the Aging and Long Term Care of Eastern Washington facility, 1222 N. Post St. in Spokane. Bring a list of your medications and dosages.
For information, call (509) 458-2509.
Vaccines available
Two vaccines for children ages 11 to 18 are available at reduced rates at the Panhandle Health District.
The district is offering Menactra, which guards against meningococcal disease, for $5 to $14. Previously the cost was $100. Meningococcal disease, can progress rapidly, and preventing it through vaccine is important for people at risk, including college freshmen who live in dormitories.
The district is also offering Tdap against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis to children 11 to 18 for $5 to $14, and $63 for those over 19 years old.
For more information, call the Panhandle Health District in Kootenai County, (208) 415-5100; Bonner County, (208) 263-5159; Boundary County, (208) 267-5558; Benewah County, (208) 786-7474; and Shoshone County, (208) 245-4556.