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The Alzheimer's Association of Northeastern New York can't say enough good things about Sister Stella Dillon, RSM.

The affection is mutual.

"Sister Stella is a wonderful, devoted person who cares about others," said Marc Kaplan, director of communication and advocacy for the Alzheimer's Association of Northeastern New York. "I'd do anything for Sister Stella."

"I am so grateful to the Alzheimer's Association," countered Sister Stella, who received the group's community advocate award at its annual flower auction last weekend. "They educated me about Alzheimer's."

The Alzheimer's Association provides programs and services to people with Alzheimer's disease and their caregivers. Those services include information and referral, care consultation, support groups, safety services and education.

Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia, a fatal brain disease that, according to the Alzheimer's Association, affects 5.2 million Americans. 

The disease affects a person's memory, language skills, mood and personality. 

Eventually, a person with Alzheimer's disease loses the sense of who he or she is and the ability to do self-care.

Sister Stella is chaplain at McCauley Residence, an assisted living facility in Albany. 

Previously, she worked with seniors while serving as administrator of an adult home.

According to Mr. Kaplan, the award recognizes Sister Stella's advocacy for people with Alzheimer's, caregivers, and the Alzheimer's Association.

Sister Stella volunteers in a variety of ways for the organization. Mr. Kaplan boasted that "she has stuffed envelopes, she speaks with families and she has run the virtual dementia tour," a simulation of how it feels to have dementia. 

Those who participate in the tour wear goggles that simulate macular degeneration; headphones that magnify background noise; popcorn in shoes to simulate the pain of arthritis as well as corns and bunions; and gloves that greatly reduce dexterity. 

Participants must then complete several tasks without being able to see or hear properly or use their hands.

Sister Stella was a member of the planning committee for the flower auction. Seeing her name on an invitation as she reviewed it was how she learned she was receiving an award.

"I was so surprised," she said. "It's interesting to get an award for doing something that I love to do."

With many diseases, the focus on providing support is on the patient. Sister Stella said that, with Alzheimer's, there are at least two people needing services: the patient and the caregiver.

Sister Stella has been impressed with the support groups offered by the Alzheimer's Association for the caregivers. "I went to a support group and the people there really help each other," she said.

Mr. Kaplan noted that "Alzheimer's involves the caregiver. Often, there is a team of people taking care of the Alzheimer's patient. But the caregiver also needs care. Sister Stella really helps the caregivers."

Sister Stella said that caring for a person with Alzheimer's can be challenging because of the loss of memories and the personality changes that can occur. 

"It's important that those caring for a person with Alzheimer's know their life history," she said. Knowing where they lived in the past, the jobs they had and their hobbies can help caregivers interact better with the patient, she explained.

While a person with Alzheimer's may not be able to verbalize appreciation, Sister Stella said she has noticed a change in patients' eyes while talking to them about the past. 

"The person is in there," she said. "You have to love them and reminisce with them."

Sister Stella said that people with Alzheimer's raised in a faith tradition can often take comfort in the rituals: for example, a Catholic may have memories dating back to childhood about going to Mass or praying. Participating in these rituals can soothe them even when they have forgotten many other things.

"Often, they can remember the spiritual things," she said. "They can remember the rituals."[[In-content Ad]]

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