By Lauren Feiglin

September is the time when people think of school bells, school busses and learning. For us, September brings anticipation and eagerness to register for fall classes at OASIS, the local chapter of The OASIS Institute, the national, not-for-profit education organization with headquarters in St. Louis.

A successful model for productive aging, OASIS’ mission is to enrich the lives of mature adults by engaging them in lifelong learning and service programs so they can learn, lead and contribute in their communities. Since June 2001, the Syracuse chapter has done just that. Experiencing rapid growth from the day it opened, its membership has grown to nearly 8,500. The organization relies heavily on its volunteer corps of more than 125 to operate the center and run programs, and has partnered with several local organizations and institutions, including the Syracuse City School District.

With generous support from Upstate Medical University, OASIS’ local sponsor, the Syracuse OASIS Center relocated in July to a newly constructed 11,000-sq-ft. facility that is twice the size of its original space formerly situated in ShoppingTown Mall.

The new center is built in the former Telergy Building, next to the DoubleTree Hotel, near Carrier Circle in East Syracuse.

The new building is a lovely, state-of-the-art facility, with loads of sunlight, more than sufficient parking and amenities. Members will be delighted to find larger classrooms, an additional fitness classroom, separate enclosed coatroom, increased storage space, increased volunteer work space, new staff offices, a break room and wider hallways.

The staff and volunteers are overwhelmed at the wonderful opportunity the new facility will provide because OASIS will be able to serve more members, offer more classes, reduce long wait lists and provide smoother transitions between classes. Gone will be the days of rushing around to move chairs, tables and AV equipment in between programs.

Only four and half miles away from its former location, the new OASIS Center is still located in DeWitt, is accessible from multiple driving routes, is on Centro bus routes and is close to many wonderful, accommodating restaurants. Members will appreciate the easy access, expanded parking and a safer walk to their cars. In fact, everything about this move for OASIS is a winner.

The grand opening planning committee has worked hard during the summer to create a special day of events to launch OASIS’ new home, and invites the community to attend the OASIS open house Aug. 18, beginning at 9:30, when SUNY President, David Smith, MD, and a representative from The OASIS Institute, officially “cut the ribbon” and open the doors for a day of tours and special events.

We know how eager members are for OASIS to open its doors this fall. Planning for the new facility coupled with time for the construction, resulted in shorter 2010 OASIS trimesters and less classes. These “lighter” trimesters were difficult for members, as staff and volunteers reassured them they’ll be pleased with the outcomes and requested their patience. One OASIS member said she felt as if she was going through “withdrawal” while waiting for the new Center to open and for fall classes to begin.

Good news! Classes begin Sept. 13, with a variety of fresh, stimulating and exciting fall programs in which they can enroll.

Lauren Feiglin is Syracuse’s OASIS executive director.

Lots of seniors worry about memory lapses or confusion as they get older, fearing it may be the first signs of Alzheimer’s disease or some other type of dementia. But the reality is few seniors (less than 14 percent of those over age 70) ever develop it.

Forgetfulness, confusion and irritably is something everyone experiences from time-to-time but it doesn’t necessarily mean we’re developing Alzheimer’s disease. Or does it?
Knowing the early warning signs is a good first step in recognizing the difference between normal age-related memory loss and a more serious problem.

To help you evaluate your dad’s (or mom’s) condition, here’s a checklist of questions to ask yourself:

•Does he often repeat himself or ask the same questions over and over?
• Is he more forgetful, or is he having trouble with short-term memory?
• Does he need reminders to do things like chores, shopping or taking medicine?
• Does he forget appointments, family occasions or holidays?
• Does he seem sad or down in the dumps more often than in the past?
• Has he started having trouble doing calculations, managing finances or balancing the checkbook?
• Has he lost interest in his activities such as hobbies, reading, attending church or other social activities?
• Has he become more irritable, agitated or suspicious than usual?
• Are you concerned about his driving, for example getting lost or driving unsafely?
• Does he have trouble finding the words he wants to say, finishing sentences or naming people or things?

Even if your dad is experiencing some problems, it doesn’t necessarily mean he has Alzheimer’s. Many memory problems and mood changes are brought on by other factors like stress, depression, side effects of medications, vitamin deficiencies and more. And by treating these conditions he can reduce or eliminate the problem.

After going through the checklist, if you’re still concerned about your dad’s mental health, get him in to see his doctor for a thorough medical examination. They may then refer him to a neurologist, psychiatrist, psychologist or geriatrician who specializes in diagnosing and treating memory loss or Alzheimer’s disease.
Finding Help

The single best resource to help you learn more and find help is the Alzheimer’s Association. They offer lots of news and information on their Web site (www.alz.org), along with a 24 hour help-line (800-272-3900) that provides assistance and referrals to local resources that can help you locate medical professionals, caregiving resources, support groups and more.

Another great resource to tap is the Alzheimer’s Disease Education and Referral Center. Created by the National Institute on Aging, at www.nia.nih.gov/alzheimers or 800-438-4380 you can ask specific questions about Alzheimer’s disease, locate clinical trials and order free publications including “What Happens Next?” – a new booklet by and for people with early-stage Alzheimer’s.

You also need to know about National Memory Screening Day coming up on Nov. 18. Sponsored by the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, this could be a good time to have your dad tested and it’s free. To locate a screening site near you (there are around 2,000 nationwide), visit www.nationalmemoryscreening.org or call 866-232-8484.

Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book. He is also the author of Savvy Senior, a syndicated column published in several newspapers across the county. Contact him through his Web site, www.savvysenior.org