By Jacob Will, VP of Health Services

Alzheimer’s disease, a progressive neurodegenerative disorder, has long been a daunting challenge for both those diagnosed and the medical community. However, recent years have witnessed significant breakthroughs in the understanding of the disease and new treatments. Being a board member of the Oklahoma Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, I wanted to share with you some knowledge on
these new treatments.

For decades, the accumulation of amyloid plaques in the brain has been a hallmark feature of Alzheimer’s disease. All previous medications could only treat the symptoms of Alzheimer’s. New treatments aim to target and clear these abnormal protein deposits of beta amyloid. These treatments
work by binding to amyloid plaques and facilitating their removal, potentially slowing down the progression of the disease.

Two such treatments have progressed through Phase 3 trials: Leqembi and Donanemab. Leqembi has already gained FDA approval, and Donanemab has applied for such status. Both
treatments are similar in their attack of beta amyloid and have been shown to slow the progress of Alzheimer’s for around six months.

Early diagnosis remains crucial for maximizing the effectiveness of these treatments. Improved diagnostic tools and increased awareness of Alzheimer’s disease can help identify cases in their early stages, when interventions are more likely to be effective. Specific blood tests to identify high traces of beta amyloid are in clinical trials as well. Developing a simple blood test to find biomarkers for Alzheimer’s would
drastically cut down the cost and time associated with confirming a diagnosis.

DID YOU KNOW?
The Tulsa Walk to End Alzheimer’s is one of the largest in the country coming in 6th for funds raised. These donations allow the Alzheimer’s Association to provide 24/7 care and support and advance research toward methods of prevention, treatment, and, hopefully, a cure.

It is important to know that these treatments have been shown to slow progress but not stop it. There is not a cure yet. If you have specific questions about the blood tests, treatments or clinical trials, please contact your primary care physician. In addition, you can research this topic and more
on the Alzheimer’s Association website at www.alz.org. Finally, there is an Alzheimer’s Association Support Group that meets on the Trinity Woods campus. They meet on the 3rd Thursday of the month at 3 p.m. in the Crestwood 3rd floor meeting room. No reservation is needed, and all are welcome.

Don Hertzler, Resident and Tulsa Master Gardener

As we navigate, what seems like, the never-ending allergy season we thought it might be helpful to take a look at what external plants might be causing more issues than normal. Plant and trees that cause
us to sneeze can be divided into two categories: wind pollinated or insect pollinated.

Insect pollinated plants are not a source of hay fever allergies. You can tell that a plant is insect pollinated if it has an attractive flower. Flowers that attract insects are attractive to humans. So if a plant or tree has pretty flowers, it does not cause you to have allergies. Common plants with attractive flowers would include garden and native flowers as well as some trees – including magnolia, dogwood, redbud, and fruit trees.

Trees and other plants that don’t have attractive flowers are wind pollinated. They have pollen that is so small and dry that the pollen particles float in the air. Grasses, weeds, and many trees including
maple, oak, and all conifers are wind pollinated. It is their pollen that causes you to sneeze.

By Weldon Tisdale, Chaplain

The hymn writer Anne Cousin wrote, “Jehovah lifted up His rod; O Christ, it fell on Thee! Thou wast sore stricken of Thy God; There’s not one stroke for me. Thy tears, Thy blood, beneath it flowed; Thy bruising healeth me.”

Why did Jehovah lift his rod and strike Christ? It was because Christ was our substitute on the cross. This is the heart of the cross. 1 Peter 3:18 says, “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous”. Christ suffered for the unrighteous. This means that the punishment He received was
the penalty the unrighteous deserved. In 2 Corinthians 5:21, Paul writes, “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” This verse is a powerful statement about the sacrificial work of Christ on the cross and the imputed righteousness that believers receive as a result of their faith in Jesus.

As our willing substitute, He became guilty for all of our sins. As a mass of concentrated sin, the justice and holiness of God was unleashed on him. Every drop from the cup of God’s wrath was poured out until he cried, “It is finished!” In this, every drop of blood man shed that cried out for justice was told, “Be silent,
it is finished!” In this word, the Jews that carried their lambs and goats to slaughter for atonement are told, “Be done, it is finished!” In this the broken law that held curses over our heads is told, “No condemnation in Christ, it is finished!” Speak to your own conscience, saying, “It is finished! Your sins are forgiven” As the hymn writer said, “There’s not one stroke for me!” Do you believe that?

Yet there is even more in this great exchange that took place on the cross. Our sins were counted to Christ so that Christ’s righteousness would be counted to us. Not only are the sins of Christians forgiven by Christ’s death, but the perfect life of Christ is counted to them. Our position before God is righteous
in Christ. Is there any better news than that? No wonder we call it “The Gospel.”

Adapted from www.churchletters.org

By Bonnie Polak, VP of Philanthropy and Community Engagement

One of the most important functions of a board of directors is hiring and evaluating the performance of the CEO. This critical task has significant impact on the direction of the organization.

The Trinity Woods Board began planning for this transition over a year ago, when the current CEO Steve Dickie announced his desire to retire from Trinity Woods after 20 years of service. Knowing that the CEO is the driving force behind setting vision, guiding strategy, and ensuring long-term success, Task Force members know they have an important job ahead of them.

The search for a new CEO requires careful consideration and methodical focus. “Before embarking on the search, the Board and stakeholders took time to define the key attributes required for the CEO,” said Curtis Craig, Trinity Woods Board President. “Clarifying the desired leadership qualities, experience, industry expertise, and cultural fit helped us establish a clear framework for the search process.” Curtis Craig is former Chief Legal Counsel for Explorer Pipeline, whose experience makes him uniquely quailed for his role.

“The search for a new CEO is a critical and complex undertaking,” said Jim Taylor, Trinity Woods
Board Member and Chair of the Succession Planning Task Force. “The team who has been identified to do this knows the importance of their work. I am confident we will find the right leader that will provide Trinity Woods a clear vision, guide decision-making, inspire us, and build on our strong reputation.” Prior to retirement Jim was a CPA who co-founded the regional accounting firm.

To date there has been a strong response to the job listing, each candidate will be carefully evaluated by the Task Force. Between now and the end of the year the field will be narrowed to a few final candidates. The final selection will align with the leadership requirements and the vision of Trinity Woods.

Early next year, when the new CEO is chosen, the onboarding process will begin to ensure a seamless transition. Anyone interested in applying is encouraged visit the Trinity Woods website.