The National Institutes of Health has awarded the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation $480,000 for Alzheimer’s research.
OMRF scientist Michael Beckstead, Ph.D., received a two-year grant to continue his study of the role the naturally occurring brain chemical dopamine may play in the earliest stages of Alzheimer’s disease.
Most current Alzheimer’s research focuses on the outer and upper sections of the brain, which control symptoms of the disease like memory loss. This study will instead focus on a small bundle of neurons near the base of the brain, which regulates dopamine function.
Dopamine is a chemical responsible for voluntary movement and the perception of reward in the brain. Beckstead studies what can happen when things go wrong with dopamine cells, ranging from Parkinson’s disease when too little is present to drug addiction when there is too much.
Scientists have not yet directly implicated dopamine in Alzheimer’s, but Beckstead said there is evidence to suggest it is involved in the initial stages of the disease.
“When you look at people who develop dementia, many of them were first diagnosed with depression or have a history of apathy,” said Beckstead, who holds OMRF’s Hille Family Foundation Chair in Neurodegenerative Disease Research. “These symptoms are closely linked to dopamine. There’s a good indication that the area handling the chemical could be involved years before tell-tale symptoms of Alzheimer’s appear.”
Scientists in Beckstead’s OMRF lab will observe dopamine-controlled behaviors in research models of Alzheimer’s throughout development and the impact of environmental changes like diet on disease progression.
The study will also include a partnership with OMRF scientist Bill Freeman, Ph.D., a researcher in the foundation’s Gene and Human Diseases Research Program. First, Beckstead’s lab will identify abnormal brain cells using electrical signals. Then, Freeman’s team will analyze the cells using a technique never before applied to Alzheimer’s disease models to look for clues to explain why they are behaving differently.
“We used to compare a region of an Alzheimer’s brain to a region of a normal brain,” said Freeman. “But we know within the brain there are many types of cells, and each could play a different role in Alzheimer’s. Now we can look at what’s different between individual dopamine neurons, which provides us with answers to better questions.”
Freeman said the partnership between labs is a natural result of the diverse talents at OMRF. “To do impactful science, you have to cross over multiple disciplines,” he said. “It’s always going to be a team effort.”

Story by Bobby Anderson, RN

Oklahoma’s assisted living providers are set to gather later this month for the first time since Covid-19 in what Melissa Holland hopes to be a celebration and a learning event that will benefit Oklahomans.
The Oklahoma Assisted Living Association’s 2021 convention and trade show will be held Aug. 24-26 at RiverSpirit Casino Resort in Tulsa.
This year’s theme will be OKALA’s Roaring to Kick Off a New Decade with a 1920s flapper theme.
Melissa Holland, OKALA’s executive director, said this industry-only event will afford the opportunity for members to interact for the first time since Covid-19 in a comfortable, fun environment to share and learn best practices to serve the state’s assisted living population.
“We’re really excited because it will be an in-person event, back to our annual educational and trade show event,” Holland said. “We’ll have educational sessions for our administrators, nurses, activity directors, dietary, marketing and maintenance so they can come and get a lot of good education courses based on some of the needs they have expressed.”
Former University of Tulsa Head Football Coach and Oklahoma Senator Dave Rader will help kick off the event with a session on team building.
Holland said she frequently receives member requests on how to build strong, more cohesive staff units to better serve residents and Rader is one of the best in the field.
Having coached college football for four decades, Rader is best known for his 12 seasons as head coach of the University of Tulsa. At age 29 he was the youngest offensive coordinator in the Southeastern Conference. Then his alma mater made him the youngest head coach at the time in Division I NCAA football at the age of 31.
Awarded the NCAA District Coach of the Year honor in 1991 after his Freedom Bowl Champion University of Tulsa team finished 22nd in the national polls, he was appointed to the American Football Coaches Association Ethics Committee, and served as the representative of Independent Universities to the now defunct College Football Association.
Many of his student athletes went on to play in the NFL including seven quarterbacks, and many more to productive careers outside of athletics. His Tulsa teams consistently graduated at a higher rate than the university body in general.
He is honored to be a member of four Halls of Fame.
Walt Disney World/Epcot Center and Marriott Hotels alum Toni Fisk will present on her newly-released book #dinewithdignity Unlocking the Mystery of Dementia and Dining. Fisk brings her 35 years in the food and hospitality to bear in tackling an often overlooked senior issue.
The book focuses on the role of care partners and provides insight and tips on ways to maximize enjoyment in the dining environment while answering “the questions that you didn’t know to ask.”
Holland said information will be presented on the Covid-19 vaccine and separating fact from fiction in today’s fragmented media environment.
The pandemic stretched providers in a number of directions in their efforts to keep residents and staff safe.
Holland said her members continued to rise to the occasion.
“They have been phenomenal. They really have,” Holland said. “They have been amazing. When they were locked down I was able to send them ideas and (information) to help them. I”ve never had so many thank-you’s in this last year-and-a-half.”
Assisted Living was founded on a resident-centered philosophy to enable choice, preserve dignity, encourage independence, and promote quality of life.
Assisted living communities offer supportive amenities, service and care in a residential setting with the comforts of home. Assisted living communities have a staff available 24/7 to assist with care, safety and support. When you have seen one assisted living community, you have just seen one. They come in all different shapes and sizes, and offer a variety of features, amenities and prices.
The association offers a number of resources to help you make an informed decision when evaluating the state’s 170 assisted living communities. You can visit their website at okala.org or call them at 405-235-5000.

Story and photos by Darl DeVault

One of the most family-oriented organized bicycle rides in the state kicks off at 7:30 a.m. Saturday, August 15 at Mitch Park, 1501 W. Covell Rd. in Edmond, offering three distances starting in the 133-acre park. The park features several family friendly playgrounds including handicap accessible facilities, multi-use trails, basketball courts, pavilions, picnic tables, and grills.
Begun in 1973, and moved to Mitch Park in 2008, the Oklahoma Bicycle Society Streak has evolved into a family event using one of Edmond’s premier parks as a base. It has undergone changes in location, name and sponsorship, but continues as a cycling community premiere family event. (story continues below)

“I signed up for the 40-mile route because I always have a good time at the Streak,” said Dixie Duff, a retired OKC nurse who has ridden the Streak dozens of times. “There is something for everyone and it’s nice to be able to do something different besides the River Trails, Lake Overholser, and Lake Hefner. The rides are challenging and well supported with several rest stops.”
Organizers emphasize the Streak will go on rain or shine and is not a race. No times will be kept or posted. What is posted are the names of registered riders winning the door prize raffles. Please check the prize board after the ride. Riders must be present to win—no prizes will be mailed.
The ride has been going on for so long seniors have come to see it as an opportunity to help introduce their grandkids to an organized ride. All youth riders (ages 12-18) must be accompanies by an adult rider.
Multiple rest stops with rest rooms are open until 1 p.m. on the half hilly 100K, 40- and 25-mile routes. Download the maps from the OBS site, RideWithGPS maps are available at the 2021 OBS Streak Web Page. Fluids and snack foods will be available in the rest stops. SAG (Support and Gear) support will be provided.
Online Registration is $35 (Discounted to $30 for current OBS members – online only). Online registration closes at midnight on Thursday, August 12.
Day of event registration begins at 6 a.m. at Mitch Park. The Edmond Downtown Community Center at 28 E Main St. offers early registration and packet pickup on Saturday, August 14, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. The first 300 riders are guaranteed event T-shirts.
Proceeds from the OBS Streak are used to supply helmets for kids who receive bikes from the Salvation Army Buck$ 4 Bikes program for Christmas.
Day of event registration fees are Adult Rider: $40, – Tandem/Tri, Captain: $40, – Tandem/Tri Stoker: $20, – Accompanied Youth (12-18 Yr. Old): $20
The OBS is a not-for-profit group dedicated to the promotion of bicycle safety. It supports bicycling in all its forms and the furtherance of the sport by defending the rights of bicyclists.
OBS organizes weekly rides all year for riders of all levels. See their web site for more information: www.OklahomaBicycleSociety.com which has a link to the Streak registration online.
For the latest news on the club activities, upcoming rides throughout the state and to further the enjoyment of bicycling, the club has a monthly newsletter, The Pathfinder, online. The club asks seniors to consider joining the OBS to help keep bicycling safe.

In person meetings scheduled to begin in August. Hearing Loss Association of America Central Oklahoma Chapter (HLAA COC) is happy to announce that beginning with the Ice Cream Social in August face to face meetings will once again be held monthly and are open to the public. No admission charge. Meetings are on the third Thursday, 11:30 – 1PM, each month beginning in September. Meetings are held at the Will Rogers Garden Center Exhibition Hall, 3400 NW 36. The Ice Cream Social, August 15, 2-4PM, will host the introduction of HLAA COC scholarship recipients, the inauguration of new chapter officers, and official announcement of programs for the remainder of the year. In the past, the Ice Cream Social was a ‘pot luck’ event but with current conditions, the chapter will offer individually portioned treats, all at no charge.
Speakers and programs announced: September, Dr Patricia Burke, head of newborn screening in Oklahoma. October, Lezley Bell discussing the free telephone and service offered by Caption Call. In November, chapter members Tony & Sharon Howard’s fantastical players with skits, hints, & tricks for managing family gatherings and parties for the holidays will be seen. The December meeting will host the annual Christmas party. Everyone is invited if you have hearing loss, know someone who does, or are interested in the overall health of Oklahoma City residents. HLAA COC is a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organization with no paid employees. HLAA COC has been active for 29 years assisting Oklahomans with hearing loss to live better in a hearing world. Please look at Facebook, www.facebook.com/OklaHearingLoss, visit our website at www.OklahomaHearingLoss.org, or check out our new YouTube page: Oklahoma Hearing Helpers Room.

Do you have a loved one in a nursing facility that needs assistance transitioning back into the community? Oklahoma Living Choice Program may be what you are looking for. The Oklahoma Living Choice Program assists Oklahomans wanting to transition out of a nursing home and back into the community in a residence of their own. The populations served are individuals 65 and over, and individuals 19 and up with a physical disability.
To qualify for the Oklahoma Living Choice Program one should meet the following:
* Be at least 19 years of age
* Qualify for SoonerCare (Oklahoma’s Medicaid Program) for at least one day prior to transition
* Have lived in an institutional setting (nursing home) for at least 60 consecutive days
* Voluntarily want to transition back into the community
* Be willing to play an active role in his/her plan of care
Depending on the individual’s needs there are many services that the Oklahoma Living Choice Program offers, such as: assistance finding a new home, home delivered meals, transportation, skilled nursing, therapy services, personal care, medication management, and there are transitional funds (a one-time allotment of up to $2,400).
Anyone can refer a potential individual that resides in a nursing home for the Oklahoma Living Choice Program by accessing the online referral form http://www.okhca.org/ReferralHome.aspx?ref=LC
If you need more information or have questions about the Oklahoma Living Choice Program you can contact 888-287-2443 or email [email protected]
If you have a loved one in a Long-Term Care facility and have any questions regarding any concerns you may have, you can contact an ombudsman to assist you.
Areawide Aging Agency Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program advocates for the needs of residents in LTC facilities serving Canadian, Cleveland, Logan, and Oklahoma Counties. You may contact us at (405)942-8500.

Story by Vickie Jenkins, Staff Writer

Just for Seniors is a licensed companion-sitter agency providing services to help families care for aging loved-ones. We provide a variety of “rent-a-daughter” services that help fill-in for families when busy schedules will not allow. Our goal is to keep the seniors you love living safely and comfortably at home without the need for a care facility.
Our passion is getting seniors out of the house and engaged in the community while they still can. We love working with seniors to find fun and stimulating activities that get them excited and improve their quality of life. (story continues below)

Just for Seniors has been in business since August 20, 2012. Deborah Wallace started the business because her mom needed someone to help her. “It was after my dad passed away, my mom had several small strokes and could no longer drive. I was working at Chesapeake at the time so taking time off during the day was very challenging. Trying to handle things in the evenings and weekends was exhausting. I was also very concerned that she was spending most of her time in the house watching TV. I wanted her to at least get a change of scenery on a routine basis. I needed someone to take her to the beauty shop every week and to lunch a couple days a week. I needed someone to take her grocery shopping and run errands so I didn’t have to do it on my time off. All the commercial options we found had a three to four hours service minimum. That was more action than she could handle. Ultimately, we were able to find someone privately to help her, but I knew there was a need,” Deborah explained.
Currently, we are the only Just for Seniors; we are not a franchise. There are six part-time employees, five in the OKC metro area and one in Stillwater. Officially, they are called, Just for Seniors Associates. “Unofficially, they are called, Rent-a-Daughter/Son,” Deborah said with a smile. “We have approximately ninety clients signed up to use our service. Roughly, thirty to forty people use us each month.”
Deborah grew up in Oklahoma. “My dad was a Methodist minister so we moved around Oklahoma every three to four years. I was born in Lawton and lived in Chickasha, Choctaw, Hugo, OKC, Weatherford, Pryor and Guymon before graduating OU in 1988. I moved to Houston, staying there until 2007 when I returned to OKC to help my parents. That was quite a few moves! I currently live in Bethany and plan on staying here for a while,” she said.
Starting high school in Weatherford, OK, Deborah graduated high school in Pryor, OK. She earned her undergrad BBA in Management Information Systems from OU. She earned her graduate MBA in Finance and International Business via night school from the University of Houston.
Deborah wears many hats as a business owner and says that each day is dramatically different. “After spending twenty-five years in an office, I try to spend as little time as possible in the office now,” she said. “My office time is usually focused on accounting and administrative activities,” Deborah said. “I am the primary marketer so I am responsible for networking and marketing activities. I work with families to find resources that address their loved ones needs. I still do some caregiving so I might be helping a client with something,” she added.
Asking Deborah what her biggest reward is from Just for Seniors, she replied, “Helping a senior solve a problem that be a challenge for them could be something easy for me or an associate. Sometimes, resolving little issues can make a huge difference in the quality of someone’s life. That brings me satisfaction that I never felt during my twenty-five years in corporate America. I love working with the seniors and knowing that they are being taken care of.”
“Finding good Senior Associates is something we are looking for each day. We are growing quickly and we are always looking for new associates in certain parts of town. It is a challenge to find people of the right fit.”
On a personal note, Deborah likes spending time with her wonderful husband, Steve. “We don’t have any human children but we try to save as many dogs as possible. We currently have a crazy rescued Pomeranian.”
For more information visit: www.justforseniorsok.com.

The Cowboy invites individuals with a passion for the history and stories of the American West to join the team of volunteers and docents that help keep the Museum running.
“We have an amazing team of volunteers at the Museum who are committed to life-long learning and sharing the American West with our visitors,” said Natalie Shirley, National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum President and CEO. “One of the most amazing things about the Cowboy is how committed our volunteers are to creating an environment where anyone can come and learn.”
Volunteer docents serve as guides in the galleries, frequently leading tour groups and working closely with children through educational programs. “Volunteering is an excellent way to make a difference in other people’s lives, as well as your own life,” said Todd Bridgewater, Manager of Volunteer Engagement at the Museum. “People come from all walks of life and find a home here, whether they are a cowboy or not.”
Those interested in becoming a docent can complete a Volunteer Application online by visiting nationalcowboymuseum.org. New docent orientation is Tuesday, August 17, 2021, from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Training begins Thursday, August 19 and occurs every Tuesday and Thursday through September 23, 2021. Training times vary but are generally between 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. For a detailed description of the docent role and its commitments, CALL (405) 478-2250.
Nationally accredited by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM), the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum is located only six miles northeast of downtown Oklahoma City in the Adventure District at the junction of Interstates 44 and 35, the state’s exciting Adventure Road corridor. The Museum offers annual memberships beginning at just $40. For more information, visit nationalcowboymuseum.org. For high-resolution images related to the National Cowboy Museum, visit nationalcowboymuseum.org/media-pics.

The 49th Annual Prix de West Invitational Art Exhibition and Sale will display the 264-piece collection of original paintings and sculpture at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum through August 8, 2021. The works displayed in Prix de West are available for purchase and will not be on display to the public again once the exhibition closes.
For more information on Prix de West and the artists, visit nationalcowboymuseum.org/prix-de-west.

Oklahoma Human Services (OKDHS) announced a 20% retroactive rate increase for Community Living, Aging and Protective Services (CAP) and Developmental Disabilities Services (DDS) waivered services providers. These interventions, funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), are retroactive back to Oct. 1 through Dec. 31, 2020. Pending approval by the Oklahoma Health Care Authority board, OKDHS is seeking additional interventions for the periods Jan. 1 through Mar. 31, 2021 and April 1 through June 30, 2021. The first payment will be sent in Aug. 2021, with subsequent payments made in 90 day increments.
Home and Community Based Waiver Services (HCBS) include a comprehensive array of services including case management, residential, employment and habilitation services and supports for individuals three years of age or older. HCBS uses a person-centered planning approach where an individual’s team assesses the needs of the individual and develops an annual plan of care to address those needs. Waivers allow the state to offer community-based services as an alternative to institutional or nursing facility services, increasing independence and quality of life for the service recipients.
Waivered services providers are also currently experiencing significant workforce shortages to serve HCBS customers. Higher wages offered by businesses competing for the same labor pool is a primary contributor to the HCBS labor shortage, and the lack of qualified and skilled labor has significantly increased over time, increasing provider costs.
“We are grateful for the retroactive increase as it will help fill the gap in our budget,” said Robin Arter, Executive Director at Think Ability, Inc. “It is a much needed relief in our efforts in supporting Oklahomans with developmental disabilities.”
These temporary add-on payments will help bolster services and address this short-term shortage of qualified staff, allowing providers to meet their immediate needs while OKDHS conducts a rate study to develop a strategy for a permanent solution.
“Our waivered services providers have done a phenomenal job in serving aging Oklahomans and individuals with developmental disabilities in their own homes and communities during a really challenging time,” said Samantha Galloway, OKDHS Chief of Staff and Operations. “These additional funds are a vital, yet short term, intervention to help providers mitigate workforce issues while a longer term solution is developed. We are equally excited about the opportunity to invest additional dollars in things that have a real and immediate impact on people’s quality of life, such as eyeglasses, dental and hearing aid services in a big way that is beyond what has been available in our single year budget historically.”
In addition to the retroactive rate increases, both CAP and DDS will also offer a one-time initiative to purchase eyeglasses and hearing aids, propose development of model smart homes, expand assistive technologies, offer staff education and direct support staff professional development programs, among many initiatives intended to strengthen supports for older Oklahomans and individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities.
To learn more about OKDHS’ Developmental Disabilities Services, including Home and Community Based Waiver Services, visit https://oklahoma.gov/okdhs/services/dd/developmental-disabilities-services.html. To apply for services, visit https://oklahoma.gov/okdhs/services/dd/areacontactinfo.html.
To learn more about OKDHS’ CAP, including the Advantage Waiver program, or to apply for services, visit https://oklahoma.gov/okdhs/services/cap/advantage-services.html.

The American Nurses Association (ANA), representing the interests of the nation’s 4.2 million registered nurses, supports health care employers mandating nurses and all health care personnel to get vaccinated against COVID-19 in alignment with current recommendations for immunization by public health officials.
Increasing circulation of new variants, lagging COVID-19 vaccination rates, and continued public skepticism calls for nurses to uphold their professional and ethical obligations to model the same prevention measures as their patients. For our nation to maintain the momentum of recovery efforts from this persistent pandemic, enough individuals and communities must get vaccinated to reduce the risk of further infections, hospitalizations, and deaths.
“The scientific rigor to swiftly develop effective COVID-19 vaccines and the monumental efforts to ensure all Americans get vaccinated is nothing short of amazing. Vaccination is both a significant public health victory and a scientifically proven strategy to slow the spread of COVID-19 and prevent the loss of more American lives,” said ANA President Ernest J. Grant, PhD, RN, FAAN. “As the largest group of health care professionals, nurses are critical to all facets of COVID-19 response efforts and must strive to remain physically and psychologically safe to function optimally to care for themselves, their patients and their communities. Nurses must get vaccinated.”
ANA’s decision to support COVID-19 vaccine mandates for nurses aligns with its longstanding position on immunizations, which emphasizes that effective protection of the public health mandates that all individuals receive immunizations against vaccine-preventable diseases. ANA also believes that the safety profile of authorized COVID-19 vaccines is stable and has included the three COVID-19 vaccines being administered under the Food and Drug Administration’s Emergency Use Authorization. ANA maintains its stance to not support philosophical or religious exemptions as reasons not to get vaccinated.
“A significant number of nurses working in a variety of health care settings across the nation have diligently fulfilled their ethical duty to protect themselves, their colleagues, patients and loved ones by getting a COVID-19 vaccine,” said Dr. Grant. “We would absolutely be remiss to not acknowledge these nurses and applaud them for leading the charge and setting an example for their patients.”
In a survey of over 22,000 nurses conducted by the American Nurses Foundation between January 19 and February 16, 70% of nurses said they had received at least one COVID-19 vaccine. Most recently, in a survey of over 4,500 nurses conducted by the COVID-19 Facts For Nurses Campaign between April 12 and May 4, 83% of nurses reported that they had received the recommended dose regimen of two COVID-19 vaccine shots.
Nurses might desire more understanding about the safety profile of COVID-19 vaccines as they decide whether to get vaccinated and there are legitimate reasons that a nurse might decide not to take the COVID-19 vaccine, such as severe allergies, compromised immune systems, and other serious health conditions. ANA will continue to provide all nurses education and resources to guide their understanding and consideration of COVID-19 vaccines.