The Alzheimer’s Association’s Brain Donation Initiative

When not acting as a licensed clinical psychologist for Irvine, California families, Miriam Galindo advocates for multiple nonprofit causes. One group Miriam Galindo supports is the Alzheimer’s Association. Through funding programs like brain donation, the Alzheimer’s Association seeks to determine the causes of the disease and eventually find a cure.

One of the most valuable contributions an ally of the Alzheimer’s Association can make is to join neurological clinical trials during life, alongside donating their brain to science after death. The generated data will further researchers’ efforts to identify factors that increase and decrease a patient’s risk of developing Alzheimer’s, and the changes in the brain that occur as a result of aging. Interested parties can sign up for clinical trials via Alzheimer’s Disease Research Centers (ADRCs), located regionally, and candidates undergo screening to determine if their closest center needs brain samples from that candidate’s demographics.

The National Institute on Aging (NIA), the group that allies with the Alzheimer’s Association to coordinate brain donation, emphasizes that researchers need brain donations from diverse individuals. To maximize the impact of collected data, the NIA calls for individuals from underrepresented backgrounds of all age groups, with and without a brain condition themselves. The NIA also asks that candidates who have non-Alzheimer’s forms of dementia, and those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and a family history of the disease, also contribute, to fill in gaps about how all dementias develop, and help in discovering the genetic markers that increase risk for Alzheimer’s.

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About the Orange County Alzheimer’s Association

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A doctorate of psychology holder from the Trinity College of Graduate Studies, Anaheim, Dr. Miriam Galindo resides in Irvine, California. Alongside her lifetime career as a psychologist and social worker, Dr. Miriam Galindo is passionate about dementia awareness and is an active member of the Alzheimer’s Association, Orange County chapter.

Under the auspices of the national Alzheimer’s Association, the Orange County chapter attends to part of the over 690,000 Alzheimer patients and 1.12 million caregivers in California. The primary objective is to provide a central avenue for sharing and accessing knowledge about the condition, support for patients and caregivers, advocating for their rights, and promoting research on care, management and hopefully, a cure.

Volunteers form a critical cog in the Orange County chapter initiatives. You can opt to volunteer as a community outreach member (especially if you are bilingual due to the high Spanish populace), support group co-facilitator, advocate, or participate in the awareness programs. This includes The Longest Day, where anyone globally takes part in any activity to support the cause and raise funds every summer. Another prominent event is the annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s, where, in 600 communities worldwide, volunteers take part in different walking events to raise funds and awareness on Alzheimer’s.

The Responsibilities of a Child Custody Evaluator

A psychologist at families in transition, Irvine, California, Dr. Miriam Galindo oversees the group home for abused and neglected children. Attending to the home entails fundraising, individualized education advocacy, and daily oversight. Alongside these responsibilities, Dr. Miriam Galindo has been a member of the Orange County Superior Court Family Law Panel of Child Custody evaluators since 2005.

While some cases do not require the services of a child custody evaluator, situations arise where the co-parents disagree on custody. The judge summons the evaluator, typically a psychologist or social worker, to assess the co-parents’ ability to meet the child’s needs based on the child’s psychological, educational, and physical needs. The evaluator offers an informed recommendation on the most capable custodian from the interviews, medical conditions, test results, and available information.

The extent of the evaluation varies on a case-by-case basis. Typically, however, the initial interviews cover the role of each parent up to the dispute stage to determine the primary caretaker. The evaluator also explores the disputed issues, including the originator or guilty party and prevailing situation. A more intense evaluation covers psychological and substance abuse tests to determine chemical dependency, anger issues, and a home visit to measure suitability, engagement levels, parenting style, and assertions. The report enables the evaluator to furnish the judge with information to help determine the custody case.

The Healthy Aging Center ACACIA Helps People with Dementia

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A graduate of California State University, Miriam Galindo holds a master of arts in social work in addition to a doctor of psychology and a BA. Miriam Galindo is an experienced psychologist overseeing clients in family court services and for family therapy. She is also a member of Alzheimer’s Orange County.

Alzheimer’s Orange County is a non-profit organization that aims to help people in Orange County that deal with dementia or Alzheimer’s. The organization offers a wide range of services such as consultations, education, and programs and events that can help people and their families. It also provides solutions such as the Healthy Aging Center ACACIA, which is a community-based service that serves people with dementia with daytime assistance and fulfills both their social and medical needs.

Even though the center was closed in 2020 due to the pandemic and coronavirus, it reopened again in 2021 and provides an adult day program that includes transportation, breakfast, therapeutic activities and many others. The health and social support offered at the center enable people to live at home instead of at nursing facilities for their benefit and improved quality of life.

Dementia Symptoms and Treatment, Dementia Awareness

An Irvine, California resident, Miriam Galindo graduated from the Trinity College of Graduate Studies and holds a doctor of psychology. Miriam Galindo currently serves as a psychologist for families in transition. Additionally, she helps people that deal with dementia and wants to increase dementia awareness.

Dementia is not exactly a health condition as it is a symptom caused by other conditions, which result in brain damage. Common signs for dementia include memory losses, confusion, and mood changes, and people with dementia can also struggle to carry out simple daily tasks. At first, the symptoms can be described as mild cognitive impairment, but if they are not treated and observed at an early stage they can lead up to dementia.

One of the most common health conditions that can lead to dementia is the neurodegenerative disease Alzheimer’s. There is also vascular dementia which is caused by cardiovascular health problems and common symptoms are temporary paralysis, and movement and thinking problems. Symptoms usually develop over time and treatments for dementia aim to improve the quality of life of a person as they cannot really stop it. Common treatments and medicines are cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine.

Early Dementia – Warning Signs and Treatments

woman leaning against a wall in dim hallway

Dementia is a neurodegenerative condition that is more serious than age-related memory loss. In the United States alone, more than 5 million people are diagnosed with some form of the condition. The most common cause is Alzheimer’s; however, dementia can also result from other factors.

Although the most significant risk factor for dementia is advanced age, there are underlying conditions that can cause dementia-like symptoms. If identified early, dementia symptoms can be halted, or in some cases reversed.

It can be difficult for people to identify the signs of dementia in themselves. For this reason, family and caregivers often recognize early symptoms first. Many signs of early-stage dementia affect temperament: the individual may avoid social situations and become depressed.

While it is normal for older people to misidentify unfamiliar people or forget very recent events, the inability to recall more familiar people and objects can be a sign of dementia. People who suddenly become disoriented, especially in places that are familiar to them, should be screened for the condition. Increased irritability and halting communication can also indicate a cognitive problem.

If a person shows signs of dementia, they will need to go through a medical evaluation to determine the cause. The physician or specialist will identify whether the dementia is reversible through treatment.

During the diagnosis, the medical professional will review the patient’s family history and look for any genetic susceptibilities to dementia. The patient’s medical history is also considered, as medications and heavy alcohol use can cause dementia-like symptoms.

Patients may also undergo a brain scan to look for any changes or lesions. Since some viruses, like HIV, can appear as dementia, patients may undergo testing for infections. If the individual was recently involved in an accident, the physician may scan for traumatic brain injuries.

For example, people with B12 vitamin deficiency have many symptoms that mirror dementia, like memory loss. Increasing B12 intake through dietary changes and supplements can reverse some of these symptoms.

An overactive or underactive thyroid can also contribute to poor coordination and cognitive decline. Most people will regain their abilities after treatment.

While there are some causes of dementia that cannot be reversed, lifestyle changes and medication can slow neurodegeneration. Exercise is one of the most effective ways to reduce cognitive decline. Physical activity supports blood flow and ensures an adequate supply of oxygen to the brain, which can preserve neuron health. Likewise, exercise reduces many of the risk factors for dementia, including stroke and hypertension.

Heart-healthy diets rich in fresh produce and low in fat can have a protective effect on the brain. Food with high levels of antioxidants help protect neurons against damage from toxic particles known as free radicals. Healthy diets also facilitate neural growth by promoting blood flow and stimulating brain areas associated with memory.

In addition, mental stimulation proves effective in slowing dementia, whether achieved through learning a new skill or playing challenging games or puzzles. Some evidence exists that mentally stimulating activities can slow neuron degeneration and encourage the brain to build new connections. This fortifies brain matter, making the individual more resilient to dementia symptoms.

Outstanding Caregivers to Be Recognized by Alzheimer’s Orange County

Based in Irvine, California, Miriam Galindo is a licensed clinical psychologist and social worker who provides reunification and co-parenting counseling services through her private practice. In addition, she serves as a psychologist with Families in Transition and as a member of an approved panel of experts that is used in child custody cases for the Orange County Superior Court. In her free time, Miriam Galindo volunteers with Alzheimer’s Orange County.

Established in 1982, Alzheimer’s Orange County provides information, education, resources, and support to local families impacted by Alzheimer’s disease and other memory loss conditions. One of the organization’s many events is the annual Visionary Women Caregivers Luncheon. The event is designed to honor caregivers in Orange County who have demonstrated outstanding compassion for people with Alzheimer’s and dementia. The level of care carried out by the honorees far exceeds expectation and serves to inspire others. The 2019 Visionary Women Caregivers Luncheon is scheduled to take place in mid-September 2019 in Silverado, California. Emmy-nominated actress Eva LaRue will attend the luncheon as a special guest speaker.

There are five categories in which women caregivers are nominated for the Visionary Women Caregivers Luncheon. These categories are Youth/Young Adult Caregiver, Family Caregiver, Medical/Clinical Professional, Professional Caregivers, and Administrative Professional. Each category distinguishes a different facet of dementia and Alzheimer’s caregiving, thereby ensuring that the Visionary Women Caregivers Luncheon recognizes outstanding individuals from varying segments of the field.

Facilitating Forgiveness Lecture at CAMFT’S 2019 Fall Symposium

California Association of Marriage and Family Therapistspic

California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists
Image: camft.org

Psychologist Miriam Galindo is a member of a panel of experts used in family cases by the Orange County Superior Court in Southern California. Running a private practice with her husband, Dr. Jorge Galindo, she focuses on cases involving child custody and high-conflict divorce. Dr. Miriam Galindo is a member of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT).

With over 32,000 members, CAMFT is dedicated to promoting the cause of licensed marriage and family therapists. As part of its continuing-education endeavor, CAMFT will be holding its 2019 Fall Symposium November 8-9, at the Hilton Irvine/Orange County Airport, in Irvine. One of the sessions to be presented is by Carla Rather, LFMT, who will introduce participants on how to effectively handle “Forgiveness Conversations” founded on the Attachment Injury Repair Model (AIRM) of Emotionally Focused Therapy.

It has been factually substantiated that 90 percent of couples experienced reduced relational distress using AIRM. Hostilities occur in relationships, and without a forgiveness process, the probability for connection and closeness with others diminishes. Aside from relationships, AIRM can also be used to facilitate healing in societal conflicts. To learn more about this session and the 2019 Fall Symposium, visit www.camft.org/fs19.

Supporting the CAMFT Educational Foundation

California Association of Marriage and Family Therapistspic

California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists
Image: camft.org

Since 2004, Miriam Galindo, PsyD, has provided co-parenting, child, family, and reunification therapy to clients in Irvine, California, through her own private practice. Active in her professional community, Dr. Miriam Galindo belongs to such organizations as the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT).

An independent professional organization, CAMFT establishes and promotes high ethical standards and advances the marriage and family therapy profession. Toward this end, it maintains the CAMFT Educational Foundation.

Established in 1977, this charitable organization awards grants and scholarships to help professionals earn their license as a marriage and family therapist. It also offers other assistance to people pursuing a job or conducting research in the field. This financial support largely comes from donations from members and other committed individuals. These gifts can be made in the form of a monetary gift using a credit card or check. Gifts of this kind provide immediate funding to grants and scholarships.

Individuals can also support the CAMFT Educational Foundation by shopping through Amazon Smile. Or they can make a bequest to the organization. Both methods are simple to establish. However, bequests have the added benefit of either establishing a new scholarship, donating in honor of a loved one, or designating funds for a specific purpose. Regardless of the method used, contributions made to the organization are entirely tax deductible.

Why Staying Unhappily Married May Be as Bad for Children as Divorce

 

Dr. Miriam Galindo pic

Dr. Miriam Galindo
Image: galindopsychology.com

Dr. Miriam Galindo, a diplomate of the American Board of Forensic Social Workers, offers counseling services from her practice in Irvine, California. In addition, Dr. Miriam Galindo provides child and family therapy to clients involved in high-conflict divorces.

Many adults believe divorce should be avoided at all costs, but staying in an unhappy marriage may be as damaging to children as a turbulent divorce. As children develop, they naturally internalize both of their parents. When their parents are constantly at odds, children internalize those conflicts.

Over time, children start believing they are responsible for their parents’ unhappiness. Researchers believe this occurs because children are egocentric and believe they are more powerful than they actually are. Combined with the other stressors of living with parents who do not get along, this problem may result in a child’s fear of intimacy, mood issues, self-esteem issues, or mental health concerns, such as depression.