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The Senior Published Locally Since 1980 March 2025 ALZHEIMER'S FIGHTING BACK AGAINST GENETICS ALZHEIMER'S FIGHTING BACK AGAINST GENETICS ALZHEIMER'S FIGHTING BACK AGAINST GENETICS2 • The Senior Voice • March 2025 Published Locally Since 1980 Vol. 45, No. 3 PUBLICATION INFORMATION The Senior Voice is locally owned and has been published the first of each month since 1980 for residents in Fort Collins, Greeley, Loveland and nearby areas. ADVERTISING Ad deadline is 20th of month. For rates, call (970) 227-2722; email wolf@theseniorvoice.net or see www.theseniorvoice.net Wolfgang Lambdin Publisher and Advertising Director Fort Collins, Colorado (970) 227-2722 wolf@theseniorvoice.net wolf.lambdin@gmail.com EDITORIAL DEADLINE: Announcements and stories must be received by the 10th of the month; ads by the 20th of the month. READER INFORMATION: Subscriptions $52 a year. Writers' opinions are not necessarily those of The Senior Voice. EDITORIAL OFFICE: (970) 227-2722 wolf@theseniorvoice.net wolf.lambdin@gmail.com www.theseniorvoice.net Design Production by Ellen Bryant Design ellenbryantdesign@gmail.com © Copyright 2025 The Senior Voice No material may be reproduced by any means without permission of the Senior Voice. William and Peggy Lambdin Founders, 1980 Online at www.theseniorvoice.net People who inherit one very rare gene mutation are virtually guaran- teed to develop Alzheimer's before they turn 50. Except for Doug Whitney. "I'm 75 years old, and I think I'm functioning fairly well," says Whit- ney, who lives near Seattle. "I'm still not showing any of the symptoms of Alzheimer's." Now a team of scientists is try- ing to understand how Whitney's brain has defied his genetic destiny. "If we are able to learn what is causing the protection here, then we could translate that to therapeutic ap- proaches and apply that to the more common forms of the disease," says Dr. Jorge Llibre-Guerra, an assistant professor of neurology at Washing- ton University School of Medicine in St. Louis. One possibility is high levels of heat shock proteins found in Whit- ney's brain, the team reports in the journal Nature Medicine. There are hints that these pro- teins can prevent the spread of a tox- ic protein that is one of the hallmarks of Alzheimer's, Llibre-Guerra says. A genetic surprise Early-onset Alzheimer's is ev- erywhere in Whitney's family. His mother and 11 of her 13 sib- lings all had the disease by about age 50. "None of them lasted past 60," Whitney says. Whitney's wife, Ione, saw this up close. "We went home for Thanksgiv- ing, and his mom couldn't remember the pumpkin pie recipe," she says. "A year later when we went back, she was already wandering off and not finding her way back home." The affected family members all carried a mutated version of a gene called presenilin 2. The variant caus- es a person's brain to accumulate beta amyloid and phosphorylated tau pro- teins, the hallmarks of Alzheimer's. When Whitney turned 60 and still had no symptoms, he assumed he didn't have the mutation. But he wanted to help others. So he volun- teered for a study of families with early Alzheimer's. "I submitted my blood samples and to my great surprise, it came Ione and Doug Whitney, February, 2025. WashU Medicine back positive for the Alzheimer's gene," Whitney says. "It was quite a shock." It was also a shock for scientists. Whitney was only the third person known to have escaped the effects of a presenilin mutation. The first two came from a group in Colombia with mutations to the presenilin 1 gene. Whitney is the only person known to have resisted a mutation in the presenilin 2 gene, which is found on a different chro- mosome. All three had lots of beta-amy- loid in their brains. But surprisingly, they didn't have much phosphorylat- ed tau. This form of tau is a misfolded protein that tends to appear in one brain area, then spread. But in Whit- ney's brain, tau was confined to a small area involved in visual percep- tion. "One key element of the dis- ease is having the tau protein spread through the brain," Llibre-Guerra says. "That was not happening." The scientists set about trying to understand why. They don't have a definitive an- swer yet. But they are intrigued by the high levels of heat shock proteins in Whitney's brain. These proteins help protect brain cells from high temperatures and other forms of stress. They also seem to prevent healthy tau from misfold- ing into the toxic, phosphorylated form associated with Alzheimer's. "It may be the case that those proteins are preventing more tau to be misfolded, and then spread through the brain," Llibre-Guerra says. Protection from hot work? Scientists told Whitney that the high levels of heat shock proteins in his brain might be the result of his life experience. "I spent 20 years in the Navy, most of it in the hot spots, like the engine rooms of ships—110 degrees is nothing on a ship," he says. That environment may have caused an increase in heat shock pro- teins, which were able to limit the spread of tau and prevent the onset of Alzheimer's. The scientists studying Whitney aren't sure if that's all, or even part, of the explanation. But they are hop- ing that the paper on Whitney will encourage other researchers to look for answers. In the meantime, Whitney plans to continue making his brain and body available to scientists. Later this year, he will return to Washing- ton University in St. Louis, where he has undergone repeated brain scans, blood draws, lumbar punctures, and even provided a sample of bone mar- row. Whitney's hope is that scientists will learn something that helps pro- tect other brains from Alzheimer's. "I would love to see that happen," he says, "while I'm still around." FIGHTING BACK AGAINST GENETICSMarch 2025 • The Senior Voice • 3 HowCanWeHelp? 50+BrainandBodyFitness FREECONSULTATION,ASSESMENT,ANDSESSION Freedom,Independence,Confidence 4206SCollege Unit108 FortCollins,CO 970-803-2710 email-kirk@fit-rx.net www.fit-rx.net Scheduleyourfreeconsultationtoday!www.fit-rx.net EVERYONECanFightPhysical andCognitiveDecline Ourmatureyearsarethetimetoenjoygrandkids,hobbies, travelandservingothers.Weneedtohavethephysicaland cognitivehealthtodoit!! 1:1PersonalTraining BrainGym Ourgroupprogramcan helpkeepyourbrainsharp tocontinuelivingyourbest life! Privateenvironment, experiencedtrainers,and individualizedprogrammingfor optimalresults! MemorySlipping? Troublelearningnewskills? Worriedaboutcognitive decline? Areyoulosing: Strength Power Balance Confidence4 • The Senior Voice • March 2025 Health & Wellness Providing the Ultimate Care in Dermatology General and Cosmetic-Enhancing Dermatology Mohs Surgery (970) 667-3116 • IdealDermatology.com Fort Collins • Loveland • Windsor • Sterling • Boulder Dermatology Kevin Mott, M.D. David Seitz, PA-C Kathryn L. Olsen, PA-C Meredith Williams, PA-C Nichole Hart, MSN, FNP-BC Michaela Sullivan, PA-C COMMON VITAMIN DEFICIENCIES—AND HOW TO FIX THEM As we age, our bodies become less efficient at absorbing essential vitamins and minerals, leading to deficiencies that can impact overall health. From bone strength to brain function, missing key nutrients can contribute to fatigue, weakened im- munity, and even serious conditions like osteoporosis. The good news? Most deficiencies can be correct- ed through diet and supplements. Here’s a look at the most common vitamin deficiencies among older adults—and how to address them. Vitamin D: The Sunshine Defi- ciency Dubbed the “sunshine vitamin,” Vitamin D plays a crucial role in cal- cium absorption and immune func- tion. However, many people, espe- cially those who spend most of their time indoors, aren't getting enough. A lack of vitamin D can lead to bone weakness and an increased risk of fractures. Experts recommend getting 15 to 30 minutes of sunlight exposure daily and incorporating vitamin D-rich foods like fatty fish, fortified dairy products, and egg yolks. In cases of severe deficiency, supple- ments of 800 to 2,000 IU per day may be necessary. Vitamin B12: Essential for Energy and Brain Function Vitamin B12 is crucial for nerve function and red blood cell produc- tion. A deficiency can cause fatigue, memory problems, and even nerve damage. Since the body’s ability to absorb B12 decreases with age, old- er adults are at a higher risk. To maintain adequate levels, doctors suggest consuming more B12-rich foods, including meat, fish, eggs, and dairy. For those following a plant-based diet, fortified cereals or supplements may be the best op- tion. Calcium: The Key to Strong Bones Calcium is vital for maintaining bone density, and a deficiency can contribute to osteoporosis and in- crease the risk of fractures. Dairy products such as milk, yo- gurt, and cheese are excellent sourc- es, but leafy greens like kale and broccoli also provide calcium. For those who don’t consume enough through food, supplements can help—most older adults need about 1,200 mg daily. Magnesium: The Overlooked Mineral Magnesium supports muscle and nerve function, helps regulate blood sugar, and contributes to bone health. A deficiency can lead to mus- cle cramps, fatigue, and even heart rhythm issues. Experts recommend eating more nuts, seeds, whole grains, and leafy greens while cutting back on pro- cessed foods and alcohol, which can deplete magnesium levels. Some in- dividuals may benefit from a daily supplement of 320–420 mg. Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Supporting Brain and Heart Health Though not a vitamin, omega-3 fatty acids are essential for brain function and heart health. A defi- ciency may contribute to cognitive decline and increased heart disease risk. Doctors suggest incorporating fatty fish like salmon and sardines into meals or adding plant-based sources such as flaxseeds and wal- nuts. For those who don’t consume enough omega-3-rich foods, fish oil or algae-based supplements can help. Aging Well Through Nutrition While aging comes with nutri- tional challenges, maintaining a bal- anced diet and considering supple- ments can help prevent deficiencies. Experts recommend regular check- ups and blood tests to monitor nu- trient levels. For older adults, staying proac- tive about nutrition isn’t just about preventing illness—it’s about main- taining energy, strength, and quality of life.March 2025 • The Senior Voice • 5 Recreation Smile with Confidence Again FREE Consultation and CT Scan ($425 value) Full mouth dental implants •New smile in one day •One doctor, one location •No impressions and same day 3d printing •Interest free and fl exible payment plans Trusted, Local Dental Implant Expert for 30 Years. Schedule a FREE Consultation Today! (970) 669-3918 | AdvancedImplantSmiles.com | 2641 Abarr Drive, Loveland BEFOREAFTER Submitted by: Stan Harbour; CSSA Commissioner The Colorado Senior Softball Association (CSSA) Board of Direc- tors is preparing for the 2025 senior softball season. Tentative plans call for regular scheduled games to start in late April. CSSA is a nonprofit organiza- tion that organizes and manages a softball league as a means for rec- reation and exercise for senior cit- izens, 50 years of age and above. The league is managed by a Board of Directors made up of members from the Recreation Centers and from the ranks of players who volunteer their time. Teams play through the nu- merous recreation and senior centers throughout the front-range area, with teams participating as far south as Castle Rock, as far north as Greeley and Longmont, west to Boulder and east to Aurora. Teams are divided into divisions based on competitive level and schedules are developed. Games are played in the regular season schedule that runs from late April through August, and then end- of-season tournaments played in late August. The league has their regular senior teams (50 years of age and above) playing double-headers on Wednesday mornings, and the 70’s teams (70 years of age and above) playing double-headers on Monday mornings. Many players play on both a regular team and a 70’s team. In 2024, there were thirty two regu- lar teams and twenty 70’s teams who participated. Men and women play on a number of the teams. Many teams are looking for new players to play in the 2025 season. More information can be found by calling your local recreation or senior center, by checking the CSSA website at www.coloradoseniorsoft- ball.com, by calling the CSSA Com- missioner, Stan Harbour, at 303- 721-8037 (Home) or 303-478-0695 (Cell), or by sending an e-mail to stanharbour@comcast.net. COLORADO SENIOR SOFTBALL READIES FOR 2025 SEASON6 • The Senior Voice • March 2025 Area History By Lois Hall The Indian Peaks Wilderness Area west of Longmont and Boulder has some interesting stories associ- ated with it. Many of the peaks were named for Indian tribes or chiefs— such as 12,000-foot Satanta Peak. Satanta was a Kiowa warrior born about 1830. He was both re- spected and feared by U.S. caval- ry soldiers during the Indian Wars of the 1800s. Army officers liked to visit Satanta’s camp because he served excellent food and told amus- ing stories. But as hostilities increased, Sa- tanta chose to fight for his people and their land. He became involved in numerous skirmishes, and the army considered him a capable foe. Kit Carson captured Satanta, and the army imprisoned him in an attempt to subdue the Kiowas. That didn’t work, and he was released af- ter two years. That imprisonment changed Sa- tanta. He was no longer the jovial chief soldiers had known earlier. He became a bitter enemy of the whites and frequently attacked their settle- ments. General Sherman managed to capture him and sent him to a prison in Huntsville, Texas. Sherman made the muscular, six-foot Satanta ride a short pony and tied his feet together under the pony’s belly. It was a hu- miliating scene when he arrived in Texas. But one eyewitness recalled that Satanta was impressive even then: “His muscles stood out on his gi- gantic frame like knots of whipcord. And his form, proud and erect in the saddle. His perfectly immobile face and his motionless body gave him the appearance of great strength.” Three years in the Texas prison were too much for Satanta. His spirit longed to return to the freedom of the mountains and high plains. One day in 1878, he chanted the Kiowa death song, lifted his arms to his ancient gods, and plunged to his death from the upper story of the prison. The high mountain in Col- orado’s Indian Peaks recalls this chief—and may perhaps give his spirit rest. SATANTA PEAK INDIAN PEAKS WILDERNESS AREA Kiowa Chief SatantaMarch 2025 • The Senior Voice • 7 Home Matters Tired of phone calls and letters offering to help with Medicare when they are really trying to sell you something? The State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) office for Northern Colorado is the only place staffed by Medicare experts who aren’t selling. We offer Medicare 101 classes, one-on-one counseling sessions, assistance during open enrollment and, new this year, a class on how to review your own Medicare options during open enrollment. Call 970.495.8558 for schedules and additional information. MEDICARE MADE EASY DECLUTTERING & DOWNSIZING: What to Keep, What to Let Go Over the years, we collect a life- time of belongings—some useful, some sentimental, and some simply taking up space. Whether you’re preparing to downsize your home or just want to create a more organized, stress-free living environment, de- cluttering can be both a practical and emotional process. A clutter-free home is easier to maintain, safer to navigate, and allows you to focus on what truly matters. Decluttering an entire home can feel overwhelming, so start small. Choose one room, closet, or drawer and focus on that area before mov- ing on to the next. Use the “keep, donate, discard” method to make de- cisions easier. If you’re planning to downsize to a smaller home, be real- istic about what will fit in your new space. Measure furniture in advance and determine which pieces are truly necessary. Many of us hold onto things out of obligation—gifts we never used, clothes that no longer fit, or outdated paperwork. But keeping items out of guilt only adds to clutter and stress. Remind yourself that donating or discarding something doesn’t mean you don’t appreciate it; it just means you’re prioritizing your well-being and living space. For valuable or sentimental items you no longer need, consider selling, donating, or gifting them to someone who will truly use and en- joy them. Many charities and orga- nizations offer free donation pickups for furniture and household goods, making the process even easier. If you’re moving to a smaller home, downsizing can feel daunt- ing. A good strategy is to start early and work gradually. Sorting through years of belongings is easier when you’re not rushed. Look for multi- A good rule of thumb is to ask yourself: Have I used this in the past year? Does it add value to my life? If the answer is no, it may be time to let it go. When deciding what to keep, fo- cus on items that serve a purpose or bring genuine joy. Sentimental be- longings, such as family heirlooms, old letters, or childhood memorabil- ia, can be the hardest to part with. Instead of keeping everything, select a few meaningful pieces and consid- er digitizing photos, documents, or memorabilia to preserve memories without taking up physical space. Another helpful trick is to give heirlooms to loved ones now rath- er than later. Passing down special items while you’re still around al- lows you to share their stories and see them appreciated. functional furniture and smart stor- age solutions to maximize your new space. Consider the benefits: A small- er home means lower maintenance, fewer expenses, and less clutter, al- lowing you to spend more time on what matters most—traveling, hob- bies, or quality time with family and friends. Decluttering and downsizing can lead to a sense of relief and freedom. With fewer things to maintain, clean, and organize, you’ll have more time and energy for the things that truly bring you joy. Letting go of clutter isn’t about erasing the past—it’s about creating space for a vibrant, fulfilling future. Start today and embrace the freedom of living with less!8 • The Senior Voice • March 2025 7670 5TH STREET WELLINGTON, CO Money Talks Gem & Mineral Show Friday March 28 4pm-8pm Saturday March 29 9am-6pm Sunday March 30 10am-4pm www.fortcollinsrockhounds.org Thomas M. McKee 4-H, Youth & Community Building, Larimer County Fairgrounds 392 Exit 262 Exit 259 Exit 257 To Windsor To LovelandTo Greeley Cty Rd 3 CR 5 To Fort Collins To Denver To Windsor Fairgrounds Ave. Centerra pkwy The Ranch/ McKee Bldg. Crossroads Blvd. Centerra N 34 Admission: Adults (18+): $4 daily or $7 for 3-day pass Students (12-18 yrs) with ID: $1 Children under 12 FREE with adult ENTER HERE HIGH INTEREST SAVINGS ACCOUNTS: A Smart Way to Grow Your Money A high-interest savings account is one of the safest and easiest ways to grow your money while keeping it accessible. Unlike traditional sav- ings accounts, these accounts offer significantly higher interest rates, allowing your savings to accumulate faster over time. The main benefit of a high-in- terest savings account is the ability to earn more on your deposits with- out taking risks. Unlike investing in stocks or real estate, your money re- mains secure while steadily growing through compound interest. Many banks and credit unions offer these accounts with little to no fees, making them an good choice for emergency funds, short-term savings goals, or simply earning more on idle cash. Before opening an account, compare interest rates, minimum balance requirements, and with- drawal restrictions. Some accounts offer promotional rates that drop after a few months, so look for ac- counts with consistently competitive rates. Also, check if there are lim- its on how often you can withdraw money without penalties. Online banks often offer the highest interest rates since they have lower overhead costs than tradition- al brick-and-mortar banks. Credit unions and fintech companies also provide competitive options. A high-interest savings account is a simple yet effective way to make your money work for you. By choosing the right account, you can maximize your savings while keep- ing your funds safe and accessible.March 2025 • The Senior Voice • 9 Meals Shelter More than.. ever before DONATE! FortCollinsRescueMission.org/MoreThan COLORADO CROSSWORDS by Tony Donovan COLORADO CROSSWORDS are created by longtime Loveland residents Tony and Peggy Donovan . 1 A 2 V 3 A 4 C 5 H 6 A 7 P 8 S 9 S 10 O 1 1 D 12 N I P 13 L O L L Y 14 P R E 15 B A T T 16 L E M O U N 17 T A I N 18 I S R 19 O A S E S 20 O R F A 21 T 22 T A I 23 L O R 24 R E T I L E 25 I Z O D 26 G 27 A 28 L A 29 A C I D 30 N I L S 31 I 32 N E N U M 33 I N E 34 M I N E R A L 35 T 36 O P W O M E N O 37 P 38 E 39 N 40 S 41 W 42 H I R 43 O A T S 44 S N A P 45 S U M M 46 I T 47 A 48 D A G I O 49 A M N O T 50 H 51 O 52 U S E 53 I L T 54 M A N I 55 T O U S P R 56 I N G S 57 U T E 58 A B C D E 59 F E U 60 S H Y 61 C O H A N 62 U S N 1234567891011 121314 151617 18192021 222324 2526272829 30313233 34 353637383940 41424344 45464748 4950515253 545556 575859 606162 READ The Senior Voice ONLINE AT: www.TheSeniorVoice.net CALL The Senior Voice at 970-227-2722 ACROSS 1 Gardner of films 4 Blokes, guys 9 Lands 12 " _____ in the bud." (curtail, stop) 13 Hard candy across the pond 14 Prefix used with "historic" or "pay" 15 Paved road leading to Minturn: _____ _____ Pass 18 Its flag's colors are blue and white (abbr.) 19 Resting spots in the desert 20 "He was of medium build, neither thin ___ _____." 22 LaCarre best seller, "Tinker, _____, Soldier, Spy" 24 Give the bathroom floor a fresh look 25 Sportswear retailer, _____ 26 Big social event 29 Etching agent 30 Colorado state motto, _____ _____ _____ 34 Second least populated county in Colorado. 35 Betsy Rawls and Mickey Wright are the _____ _____ _____ champions. 41 This sound might alert you to the presence of a hummingbird. 43 These might be wild for some teens 44 Plantings for an early garden, _____ peas 45 Colorado county noted for snow and skiing 47 Music characterized by its slow tempo 49 "Don't look at me, I _____ _____ responsible." 50 Domicile 53 Instructor-led Training, briefly 54 El Paso County town named for Arapahoe water sprite 57 Ouray and his wife Chipeta were of this tribe 58 First five of twenty-six 59 French word for fire 60 Reserved, not bold 61 George M. ____ was the Yankee Doodle Man of music 62 Initials on a military button DOWN 1 Peoples who created the culture of Mesa Verde 2 Descriptive of the past election discourse 3 Appropriate, fitting 4 Gold first discovered here (1859) near present day Idaho Springs: _____ Creek 5 City in Western Syria near the Mediterranean Sea 6 _____ vera - succulent plant with medicinal value 7 In addition to 8 Word which could be used in place of another (abbr.) 9 Type of existence or life which shows indifference to pain 10 Bodily opening such as an ear or nostril 11 Famous park in Alaska 15 Took a bite or sampled (2 wds.) 16 British banyo 17 Final one of three in a quick game 21 "Splendid sprinter" of 40s and 50s baseball, _____ Williams 23 Letters on a Mormon Temple 24 _____ noodles 26 Italian seaport 27 "A fire truck answered the call and _____ _____ _____ _____ helped him with his injury." 28 Angler's aids 31 Mischievous child 32 Boulder and Longmont neighbor 33 International Labor Organization in a text 35 Larimer County town name taken from the Bible 36 After watching some parachutists, I remarked, "I wouldn't do that for love _____ _____." 37 Prostate gland exam is used to determine _____ _____ _____ levels. 38 "Gentlemen, start your _____." 39 Home builder's "weapon" of choice 40 These might be "tight" or "night" 46 Windows Subsystem for Android (to a texter) 47 Common Middle East dip made from cooked chick peas, lemon juice and garlic. 46 Judas' question at the Last Supper: "Is ___ ___ Lord?" 47 Pitkin County town whose wealth went from silver to skiing and tourism. 48 "Heil to _____ Fuhrer" (Early 1940s German greeting) 50 He was depicted in early comics as having his belongings tied on a large stick. 51 Moment of pain 52 Brand put on a steer 55 It preceded # 17 downin famous trio 56 International Firefighters Union, in briefNext >