We all, at times, feel or sometimes even say “I think I’m getting Alzheimer’s.”

We relate the disease to forgetting where we put the keys, or “that senior moment.” Really it’s not about forgetting where you put your keys it more about forgetting what your keys are for.

For the first time in 27 years, clinical diagnostic criteria for Alzheimer’s disease dementia have been revised, and research guidelines for earlier stages of the disease have been characterized to reflect a deeper understanding of the disorder.

The guidelines released April of 2011 cover the disease from pre-Alzheimer’s and across its many gradually changes over many years.

The original criteria were the first to address the disease and described only later stages, when symptoms of dementia are already evident.

The updated guidelines announced today cover the full spectrum of the disease as it changes over years. They describe the earliest preclinical stages of the disease, mild cognitive impairment, and dementia due to Alzheimer’s pathology. Importantly, the guidelines now address the use of imaging and biomarkers in blood and spinal fluid that may help determine whether changes in the brain and those in body fluids are due to Alzheimer’s disease.

Biomarkers are increasingly employed in the research setting to detect onset of the disease and to track progression, but cannot yet be used routinely in clinical diagnosis without further testing and validation.

If you know someone or you are caring for someone with Alzheimer’s, Thursday is our caregiver support group at the senior center. You are invited to come.

We look forward to seeing you there and you know your always welcome at the Senior Center. See you soon.

Upcoming Events

Monday: Blood pressure check 9 to 11 a.m.; cards, 12:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Get up and Get started Exercise with Evie Anderson, 9 a.m.; Computer Class, 9:30 a.m.; cards and Duplicate Bridge, 12:30 p.m.

Wednesday: Wood Carving Club, 8:30 a.m.; Tai Chi Classes, 9:30 a.m.; Pinochle, Cribbage Tournament and Duplicate Bridge, 12:30 p.m.; Stitching Bee’s, 1 p.m.; open chess, 1 p.m.

Thursday: Get up and Get started Exercise with Evie, 9 a.m.; Caregivers Support Group, 10:30 a.m.; Cards 12:30 p.m.; Bingo, 1 p.m.; open chess, 1 p.m.

Friday: Tai Chi 9:30 a.m.; cards, 12:30 p.m.

Weekly Card Results

Monday Bridge

Tournament result for May 2, three tables

1st Russ Vaale, 2nd Joanne Maxfield, 3rd Betty Jorgenson, 4th Loretta Nelson, 5th Mabel Vaale.

Tuesday Bridge

Tournament result for May 3, five tables

1st Bud Higgins, 1st Jim Fisher; 2nd Russ Vaale, 2nd Mable Vaale; 3rd Gene Muchow, 3rd Ron Peter; 4th Joan Bachynsky, 4th Dick Titus, 4th Dick Hansen, 4th Larry Crowe.

Friday Bridge

Tournament result for May 6, three tables

1st Arnie Lang, 2nd Shirley Knowlton, 3rd Mary Johnsen, 4th Quenton Fiala, 5th Ella Rouhoff.

Friday Cribbage

Tournament result for May 6, two tables

1st Elaine Reynolds, 2nd Loretta Prantner.

Weekly Cribbage

Tournament result for May 4, two and three-fourths tables

1st Barb Dickman (perfect score); 2nd Hilton Henschen, 3rd Loretta Pranter

Tues. Afternoon “500”

Tournament results for May 3, four tables

1st Elaine Reynolds, 2nd Beulah Luthe, 3rd Wayne Chilson, 4th Gene Rauen

Weekly 500

Tournament result for May 6, two tables

1st Wayne Chilson, 2nd Ann Voeltz.

Semcac Daily Meals

Monday: Taco casserole

Tuesday: Meatballs

Wednesday: Turkey/

ham/cheese on lettuce

Thursday: Chicken ala King

Friday: Beef pot roast