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Central Texas Ataxia Support Group

A supportive and resourceful outlet for Ataxians, their family and friends! We are located in the Austin area and welcome anyone in the surrounding Hill Country, all of Central Texas and from anywhere else throughout Texas. Even if you are just passing through, we'd love to have you.

January 3, 2012

Discuss the importance of pre-planning tissue donation as there is a bit of paperwork involved. Also discussed decorating ideas for the National Ataxia Foundation 2012 Annual Membership Meeting in San Antonio, TX.

November 3, 2011

Get Acquainted

September 3, 2011

Discuss 3rd Annual Central Texas Walk n' Roll & 2012 Annual Membership Meeting

May 7, 2011

Guest Speaker: Dr. Thomas J. Culleton, D.C., D.A.C.N.B. Board Certified Chiropractic Neurologist joined us to talk about how the Cerebellum affects our immune system, and is the most Oxygen sensitive part of the brain. He also discussed "Gluten Ataxia". You may visit www.WhyAmISuffering.org for more information. We hope to have him as a guest speaker at our upcoming 2012 Annual Membership Meeting in San Antonio, TX.

March 5, 2011

Member Updates. Discussed 2 medications: Memantine HCl (Brand Name: Namenda) more commonly used in Alzheimer's patients for memory Amantadine HCl (Brand Name: Symadine, Symmetrel) more commonly used in Parkinson's patients for shakes / tremors

January 8, 2011

Had a new member who's mom has OPCA and lives in Tahoe, while he lives in Austin. Talked again about the Annual Membership Meeting (AMM), the raffle, suggestions for other fundraising, such as BBQ/chili cook-off, etc. Talked about Government programs, Medicaid Waiver Programs, and other places for assistance. Also talked about what type of aides help each person.

November 6, 2010

Discussed the results of the 2010 International Ataxia Awareness Day (IAAD). Mentioned the Loss of Aaron Kittle. Had a guest, Jimmy Meyers from the Houston area who is on the 2012 Annual Membership Meeting (AMM) planning committee. He comes from a family of SCA 1. We talked about AMM, theme options, raffle options, and briefly talked about additional responsibilities as time grows closer to 2012. Vendors, etc.

September 4, 2010

Discussed 2010 International Ataxia Awareness Day (IAAD).

August 14, 2010

Extra meeting called to discuss the 2010 International Ataxia Awareness Day (IAAD).

June 26, 2010

Discussed Walk n' Roll and set up additional meeting for August 14th

May 1, 2010

Discussed 2012 Annual Membership Meeting (AMM) very briefly Discussed letter writing campaign Received official recognition from the National Ataxia Foundation (NAF) for 1st Walk n Roll (2009) Discussed upcoming 2010 Walk n' Roll

March 6, 2010

Speaker Stacy Fisher, Nutritionist Choosing food wisely, some food allergies or intolerance can bring on Ataxia symptoms or neuro problems. How swallowing issues can lead to weight loss/mal-nutrition Overweight can cause balance issues. Per National Ataxia Foundation (NAF): exercise, 30 minutes 4 times a week moving around is as important as what you put on your plate.

January 2, 2010

Talked about Fatigue/exercise. Physical Therapy to maintain muscles as long as possible. MDA supports FA. Has walk in San Antonio and Austin in February. Using a Dynavox or other communication device. Discussed any trauma triggering the ataxia to either appear or worsen. The benefit of using a Lightgait or standing frame.

November 7, 2009

Discussed Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) Therapy. Have a couple who want to have a baby, and are considering this. Here is the link to who does it: www.genesisgenetics.org Discussed Stem cell. Not endorsed in US as of yet. Discussed possibility of Deep Brain Stimulation Discussed importance of exercise. Get acquainted day.