Grandmother of Dina Parise Honored with Race Car Name: Stella
Title: Meet Dina Parise, the Spicy Meatball: A Drag Racer with a Heart
Keeping it Real: Suddenly jumping from skates to drag racing tracks might sound absurd, but for Dina Parise, it was a natural progression fueled by her love for speed and adrenaline. Here's her incredible story! 🏎️
** Who is Dina Parise? **
Meet Dina Parise, a 54-year-old Atlanta-based racer with a unique car that can reach up to 245 mph! She's also a former professional figure skater, having worked for the Ice Capades. 🌟
The Ice Capades: Shining till the End
Back in the day, the Ice Capades was a popular variety show on ice that lasted for over 50 years. Dina got to work alongside stars like Dorothy Hamill, Tonya Harding, Scott Hamilton, and Elizabeth Manley, and she's still friends with some of them today! 🎉
Why Drag Racing?
Dina fell in love with drag racing when her husband, who built a car, took her to the track for the first time. She went to the Frank Hawley Drag Racing School and never looked back. Today, her car goes from zero to 6 seconds in the quarter mile! 😲
Facing the Genetic Gamble
Dina acknowledges the genetic aspect of age-related brain diseases, but she tries to stay active, eat well, exercise, and keep her brain sharp to minimize her risk. She encourages everyone to do the same, no matter their age. 🧠
Help Fight Cognitive Decline:
Take the memory test online to join the fight against Alzheimer's and other dementias. Your participation will bring us closer to a cure! Let's do this! 💪
My Grandmother's Story: Stella vs. Marie
When Dina's grandmother, Marie, started showing signs of dementia, the family discovered that her dreaded nickname "Stella" was actually her real name - Marie! Although Dina's grandma stopped talking during her dementia, Dina wishes she could have heard her story. 💔
How It All Started
Dina's dad's side of the family is well-known, but her mom never talked much about her side. Dina's grandma had three sisters—Millie, Anne, and Frances—who made a significant impact on her childhood. 👵
Memories of Grandma Before Dementia
Dina fondly remembers her weekends spent at her grandma's in the Bronx. They would do fun things like shopping, going to church, eating at Full Moon Pizzeria, and visiting the candy store. Unfortunately, one of the things she hated was the AR Curmudgeon, a creepy meat market mascot! 🐐
First Signs of Dementia
When Dina was 22, her grandma underwent a tumor removal operation. She seemed fine at first, but as time passed, Dina noticed changes and progressive dementia symptoms. One day, Connie, her grandma's friend, called to report an unusual incident involving watermelon rinds.:dizzy:
Searching for the Right Help
Finding reliable home health care aides wasn't easy. Dina had to be vigilant to ensure her grandmother was well taken care of, as some aides didn't meet her expectations. 🤔
In Loving Memory
Dina's grandma was strong and independent, even during her struggle with dementia. She eventually had to be placed in a memory care center, where Dina visited her every day. It was heartbreaking to see other residents who seemed forgotten by their families. But, as a therapy dog owner, Dina knew the power of canine companionship. 🐾
Advice for Alzheimer's Caregivers
Caring for someone with dementia can be challenging and isolating, but having a supportive network is essential. Don't be afraid to reach out and find resources, like our platform's blog, to help you along the way. 💖
Follow Dina's Adventures:
🏎️🔥💨🌟 @DinaParise on TikTok
For more information about dementia and the latest news on brain aging, stay tuned! 🧠💫
- Dina Parise, the 54-year-old Atlanta-based racer, shares a concern about precision aging and its link to age-related brain diseases in the health-and-wellness sector, encouraging everyone, regardless of age, to prioritize brain health.
- As a advocate for family health, Dina Parise reminisces about her time with her grandmother, who battled dementia, and encourages parents to stay involved in their elderly family members' care during their journey with mental-health conditions such as dementia.
- In the field of women's health, Dina Parise opens up about her personal encounter with menopause, emphasizing the importance of open discussions and awareness during this stage of life.
- Balancing her passion for sports and family-health concerns, Dina Parise emphasizes the significance of mental-health discussions within the sporting community, encouraging athletes to address and prioritize their mental well-being.
- Recognizing the stages and challenges of aging, Dina Parise underscores the importance of maintaining a healthy diet, regular exercise, and intellectual activities for both mental and physical well-being, setting a strong example for the health-and-wellness and aging communities.
