Educational Conference

Every year the Alzheimer's Association holds an educational conference. I attended my first conference last year and was very impressed with the speakers, volunteers and the overall enthusiasm and sense of community. The day was a huge success. You know when you can cry and laugh in the same day and come away with a sense of hope - it was a good conference.

The Alzheimer's Memory Walk was held last year on October 12th. The day was so warm and beautiful. A day for remembrance and prayers, to come together and walk. Will the money raised help you ask? For a cure - I would say maybe not. For support and educational programs - most surely. I am not a pessimist but I unfortunately believe if there is a cure for the disease right behind it is another disease. Ever since I was old enough to remember I can recall folks who had what we called "senility". Was this actually Alzheimer's back then? I would suspect it probably was in many cases. The difference is that the disease and it's symptoms has now reached the 21st century. It has many faces; Ronald Reagan, Charlton Heston, grandparents, maybe a spouse or the neighbor nextdoor. No one is immune. The experts always say people need to do cognitive exercises, keep learning, eat right, exercise and get rest etc. I have known brilliant folks who eat organic produce and exercise but still have acquired the disease. Of course the argument is they probably would have shown signs sooner if they had not done those things. In any event I believe it is in numbers we can support each other. Coming together on a warm, fall day demonstrates our desire to lend a hand, to lift someone up who needs support and at the same time to lend a shoulder.

Eugene Alzheimer's Educational Committee in Action

I am fortunate to be on the educational committee for the Eugene Alzheimer's Association. I have not been as involved until this past year as I would have liked. Work, family and life were filling up my days. I had all I could do to keep my head above water. Now my life has gotten into a predictable routine and I am able to give some time. I am always amazed how a group of individuals can start with an idea and through meetings and conversations, planning and hard work see it turn into a fantastic event. We are in the planning stages of the Annual Alzheimer's Conference. Last year I was floored by the wonderful speakers and the community support. This year will be bigger and better! I believe alone trying to navigate the unknown waters of Alzheimer's Disease a family member is struck with despair. Reaching out to someone in your family, your life, your neighborhood, even the grocery store or at church just to let someone know they are not alone is so important. We are strong as a group and can support each other.