Memory Walk

This next Sunday is the Alzheimer's Association Memory Walk in Eugene, Oregon. It seems at this time we have walks for many medical conditions. So, you may ask "if everyone is walking and raising money, where does the money go?" As a member of the education committee I can tell you some of it goes into education and support. Families who have no where to turn have found refuge in the guiding and practical wisdom of the organization. Questions are answered, friendships and support buddies are made. Hope is restored. Not hope for a cure but hope for guidance.

We all know there are families needing the same assistance but don't know where to turn. Through conferences and special educational events we are hoping to find them.

The Alzheimer's Association is not just for Alzheimer's it is also a support for folks with related dementias. If you have a friend or loved one who is showing signs of memory impairment schedule a physician's visit immediately. You, in the blink of an eye have just assumed a role. It is called a patient advocate. Seek out the Alzheimer's Association and educate yourself, familiarize yourself with the disease process and most of all advocate, advocate, advocate. Push the doctors for more time during visits, seek out a geriatric specialist who knows this subject well, question and inform yourself. I would caution you about spending hours on the internet. Seek information about the disease so you can ask pertinent questions. Do not use the internet to second guess the medical professionals. Too many times a family member will take a snipet from the internet and use that to have the physician change medications around. In two weeks the same thing happens etc. This is a major issue and can cause significant harm to the individual. Invite other friends and family members to assist you. The beginning phases are difficult but the road will just get more complicated and hard. You will need a good support system.