Dementia Awareness

Quote of the Day: 

Walk to End Alzheimer's is the nation's largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer care, support and research. Since 1989, this all age, all-ability walk has mobilized millions to join the fight against Alzheimer's disease, raising more than $347 million for the cause. Events are held annually in the fall in nearly 600 communities nationwide. from www.alz.org.

 

I have become involved in a local group called Lakes Area Memory Awareness Advocates (LAMAA). I have always been interested in the brain, how it works, how we learn, why some things seem to "click" while others never soak in.  I wonder why some people have a strong ability in maths and sciences, while others of us are strong in the arts.  Ever since Ronad Reagan announced his diagnosis with Alzheimer's in 1994, I've had an interest in this disease.

The LAMAA group was formed in our area through Alzheimer's Association and some people directly affected by the disease. Their goal is to be a place where people can go for information on Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia. They are a local resource for what we have to offer in our area for care and diagnosis, support groups and education. A few of them were speaking at the library earlier this year. I attended their presentation and asked if I could do a story on this topic for our local women's magazine, Her Voice.

I ended up joining this group and have started a blog for them.  The story I wrote on Alzheimer's will be in the November issue of Her Voice. I'll be sharing the link when it's available.

If you or someone you know is experiencing the difficult diagnosis of Alzheimer's or dementia, this blog is here for you. If you live in the Brainerd lakes area of Minnesota, we offer some resources for you, and the LAMAA group would love to speak to your group or organization.  This disease affects everyone in a community.

LAMAA blog and email.

 

Brainerd area Walk to End Alzheimer's link. The walk will be Saturday, Sept. 24, starting at 9:00 at the Kiwanis Park in Brainerd.

Go. Create. Inspire!

Journaling Prompt:  Do you ever struggle with how much to volunteer or give away of your time and talents? What causes get you up and walking?