November: National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month

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Despite being relatively in contact with what is going on in the world of Alzheimer’s/dementia, I did not know until a few days ago that this month is National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month. This tells me that we defiantly need more publicity around this disease and I hope one day this month will be as recognizable as breast cancer awareness month.

So, in an effort to get more information to everyone, I have a few resources for you. There are links to these events below.

First of all, I live in the Cleveland area of Ohio so let me fill you in on what is going on here. If you drive downtown, you will notice that the top of the Terminal Tower is purple for Alzheimer’s awareness. Spread the word to your family and friends about what the color of the Terminal Tower means. Also, there is an event next Tuesday, November 9 called “A Nation Responds to the Alzheimer’s Crisis” which sounds like a great program highlighting what needs to be done to address the Alzheimer’s crisis, which I wrote about in a previous blog post.

For people who are in their 20’s and 30’s, there is an event on Thursday, December 9 at Shula’s 2 called “Party for a Purpose.” I think this is a wonderful idea because not only does it raise awareness, but it does it in a way that gets the younger generations involved. I am 31 and rarely meet people my age who have a parent with Alzheimer’s. Many people my age do not really know the details of this disease. Nor do they know that there are many things we can do now to delay the onset of dementia or even just keep our bodies and minds in the best shape possible so when we are older we do not have a multitude of health problems that make our last years or decades harder to handle. Events like this can help us care for ourselves and others better, and have compassion for people dealing with this disease.

"A Nation Responds to Alzheimer's" featuring Robert Egge, Vice President of Public Policy and Advocacy for the Alzheimer's Association Tuesday, November 9  at the Visiting Nurse Association Click here for more details and RSVP to Vicki at vicki.winner@alz.org or 216.231.1332.

Alzheimer’s Association Invites Clevelanders in their 20s & 30s to Party with Purpose Thursday, December 9 Shula’s 2 6200 Quarry Lane, Independence, 44131 Join other Clevelanders in their 20s and 30s in this swanky bar and restaurant for a festive night of appetizers, drinks and great conversation. Please bring an item to donate to a local Alzheimer’s facility. Your purposeful donations will make special holiday gifts to those in need. RSVP on Facebook or contact Sheryl Berman at sheryl.berman@alz.org or 216.231.1466.

There are other events coming up in our area throughout the year, such as the Memory Walk each October. I want to thank Sheryl Berman, the Special Events Coordinator for the Cleveland chapter of the Alzheimer's Association for giving me this information. I am sure she will keep me posted on what is going on and I will forward the information to you all.

For those of you not living in the Cleveland area, you can find out what your city is doing for National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month by visiting the Alzheimer’s Association homepage and entering in your zipcode.

Together we can raise awareness, look for a cure, and help care for one another.

Blessings,

Rev. Katie