Pictured: Marty
Patchen, Byesville Rotary, and Teresa Depp, Family Service Coordinator,
Alzheimer’s Association.
Reading for June 11, 2913 meeting: June Rotarian, "President's Message," p. 1; "world roundup," p. 14.
Theresa Depp, Family
Service Coordinator from the Greater East Ohio Area
Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, presented an overview of the diseases that many people label Alzheimer’s. She explained that the Alzheimer’s Association is the only national, non-profit, voluntary organization that is dedicated to conquering Alzheimer’s disease.
Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, presented an overview of the diseases that many people label Alzheimer’s. She explained that the Alzheimer’s Association is the only national, non-profit, voluntary organization that is dedicated to conquering Alzheimer’s disease.
Depp explained that
there are several different types of dementia including reversible dementia, frontal-temporal
dementia, and dementia with Lewy bodies. The2nd most common type is vascular
dementia which is caused by reduction of blood flow to the brain such as damage
caused by a stroke.
The most common form
of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease which is a progressive, degenerative disease
which attacks the brain. At present there is no cure. Five million Americans
are dealing with some form of the disease. That works out to about 1 in 4
senior citizens and their families who are trying to cope with the devastating
effects of the disease.
Depp’s message to
people affected by Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia is. “You are not
alone. Support is out there.” The
Alzheimer’s Association provides a 24/7 help line (1-800-272-3900) which
provides telephone assistance on a 1 to one basis. The Association sponsors a
Caregiver support Group that meets at the Guernsey County Senior Center in
Cambridge on the 2nd Tuesday of the month. First time attendees
should call 1-800-272-3900 to verify the time and date.
In July, “Living with
Alzheimer’s”—an interactive program for people in the early stages of memory
loss and their care –will be held in Cambridge. The program will include a
discussion of what Alzheimer’s patients need to know and what type of planning they
need to do. Meetings will be held once a
month for a total of 5 educational sessions.
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