To the Editor,

Last year an anonymous donor gave funds to the Alzheimer’s Walk and Education Fair to relieve local caregivers. Offering “matching funds” this year, this same generous person wishes to continue the program through Alzheimers North Carolina (all funds stay in North Carolina) and through Mid-East Commission’s “Area Agency on Aging,” located here in Beaufort County. Over the year, these funds have helped caregivers who were virtually at their “wit’s end” taking care of their loved ones and having no break to regroup or spend a weekend with a spouse, children or friends. For those of us who have been caregivers, we know the importance of having even a short time to gain perspective and relief from the pressures of caregiving. Research verifies that the mental and physical health of a caregiver directly affects the care he or she can give to the loved one who has dementia.

There are several local resources for handling the stress of this disease. To learn about these resources, a caregiver can attend the Oct. 3 Alzheimer’s Walk and Education Fair that has twenty-two experts available to give free information. These experts are knowledgeable about legal issues, local nursing facilities and behavior issues. However, the Fair also includes ECU’s Wooten Laboratory doctors, specialists in neuroscience, physical therapy, toxicology and pharmacology, who can answer individual questions about their research on prevention and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. In addition, Walgreens will give flu shots (ID and insurance cards required), and Dave Jordan from WITN will emcee.

There is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease; therefore, caregivers must deal with the results of this disease. Many attendees last year walked in memory or honor of their loved ones, but walking is NOT required to receive the free materials and information from experts.

For our community’s sake, please encourage citizens to attend this event on Oct. 3, 9 a.m. to noon, at the Red Men’s Lodge on East Third Street here in Washington.

 

Emily Albera

Co-chair Alzheimer’s Walk

Washington