The print version of the newsletter is available here.

In this edition:

• From the Executive Director
• "Visible Voices" Opens November 5 in Arlington Museum of Art
• Fall 2010 Caregiver Seminar in Waco and Arlington
• REACH program starting in Tarrant County
• TrialMatch Launches
• Take the Interactive Brain Tour
• Senior Mind Solutions in Weatherford
• 2011 "Steppin' Out for Memories" coming to Abilene
• "Thanks for the Memories" coming to Fort Worth in 2011
• Honor a loved one with a special Holiday Card

 

From the Executive Director

In late September, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) National Center for Health Statistics reported that Alzheimer’s disease has become the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States.  View the Top 10 Causes of Death List here.  The CDC estimates that 74,632 Americans died of Alzheimer's disease in 2007, the latest year for which statistics are available.  With the surge of baby boomers reaching the age of greatest risk, the cases of Alzheimer’s disease continue to grow.  Unless more effective medical interventions are found to slow down the progression of Alzheimer’s, untold numbers of families will have their lives torn apart by this mind-robbing disease.  Many reading this newsletter know the horror of Alzheimer’s disease only too well!

As the leading national nonprofit organization combating Alzheimer’s on both the scientific front and through the provision of education, information and supportive services, the work of the Alzheimer’s Association has never been more vital!  Serving a 40-county area, our North Central Texas Chapter is proud to be the local affiliate of the national Alzheimer’s Association.  The North Central Texas Chapter is a separate nonprofit organization, incorporated in Texas and governed by a board of directors who volunteer their time and service.  We are proud to have representatives on the board from across the substantial part of the state that we serve. 

This issue of the chapter newsletter is once again filled with information about the work of our chapter, particularly our education programs and supportive services.  We have welcomed two, and soon three, new staff members to our Fort Worth office in conjunction with our newest program, Resources for Enhancing Alzheimer’s Caregiver Health (REACH), made possible by funding from the United Way of Tarrant County.  Our new REACH staff, both licensed professional counselors, are already hard at work offering one-on-one support, education and guidance to caregivers facing the multitude of challenges that accompany the progression of their loved ones’ Alzheimer’s disease. 

"It's Spring!" by Peggy Autumn Leaves of Grapevine

Over two days in late October, we will reach hundreds of caregivers through our Fall Caregiver Seminar in Waco and Arlington, Improving Care through Understanding.  Our education calendar is filled with many additional learning opportunities about the disease, caregiving, brain health and other topics of particular interest to caregivers.  During November, the public will have the opportunity to view the creativity revealed through paintings by individuals with Alzheimer’s disease in our “Visible Voices:  Paintings by People with Memory Loss” exhibition at the Arlington Museum of Art.  The opening evening event is scheduled for Novembe 5 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.  This is a change from our printed newsletter. We are proud to have this opportunity to exhibit work from our Memories in the Making® art program.  TrialMatch is a new on-line clinical studies matching service to encourage volunteers to participate in clinical research trails.  Learn more about how you and your loved one may be able to contribute to research by participating in a clinical trial.

In addition to what you will read in this newsletter about the above topics, this website is updated regularly with information about local and national programs and much more!  Take the interactive tour of the brain and learn about the newest findings in research.  Also, be aware that our chapter coordinates a long list of family support groups throughout our service area.  Varied meetings times and locations offer many opportunities for anyone who would like to participate in a support group.  We even have a support group that meets over the phone!  You will find a complete list of our support groups here.

While the news from the CDC is disheartening about the impact of Alzheimer’s disease, I hope it helps to know how diligently the Alzheimer’s Association is working nationally and locally.  Nationally, we are the largest private funder of research and locally, we are the source of information and support for those coping with Alzheimer’s disease.  Come by or call any of our North Central Texas Chapter offices.  You may reach someone 24 hours a day over the phone at 1.800.272.3900 or use this link.

Please take full advantages of the services we have available at the North Central Texas Chapter.  And please, support any or all of our fund raising efforts if it is within your means to do so.  Click here to make a donation today.  We rely on your generosity and commitment to our mission.

Above all, know that we are here to help!
Theresa

 

Honor Someone Special this Holiday Season

This holiday season, honor special friends, co-workers or loved ones with a gift in their name to the Alzheimer's Association - North Central Texas Chapter.  This lovely acknowledgement card, designed just for the holidays, will be sent to those you honor with your contribution.  A minimum of $10 per honoree is requested.  You may contact the chapter at 817.336.4949 or 800.272.3900.