2009 Spring Symposium: Enhancing Life at Every Stage of Alzheimer's

The Courage of One Sheds Light on Early-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease

People are still buzzing about the 2009 Spring Symposium, Enhancing Life at Every Stage of Alzheimer’s held on March 26 in Fort Worth.  This annual event drew the largest attendance in its history, boasting nearly 500 attendees.  The day was full of practical sessions dealing with many different aspects of Alzheimer’s disease.  Alzheimer research, early-onset Alzheimer’s and issues related to the daily care of persons with dementia were among the many topics covered.
 
The highlight of the day was the keynote session featuring Shelley Bluethmann and Kris Bakowski.  Ms. Bluethmann is the Director of Early Stage Initiatives for the national office of the Alzheimer’s Association.  Mrs. Kris Bakowski is a member of the Early Stage Advisory Committee at the Association’s national office, as well as a subject matter expert.  She is living with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease.  At the time of her diagnosis, Mrs. Bakowski was only 46 years old.

Their presentation highlighted findings from a series of town hall meetings conducted last year by the Alzheimer's Association throughout the country.  The Alzheimer's Association Town Hall Meetings provided a forum for individuals with early-stage Alzheimer's disease to voice their perspectives on the Alzheimer experience.  A few of the common themes that were uncovered include:

• The stigma of Alzheimer’s and its impact on relationships
• Dissatisfying interactions with the medical community
• Uncertainty about availability of support services
• Sources of major concern in daily life
• Desire to stay involved and make a difference

For a summary report on the nationwide town hall meetings, click here.

	Executive Director Theresa Hocker with Kris Bakowski (center) and Shelley Bluethmann (right), keynote speakers at this year's annual spring symposium.

Mrs. Bakowski wrapped up the presentation by sharing the story of her journey into Alzheimer’s and gave attendees a glimpse into how this disease has and is continuing to impact her daily life, stealing her memories and her ability to function unaided.  For most in the audience, it was difficult to believe that this articulate, stylish wife and mother speaking before them had Alzheimer’s.  Thanks to Mrs. Bakowski’s courage and openness, we are now able to better understand the emerging face of early-onset Alzheimer's disease.
Thanks go to our Presenting Sponsor - the Fraternal Order of Eagles and Fraternal Order of Eagles Auxiliary, Platinum Sponsor - Lexington Place, the Area Agency on Aging of Tarrant County and our many sponsors and exhibitors for their financial support.  Special thanks go to our speakers, volunteers and attendees for making this year’s Spring Symposium a success.

 

We wish to thank the following for their support of our 2009 Spring Symposium:

Presenting Sponsors:
Fraternal Order of Eagles and Fraternal Order of Eagles Auxiliary		Area Agency on Aging - Tarrant County
Platinum Sponsors:
Lexington Place
Gold Sponsors:
Medicaid Counseling Services Law Offices of Michele Audet, PC
Special Thanks to Texas Christian University for their administrative assistance!