Since its founding in 1980, the Alzheimer's Association has been the leader in making the fight against Alzheimer’s a national priority, a call that resonates during November, which is National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month.

After designating a National Alzheimer’s Disease Week in 1982, President Reagan helped to launch a national campaign against Alzheimer’s disease in 1983, calling members of the Alzheimer's Association to the White House for the signing of a proclamation declaring National Alzheimer’s Disease Month.

“The emotional, financial and social consequences of Alzheimer’s disease are so devastating that it deserves special attention,” Reagan said. Taking lead of the issue, he went on to advocate research as “the only hope for victims and families.” Reagan courageously announced his Alzheimer’s diagnosis to the public in November 1994 and passed away in 2004.

Alzheimer’s Association founder Jerome Stone led a group of family caregivers, Association volunteers and staff in the effort to bring attention to the cause on Capitol Hill.  That advocacy effort continues even stronger today with Association public policy staff and volunteers leading the call for increased government funding for critical Alzheimer research and support programs. 

In 1983 fewer than 2 million Americans had the disease; today, the number of individuals with Alzheimer’s has soared to as many as 5.3 million and is expected to grow to 16 million by 2050 unless something is done to slow or stop this devastating disease.

While there is much we don’t yet know about Alzheimer’s disease, tremendous progress is being made, laying the foundation for future breakthroughs in prevention, diagnosis and treatment.

Schedule of Events

For additional information on any of the following events, contact the Southwest Missouri Chapter Alzheimer’s Association at 1.800.272.3900 or click on the contact for each event.

Month Long Events - For the entire month of November Touch Restaurant and Flame Steakhouse will both be featuring their purple Flirtini.  Each Flirtini is $8.50 and $1 per drink goes to the Southwest Missouri Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association.  For more information contact Patricia Chapman at patricia.chapman@alz.org.

Uncle Lloyd’s Cookie Company will be featuring their blueberry lemon chocolate chip cookies and blueberry smoothies this month in honor of NADAM!  The Southwest Missouri Chapter will receive 15% of all blueberry products sold during November.      Uncle Lloyd’s Cookie Company - (417) 882-6654, 1653 E Sunshine St, Springfield, MO 65804-1325

 November 5, 2010 - Virtual Dementia Tour at CoxHealth - for information contact Annette West at 886-2199 or annette.west@alz.org       "Live 10 Minutes In Their World"   This is a hands-on sensitivity training that simulates dementia.  Participants' physical and sensory abilities are temporarily altered with props (gloves, headphones, etc.) and they are given simple tasks to perform to simulate changes associated with physical and cognitive impairments of aging.  The goal is help participants have a better understanding of the struggle that people with Alzheimer's disease face on a daily basis.  Cost is $15 per person or $50 for a family group of four. 

November 6, 2010 - Trail Ride in Plato, MO (Third Party Event) Come enjoy a trail ride and pig roast benefiting the Alzheimer’s Association.  The trial ride will take place at the Flat Iron Stables in Plato, MO.  This event starts at 10:00 a.m. and should last between 4 and 5 hours.  For information contact Patricia Chapman at patricia.chapman@alz.org

November 7, 2010 - Cash for Cakes - Purple Pancakes at Dancing Mule Coffee House, 1945 S Glenstone 8:00 am to Noon. Join us Sunday November 7th for $5 all you can eat pancakes at Dancing Mule Coffee. All proceeds from the pancakes go to the Alzheimer's Association. We play Johnny Cash while serving pancakes for a Great Cause. Dressing in Black is recommended but not required. For information contact Patricia Chapman at patricia.chapman@alz.org

November 8, 2010 - Memories in the Making Art Show at Panera Bread, 2924 E Sunshine 5:30 to 8:00.  Panera Bread is donating a portion of proceeds from sales during this time to the Alzheimer's Association - for information contact Angel King at angel.king@alz.org

November 9, 2010 - Virtual Dementia Tour at Ozarks Community Hospital - for information contact Annette West at 886-2199 or at annette.west@alz.org.     "Live 10 Minutes In Their World"    This is a hands-on sensitivity training that simulates dementia.  Participants' physical and sensory abilities are temporarily altered with props (gloves, headphones, etc.) and they are given simple tasks to perform to simulate changes associated with physical and cognitive impairments of aging.  The goal is help participants have a better understanding of the struggle that people with Alzheimer's disease face on a daily basis.  Cost is $15 per person or $50 for a family group of four.

November 20, 2010 - Poker Tournament (Third Party Event) - Contact – Tony Bencsek (98.7 the Jock & MO Poker Club)
Time:  Sign up starts at noon.  Event is from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.  
Place:  Denis’ Place, 921 W Sunshine St – across from Bass Pro
Cost:  $30 suggested donation.  You get extra chips with early registration as well as with an additional $10 donation.
For more information contact Patricia Chapman at patricia.chapman@alz.org