November 1, 2004

Governor Jennifer M. Granholm has declared November as Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month to address the need for information and assistance in dealing with this disease.

Alzheimer’s is a progressive and degenerative disease that attacks the brain and impairs memory, thinking and behavior, and eventually leads to incapacitation and death.

“Raising awareness of Alzheimer’s is critical, as this disease affects individuals and families in very personal and emotional ways,” said Janet Olszewski, Director of the Michigan Department of Community Health. “One in ten people over the age of 65, and nearly half of those over the age of 85 will get Alzheimer's disease. In Michigan, more than 167,000 of our residents suffer from Alzheimer’s.”

The State of Michigan is joined by the Alzheimer's Association Michigan State Council in observing this month. The Alzheimer's Association chapters are voluntary health organizations dedicated to supporting persons with Alzheimer's disease and their families and care partners.

"We deeply appreciate the Governor's ongoing support of person's with Alzheimer's disease and their families and her efforts to make Alzheimer's awareness a priority in Michigan,” said Sara M. Duris, State Public Policy Coordinator for the Alzheimer’s Association Michigan State Council. “Michigan is fortunate to have three Alzheimer's Association Chapters, with eleven locations around the state.”

Michigan residents can call 1-800-337-3827, a statewide, toll-free number that is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week to find the nearest Alzheimer's Association regional office. To promote awareness of Alzheimer's disease and the importance of early diagnosis and intervention, chapters are holding events during November and early December to educate the public. Statewide activities are attached.

Greater MI Chapter:

Caregiver Education programs -

11/3, 7 - 9 pm at OPC of Rochester;

11/5 &11/12, 1-4 pm at Port Huron Hospital;

11/8, 11/15 &11/22, 6:30 - 8:30 pm at Beaumont Health Center Royal Oak;

11/10, 6-8 pm at Mt. Clemens General Hospital.

"Lunch & Learn" presentation on Alzheimer's on 11/10 at Noon in Houghton County, contact Elaine at 906-483-1000 for further information.

Memory Screenings -

11/3, 11/5, 11/18 & 11/23 at Marquette General Hospital, contact Donna Marlor, RN at 906-225-3405;

11/18 & 12/16 at Portage Health System, Hancock, contact Candy Curtis, RN at 906-483-1182;

11/30 at Keweenaw Memorial, Laurium, contact Elaine Parks at 906-337-6598.

"The Forgetting”- video with question and answer period 11/8 from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm at The Flint Public Library Michigan

Great Lakes Chapter:

"Understanding Alzheimer's" Education Program -

11/4, 4-6pm at St. Joseph Mercy Livingston Hospital, Howell;

11/9, 6 - 8pm at Grand Ledge Public Library; 1

1/11, 1-3pm at Maple Lawn Medical Care Facility, Coldwater;

11/16, 4-6pm at Human Services Building, Adrian;

12/2, 1-3pm at Area Agency on Aging Reg. IV offices, St. Joseph;

12/7, 4-6pm at Alzheimer's Assoc. offices, Ann Arbor;

12/9, 1-3pm at Heritage Community of Kalamazoo;

12/13, 6-8pm at Foote Hospital, Jackson.

"Advances in Alzheimer's Research" Education Program -

11/4, 7 - 9pm at Norton Shores Public Library, Muskegon;

11/9, 6:30-8:30pm at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, Ann Arbor;

11/17, 6-8pm, St. Lawrence Campus, Lansing;

11/22, 6:30-8:30pm at Portage Senior Center.

North / West MI Chapter:

Betty VanAndel Alzheimer Education Conference -

11/12, 8 am - 4 pm, GVSU-DeVos Education Center, Grand Rapids, for info call 616-459-4558

Memory Screenings -

11/8, 9-noon at North Ottawa Council on Aging;

11/16, 9am - 3pm at various locations in Kent County;

11/17 at Trinity Reformed Church in Holland. Call 616-459-4558 for info.