Alzheimer's Programs

at 11:55AM, 1:55PM, and 3:55PM

Orien Reed, a former television reporter for 26 years, noticed something was terribly wrong when her mother began to forget how to make her favorite recipes. Then came the sudden mood swings. Finally, the usually well-dressed woman began to leave the house wearing her apron. In 1988, she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, a degenerative disease of the brain that affects memory, coordination, and cognitive thinking. Orien’s life changed dramatically as she became her mother’s sole caregiver. She had to deal with letting go of the woman she had known her entire life, and learn how to handle the needs that came along with this “new” version of her mother. Orien joined the Alzheimer’s Association shortly after her mother passed away in 1992. She is now the National Board Chair, and devotes most of her free time to Alzheimer’s awareness, support, and educational programs.

The Programs
Many family members and friends of those afflicted with Alzheimer’s disease need emotional support and advice about dealing with the difficult road ahead. The Alzheimer’s Association offers a free 24-hour help line to do just that. One can also receive a referral to doctors in the area that will test for Alzheimer’s.

We often hear of persons with Alzheimer’s wandering off and getting lost, unable to find their way back home. While this doesn’t happen to all with the disease, when it does happen, it can be life-threatening. The Alzheimer Association’s Nationwide “Safe Return” program was created to aid in identifying a person and returning them to their loved ones. Once registered with the program, the patient receives various forms of identification. These include an identity bracelet that has vital information such as the person’s name, ID number, and emergency 1-800 number, and the words “memory impaired”. They also receive iron-on labels for clothing, and wallet ID cards with the same information. Part of the program is being registered into a national database of important personal and emergency contact info, so that family and law enforcement can be contacted when the person is found. Because of this program, 1,000 people were found last year.

The “Memories in The Making” art therapy program is a very important outlet for those with Alzheimer’s. About 10 years ago, an artist whose mother was afflicted with Alzheimer’s decided that art was very good therapy, especially for those who may have trouble getting their thoughts across. Trained art therapists work with participants around the country, helping them to express their emotions through the use of watercolor. This program is not only therapeutic for the artist, but also gives them a chance to socialize with others that have the same illness. They can paint what they feel, and take pride in the fact that they have created something beautiful.

The “Memory Walk” is a fundraiser started by Orien Reid herself, in 1989. Since that year, over $100 million has been raised in support of Alzheimer’s and Alzheimer’s research and programs. Last year, Honor Markers made their first appearance at the walk, adorned with the names of those living with Alzheimer’s. The walk is a special way for friends, family, and supporters of those with Alzheimer’s to come together to honor their loved ones, and raise money for an important cause.