Annual Alzheimer’s Education Conference for Caregivers set for June 9

HOPE. Finding Your Best Life in the Midst of Alzheimer’s

Actress Kate Mulgrew will be in Tulsa to share her story about caring for her mother who had Alzheimer’s, a fatal brain disease. On June 9, 2010, she will speak as part of the Alzheimer’s Education Conference & Celebration of Excellence Award Luncheon at the Tulsa Renaissance Hotel. Best known for her roles in “Star Trek Voyager,” she is currently appearing in the NBC series “Mercy.”

Also sharing his family journey with Alzheimer’s will be best selling, Tulsa author and voice in the animated film “Cars,” Michael Wallis, who will emcee the event.

74,000 people in the state of Oklahoma are living with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. That is an increase of 19 percent since 2000. Up to 10 percent of those people are under the age of 65.

“Younger-onset Alzheimer’s is being diagnosed before the age of 65,” said Tonda Ames, vice president of marketing for the local chapter. “We should all be familiar with the early warning signs which include difficulty completing familiar tasks, new problems with words in speaking or writing, withdrawal, and changes in ability to make decisions.

Other speakers at the conference will include keynote Gary Barg, author of “The Fearless Caregiver,” who will discuss how to get the best care for your loved one and still have a life of your own. The theme of how to achieve balance in your life will prevail during the day as caregivers are given ideas and tools to help them find their best life in the midst of Alzheimer’s. Breakout sessions will include discussion about younger-onset, current research and caregiving.

American Idol Season Five Finalist Patrick Hall will provide the entertainment and Senior Star Living will be presented with the 2010 Maureen Reagan Memorial Award because of their support at the local chapter level and national level.

Early registration, before May 21, is $45 for caregivers and $90 for professionals. After May 21, costs are $60 for caregivers and $125 for professionals. Sponsorships and exhibitor information is also available by calling 918-481-7741.

2010 Sponsors are (to date): Premiere Sponsor: Hille Foundation; Presenting Sponsors: The Anne and Henry Zarrow Foundation, Saint Francis Health System, Senior Star Living – Burgundy Place and Woodland Terrace; Champion Sponsors: Grace Hospice Foundation, Connie and Jeff Cope; Visionary Sponsors: Ambassador Manor Nursing Center, Saint Simeon’s Episcopal Home, Value News; Hope Sponsors: Cypress Springs, Hope Hospice, LIFE Senior Services, Sterling House; Friend of Alzheimer’s: Christian Companion Senior Care, Companion Home Care, Visiting Angels of Green Country.

The Alzheimer’s Association is the largest voluntary health organization in the country with the dual mission of conquering Alzheimer’s disease through research and enhancing care and support for people with the disease, their families, and caregivers. The Association provides a 24-hour Helpline (1-800-272-3900), support groups, education programs, care consultation, information and referral, Safe Return (a national program to help find people with dementia who become lost). For more information about Alzheimer’s disease visit www.alz.org.

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Tonda L. Ames, APR, MS | VP Marketing and Programs | Alzheimer's Association Oklahoma and Arkansas Chapter | 6465 S. Yale, Suite 312 | 918-481-7782 | Tulsa, OK 74136 | www.alz.org/alzokar

Join us in Tulsa June 9 for our annual education conference and Celebration of Excellence Award Luncheon: Hope. Your best life in the midst of Alzheimer's. Speakers: Author Gary Barg; actress Kate Mulgrew; Best-selling Author and Conference Emcee Michael Wallis; Entertainment Patrick Hall of American Idol Season Five. Early Bird Registration Deadline: May 21. Register online at: www.alz.org/alzokar and click on the Education link.

Uniform Adult Guardianship Law
Passed In Oklahoma

Senate Bill 2204, the Uniform Adult Guardianship and Protective Proceedings Jurisdiction Act (UAGPPJA), was signed into law by Governor Henry on May 11, 2010.

This legislation establishes a uniform set of rules for determining jurisdiction in order to simplify the process of adult guardianship cases and creates a framework that allows state court judges in different states to communicate with each other about adult guardianship cases, said Keili Hicks-McEwen, Oklahoma City regional office director.

“Alzheimer's families have faced unnecessary financial and emotional burdens caused by the need to obtain guardianship in multiple states. Now courts in the state of Oklahoma will be able to communicate more effectively with courts in different states about adult guardianship jurisdiction issues.”

74,000 families in Oklahoma are touched by someone with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia. As families travel or tackle the issues of long-distance caregiving, they have encountered difficulties enforcing existing guardianship rights or establishing new ones. This law makes one aspect of Alzheimer’s easier both for the individual with the disease and their family.

“Many thanks go to Gov. Henry, Sen. Ivester and Rep. Dank for supporting and taking the leadership with this bill and moving it through the process,” said Hicks-McEwen.

The Alzheimer’s Association is the largest voluntary health organization in the country with the dual mission of conquering Alzheimer’s disease through research and enhancing care and support for people with the disease, their families, and caregivers. The Association provides a 24-hour Helpline (1-800-272-3900), support groups, education programs, care consultation, information and referral, Safe Return (a national program to help find people with dementia who become lost). For more information about Alzheimer’s disease visit www.alz.org.

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Tonda L. Ames, APR, MS | VP Marketing and Programs | Alzheimer's Association Oklahoma and Arkansas Chapter | 6465 S. Yale, Suite 312 | 918-481-7782 | Tulsa, OK 74136 | www.alz.org/alzokar

Contact: Keili Hicks-McEwen, Oklahoma City Regional Director, 405-319-0780