NORTH READING — Nearly 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease, as well as other forms of dementia. In Massachusetts over 11% of adults over the age of 65 are affected. There is a desperate need for support for patients and their caregivers. North Reading is going Purple to highlight dementia awareness and the resources available in the area.
The kick-off event on World Alzheimer’s Day is Sunday, Sept. 21 at 5 p.m. at the bandstand on the Town Common. All are welcome to stop by and participate. Two of the event organizers, Laura Gallant and Claudette Thompson, will do a short presentation, light the bandstand in purple lights, and plant the Promise Garden flowers.
Resources on Alzheimer’s will be available and there will be fabric flowers to distribute. Participants are invited to write the names of loved ones on the petals before “planting.” Flowers will also be available for pickup at the Edith O’Leary Senior Center all next week. Stop by from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday.
Townspeople should watch for the purple flowers popping up around town as “North Reading Goes Purple!”
“Understanding Alzheimer’s
and Dementia” program
Next Tuesday, September 23, from 11 a.m. to noon, the Senior Center invites the public to attend an in-person presentation entitled: “Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia.” Please call the Senior Center at 978-664-5600 to reserve a space and arrange for transportation, if needed. Lunch is available at noon for a $2 donation.
A Caregiver’s Guide to
Finances program
Also on Tuesday, a virtual program is being held 6 p.m. entitled: “Managing Money: A Caregiver’s Guide to Finances.”
If you or someone you know is facing Alzheimer’s disease, dementia or another chronic illness, it’s never too early to put financial plans in place. You’ll learn tips for managing someone else’s finances, how to prepare for future care costs and the benefits of early planning.
To register for this online session go to: https://tinyurl.com/f5hprbjz
Alzheimer’s Association
fundraiser
On Wednesday, Sept. 24, a fundraiser for the Alzheimer’s Association will be hosed by China Cuisine, 235 Main St., North Reading. From 4-8 p.m., a portion of sales will be donated on all dine-in and takeout orders. “China Cuisine has been a loyal supporter of the cause for many years,” Thompson said.
“10 Warning Signs” program
Also on Wednesday will be another virtual program will be held by the Alzheimer’s Association from 6-7 p.m. entitled “10 Warning Signs: Early Detection Matters.”
The warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease are often dismissed as side effects of normal aging. If you or someone you know is experiencing memory loss or behavioral changes, it’s time to learn the facts. Early detection gives you a chance to begin drug therapy, enroll in clinical studies and plan for the future. During this online program we’ll separate myth from reality and address commonly-held fears about Alzheimer’s in America. Hear from people who have the disease and find out how to recognize the signs in yourself and others. To register for this online session go to: https://tinyurl.com/3t2prjtp
Additional information
Informational displays and resources on Alzheimer’s disease will be available at both the Senior Center and the Flint Memorial Library throughout the week. The Select Board has officially proclaimed the month of September to be Alzheimer’s Awareness Month.
“We hope to build on the success of this year’s inaugural event to make this an annual event in North Reading, and to involve more businesses and community members in the coming years,” Thompson said.