Randal Voss with the local Alzheimer's Organization addressed those gathered at the Senior
Citizen's Center to learn about the disease.

 

Is It Alzheimer's or Forgetfulness?

 

by: Bobby McDonald

 

"Is it Alzheimer's or forgetfulness?" that's the question that many senior citizens had on their minds, as they attended a special seminar, on Wednesday, September 19th, to aid them in making an educated determination. Sponsor for the event wa Texas Senior Care and speakers included Randal Voss, with the local Alzheimer's Organization, Arles and Joan Vandiver with the Alzheimer's Support Group, and Joyce McDonald, Director of Terrific Tuesday's Outreach Program.

Randal Voss educated the crowd on the signs of Alzheimer's and the difference between the disease and just plain old forgetfulness.  He pointed out that Alzheimer's is not a mental disease it is a physical disease.  The brain starts shrinking and causes patients to lose their personalities as well as their short term memory.     

 

Joyce McDonald, with Terrific Tuesday's, told the group about the local outreach program that
is hosted weekly at First United Methodist Church.

 

Arles and Joan Vandiver spoke about their personal experiences with Alzheimer's.  Both of Arles' parents had the disease.  They took care of both of them.. They have started an Alzheimer's Support Group that meets every 4th Tuesday Night at 7:00PM at the First United Methodist Church.  This  Support Group offers support, information and fellowship to "Caregivers".   

 

Arles and Joan Vandiver addressed the group as they work with Alzheimer's patients in the
local Alzheimer's Support Group.

 

 

Joyce McDonald, spoke about Terrific Tuesday Club.  Terrific Tuesday Club  is held every Tuesday from 9:00 - 2:00 at the First United Methodist Church.  Joyce and her volunteers take care of the Alzheimer's Patients to give the real "Caregivers" a rest.  The Club offers many different activities every week.  They go on outings, play games, eat lunch, etc... One of the favorite outings among the group is the trip to Lowe's.  They get to build something every time they go.   

Alzheimer's is a disease that is affecting more and more seniors everyday.. Currently there is NO CURE. Research is being done to try to stop this mind robbing disease.  The Alzheimer's Alliance is holding "Catch the Hope" walks many places on October 4th.  These walks are to raise money for more research.  Some of the money raised will stay right here in    Sulphur Springs to help fund Terrific Tuesday Club.  Sulphur Springs "Catch the Hope" walk will be held at Buford Park from 5:00 - 7:30.  If anyone is interested in walking or sponsoring a walker, please contact Karon Weatherman at (903) 885-1661.  Registration for the walk is $20.00.  This includes a Free T-Shirt. 

 

 

 

There are other "mini walks" taking place around Sulphur Springs as well: 

Sept. 27 Senior Citizen's Center 9:30

Sept. 28 Sulphur Springs Health & Rehab

Oct. 2  Downtown on the Square 4:00-6:00

Oct. 4 Main Walk - Buford Park 5:00-7:30  

For an application to any of these walks or  to donate money please call Karon Weatherman at 885-1661 or stop my the Senior Citizen's Center 150 Martin Luther King Blvd from 7:00 - 3:00.     

 

Kristin Ivey, with Texas Senior Care, left, provided the lunch for those attending the special
Alzheimer's Seminar at the Senior Citizen's Center.

 

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