Alzheimer's Education Expo Held in Melville

On March 8, Alzheimer’s Association Long Island held its Alzheimer ’s disease Education Conference and Expo 2012 at the Melville Marriott. Approximately 50 vendors and 400 people were in attendance for this event, which coincided with the release of the 2012 Facts & Figures by Alzheimer Association’s national chapter.

The conference featured numerous breakout sessions, including a caregiver discussion panel facilitated by AALI Instructor Ellen Tolle, RN, MPS, who encouraged caregivers to discuss the challenges and experiences they encountered when caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease and a session on “Protecting the Family Home from Long-Term Care Expenses” presented by members of the AALI Legal Advisory Committee.

This year’s keynote speaker was Laura Savini, On-Air Host, PBS and WNET/WLIW and President, Untamed Hair Marketing & TV Productions, who shared her experiences with caring for a relative with Alzheimer’s disease. During the keynote speech, attendees had the opportunity to get a first look at an upcoming feature film following singer Glen Campbell’s battle with the disease. Ms. Savini has a personal connection to Mr. Campbell as her husband, Grammy-winning songwriter Jimmy Webb, wrote many of Mr. Campbell’s most memorable songs.

Currently, 5.4 million people in this country have Alzheimer’s disease and more than 60,000 of them reside on Long Island. By the middle of this century, it is estimated that approximately 14-16 million people will have a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease; one out of eight baby boomers is at risk. 

For more information about the Alzheimer’s Association, please contact Ms. Malack-Ragona at (631) 820-8068 or visit us atwww.alz.org/longisland.

*Article submitted by Alzheimer's Association Long Island.