September Is Alzheimer's Awareness Month
ASMC, Hospice of Marshall County & Marshall Medical Centers Partner To Host Alzheimer's Documentary Series

Arab Mayor Gary Beam signs proclamation declaring September as Alzheimer's Awareness Month in Arab as officials from Alzheimer's Services of Marshall County look on.  L-R:  ASOMC Executive Director Sonia Norris, Mayor Beam, Board Member Tammy Burden, and Treasurer Gale Kappler.  Arab Today Photo by Dwight Hayes

August 27, 2009
Alzheimer's is a devastating disease that impairs memory, reasoning, motor skills, the ability to take care of oneself, and is one of the nation's primary medical and social challenges. There are currently 5.3 million people in the U.S. with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. In the year 2050 it is estimated that number will increase to 16 million. Every 70 seconds someone is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.

To help bring awareness to the plight of those suffering from the dreaded disease, and the estimated 10 million unpaid caregivers, Arab Mayor Gary Beam has proclaimed September as Alzheimer's Awareness Month in Arab. Beam signed the proclamation during a recent ceremony. Click to read/print proclamation

Alzheimer’s Services of Marshall County, Hospice of Marshal County, and Marshall Medical Centers are partnering to host special film screenings and discussion of HBO’s documentary series, The Alzheimer’s Project. The project is a 4 part documentary series aimed at changing the way America thinks about Alzheimer's Disease. The events are free and the public is invited to attend.

Film screenings will be held the following Tuesdays from 6 until 8 p.m. in the Community Room at Hospice of Marshall County – Shepherd’s Cove, 408 Martling Road in Albertville:

• The Memory Loss Tapes Tuesday, September 1

• Grandpa, Do You Know Who I Am? Tuesday, September 8

• Caregivers Tuesday, September 22

• Momentum In Science Tuesday, September 29

ASMC's A NIGHT TO REMEMBER Walk and High School Band Expo will be held September 17 at Albertville High School.  Registration for the Walk begins at 5 p.m. • Walk begins 6 p.m. at the Albertville Chamber of Commerce.  Participants will walk from the Albertville Chamber office to the Albertville High School football stadium.  The event is an annual fundraiser for the organization.

This year's key sponsor is Albertville Nursing Home Rehab Select.  ASMC Executive Director Sonia Norris said more corporate sponsors and walk teams are needed to help raise money for the organization.  "If you have friends or coworkers who will form a team for us, please let us know and we’ll help them get started."

ASMC’s programs and services are funded by donations from individual supporters, corporate sponsors, and fundraising events. Consider a memorial donation to ASMC as a thoughtful way to remember a loved one. Contact their office at 256-279-0053 to offer your support.

The Alzheimer’s Services of Marshall County website, www.asomc.org  contains important information about Alzheimer’s disease, resources available in Marshall County and a Caregiver’s guide.

For more information call Hospice of Marshall County 1-888-334-9336.