Past Programs
Belton Lions Club
PO Box 424
Belton, SC
May 15, 2003 Meeting
Alzheimer's Disease
Our speaker for the May meeting was Mark Willis who spoke to us about the early signs of Alzheimer's Disease. Mr. Willis was representing the Alzheimer's Association for the Upstate South Carolina Chapter which is located in Anderson, SC on North McDuffie Street. Mr. Willis stated that there are actually three Alzheimer's Association offices in the Upstate: Anderson, Greenville, and Spartanburg. Each year in the month of September, the chapter hosts the Memory Walk to raise moneys for Alzheimer's.
This disease is the most common form of dementia affecting over four million Americans. Support groups are available for families with loved ones affected by Alzheimer's. Locally, groups meet in The Maples in Honea Path and at the Campbell VA Hospital in Anderson. Various groups are offered depending upon the stage that the loved one has reached: Early, Mid, and Late Stage Groups.
At our meeting, Mr. Willis discussed or provided information on Public Policy, the 10 warning signs, and Literature listings. His primary focus was on the 10 warning signs leading to Alzheimer's:
1.
Memory Loss that affects job skills.
2.
Difficulty performing familiar tasks.
3.
Problems with language.
4.
Disorientation to time and place.
5.
Poor decreased judgment.
6.
Problems with abstract thinking.
7.
Misplacing things.
8.
Changes in mood or behavior.
9.
Changes in personality.
10.
Loss of initiative.
A 24 hour helpline, Outreach programs, and Health/Community fairs are available for those having questions or questioning a loved ones behavior.
Additional support through volunteering and monies is always welcomed.
Mr. Willis is currently the Administrator of The Maples located in Honea Path, SC. He presented information on the facility relaying that they house 50 residents with 21 patio homes for independent living. The Maples provides three well balanced meals daily, 24 hour care, a Podiatrist, Speech, Physical and Occupational Therapy, Housekeeping and laundering of bed and bath linens, 24 hour security, social, recreational, spiritual and cultural activities, hair styling, transportation to medical appointments, and assistance with bathing, dressing and medication, as well as many other patient services.
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