Apr 11, 2012

Living with Alzheimer's

Bailey Wachholz of Nisswa, 2012 Miss Minnesota’s Outstanding Teen, will give a teenager’s perspective on Alzheimer’s disease in the first day of a May 15 and 16 educational forum at Central Lakes College in Brainerd. The forum is sponsored by the Lakes Area Memory Awareness Advocates (LAMAA) and seven other organizations. The May 15 program is from 3:30 to 8 p.m., and the May 16 program is from 7:30 a.m. to noon in the Business and Industry Center of the Brainerd campus (Door No. 6). Wachholz’s breakout session is scheduled for 5:15-6:15 p.m. and 6:30-7:30 p.m. on May 15. She has a message to raise awareness as her platform in pageant competition, including the Aug. 14-18 Miss America’s Outstanding Teen competition in Orlando, Fla.
Her father Duane was diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer’s when Bailey began competing at age 13. She developed an education program aimed toward children in grade school through college-aged students and has spoken to more than 5,000 since creating it
Wachholz’s mother Pam will present the “Family Caregiver Perspective” in break-outs on May 16, when a morning forum concludes the event,
Several speakers will repeat their sessions both days, including keynoter Terry Barclay, a neuropsychologist, who will present “Living Well with Alzheimer’s” at 4 p.m. May 15 and at 8 a.m. May 16.
Barclay studies the changes that occur in the brain as people age. He specializes in cognitive evaluations of older adults who are experiencing memory problems, changes in concentration, language, and other thinking skills as part of the normal aging process or as a result of diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, and other forms of dementia.
Another presenter on both days will be Lori La Bey, whose session is entitled “Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia — Shifting from Crisis to Comfort Care.” La Bey is the founder of Alzheimer’s Speaks, a Minneapolis-based advocacy group that provides education and support for those dealing with dementia and care-giving.
Other presenters are Julie Eggers Huber, Corrie Brown, Rana Peeling, Lisa Sanders, Jon Knopik, and Kayla Farr.
Co-sponsors are Central Lakes College, Central Minnesota Council on Aging, Good Samaritan Society, Home Instead, Lakewood Health System, Edgewood Vista, and Horizon Health Inc.
Admission is $10. To register by phone with a credit card call (218) 855-8142, toll-free 800-0346 ext. 8142 or online at http://clcmn.augusoft.net and for more information contact Kori Busho at kbusho@clcmn.edu or (218) 855-8139.