Finding Your Best Life in the Midst of Alzheimer’s

Actress Kate Mulgrew will be in Tulsa to share her story about caring for her mother, who died of Alzheimer’s, a fatal brain disease.

At the Alzheimer’s Celebration of Excellence Award Luncheon, actress Kate Mulgrew will share her story about being caretaker for her mother, who died of Alzheimer’s.

Actress Kate Mulgrew will be in Tulsa to share her story about caring for her mother, who died of Alzheimer’s, a fatal brain disease. On June 9, 2010, she will speak as part of the Alzheimer’s Education Conference & Celebration of Excellence Award Luncheon at the Tulsa Renaissance Hotel. Best known for her role in “Star Trek Voyager,” she is currently appearing in the NBC series “Mercy.”

Also sharing his family journey with dementia will be best-selling Tulsa author and voice in the animated film “Cars,” Michael Wallis, who will emcee the event.

Currently 74,000 people in the state of Oklahoma are living with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. That is an increase of 19 percent since 2000. Up to 10 percent of those people are under the age of 65.

“Younger-onset Alzheimer’s is being diagnosed before the age of 65,” said Tonda Ames, vice president of marketing for the local chapter. “We should all be familiar with the early warning signs, which include difficulty completing familiar tasks, new problems with words in speaking or writing, withdrawal, and changes in ability to make decisions.”

Emcee for the Alzheimer’s Education Conference will be Tulsa author Michael Wallis.

Other speakers at the conference will include Gary Barg, author of “The Fearless Caregiver,” who will discuss how to get the best care for your loved one and still have a life of your own. The theme of how to achieve balance in your life will prevail during the day as caregivers are given ideas and tools to help them find their best life in the midst of Alzheimer’s. Breakout sessions will include discussions about younger-onset, current research and caregiving.

“American Idol” season five finalist Patrick Hall will provide the entertainment, and Senior Star Living will be presented with the 2010 Maureen Reagan Memorial Award because of their support at the local chapter level and national level.

Early registration, before May 21, is $45 for caregivers and $90 for professionals. After May 21, costs are $60 for caregivers and $125 for professionals. Sponsorships and exhibitor information is also available by calling (918) 481-7741.

Sponsors are: Premiere Sponsor The Hille Foundation; Presenting Sponsors Ann Graves, The Anne and Henry Zarrow Foundation, Saint Francis Health System, Senior Star Living – Burgundy Place and Woodland Terrace; Champion Sponsors Grace Hospice Foundation and Connie and Jeff Cope; Visionary Sponsors Acorn Printing, Saint Simeon’s Episcopal Home and Value News; Hope Sponsors Cypress Springs and LIFE Senior Services; and Friends of Alzheimer’s Companion Home Care and Visiting Angels of Green Country.

For more information, contact

Alzheimer’s Association Oklahoma and Arkansas Chapter

www.alz.org/alzokar

The Tulsa Alzheimer’s Conference will include speaker Gary Barg, author of “The Fearless Caregiver,” discussing how to get the best care for your loved one and still have a life of your own.