Press Release Alzheimer's

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Lisa Anderson
American Home Companions
Lisa@AHCcares.com

THE FORGETTING: A Portrait of Alzheimer’s

Orlando, FL – July 25, 2008– The Forgetting: A Portrait of Alzheimer’s is a two-hour documentary aimed at understanding and reducing anxiety of the disease.

The two-hour program, underwritten in part by American Home Companions, airs Sunday August 3, 2008 at 10:00pm on WJTC, Channel 7, Public Broadcasting. Based on the book, The Forgetting: Alzheimer’s, Portrait of an Epidemic by David Shenk, inspiration was derived from an overheard conversation at a restaurant. A woman in her 50’s stricken by Alzheimer’s disease could not recognize her own husband. By the time Shenk left the restaurant he was moved to tears by the thought of his own wife becoming a total stranger. “Memories are who we are. You can just put an equal sign in there. Memories are us,” stated David Shenk.

Alzheimer’s is a degenerative brain disease causing dementia primarily in older people. This disease will claim about one in eight baby boomers over the age of 65 by slowly shutting down brain functions. Beginning with short-term memory loss, then speech and thought process, moving into mobility and basic life functions loss ultimately resulting in death; Alzheimer’s is a slow and heartbreaking killer. Who will be there when the forgetting starts?

Having a live-in companion enables seniors with Alzheimer’s to live normal lives in their own home improving their quality of life. “My companion couldn't be better; she is a jewel. Julianna fixes good meals and helps me around the house,” says Nella McDaniel, an American Home Companions’ client. “As long as the person affected is doing things that are familiar to them, following a routine, and being in familiar surroundings, they may do much better than in new situations,” explains Washington University School of Medicine professor John C. Morris, director of the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center in St. Louis.

Since 1992, American Home Companions has offered the services of in-home eldercare companions allowing Florida seniors to live in the familiar and secure setting of their own home. American Home Companions works with hospitals, physicians, social workers, rehabilitation centers, nurse registries, and home health agencies throughout Florida in a combined effort allowing older adults to live in the comfort of their own homes.

For more information about The Forgetting: A Portrait of Alzheimer’s, or to receive information about live-in care please contact Lisa Anderson at (407) 896-8980 or visit the American Home Companions website at http://www.ahccares.com/.

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