Welcome 2011!

From the Staff and Volunteers

of the Northern Michigan Region
we want to wish you all a

May 2011 be the year we find the cure!

(offices will be closed on Dec 30 & 31)

From the Staff and Volunteers:

Merry Christmas

and Happy New Year

See you in 2011!

(Offices will be closed Dec 24, Dec 27, Dec 30, & Dec 31.)

National Alzheimer's Project Act (NAPA) Update

On December 15, 2010, the National Alzheimer’s Project Act was passed unanimously by the House of Representatives. It is now on the way to the White House for the President’s signature. This is a major victory for the Alzheimer’s Association and, once enacted, NAPA will create a national strategic plan to address and overcome the rapidly escalating crisis of Alzheimer’s.

By 2050 nearly 16 million Americans will have Alzheimer’s, yet there is no national plan to deal with this looming crisis. The National Alzheimer’s Project Act (NAPA) would establish an inter-agency advisory council to address the government’s efforts on Alzheimer’s research, care, institutional services, and home- and community-based programs.

Many other countries have developed or are developing plans, the United States is lagging behind these nations: Australia, South Korea, Norway, France, England, Scotland, India, Malta, Cyprus, and Wales.

Fill out this form on-line to urge President Obama to sign this legislation!

Tell Congress to Pass the National Alzheimer's Project Act (N.A.P.A.)

The Senate unanimously voted in favor of the National Alzheimer’s Project Act (NAPA), which now goes to the House. Urgent action is needed to ensure that NAPA passes this year! Make your voice heard by sending a message to your Representative.

Click to Contact Your Representative

New Council Member - Eric Winkelman

The Northern Michigan Region of the Alzheimer’s Association is pleased and honored to announce our new Regional Council member, Eric Winkelman. Eric has been a resident of Leelanau County since 1990. He has been involved with numerous activities to preserve the beauty of Leelanau County from development.

Eric’s life has been personally touched by the effects of Alzheimer’s Disease, beginning with the loss of his father in 1979 and his mother in 2003, who both passed away due to complications of the disease. More recently, Eric lost his 64 year old step-brother, also to Alzheimer’s Disease.

Eric’s late father’s charitable Southeast Michigan foundation has been very supportive, of the Alzheimer’s Association mission “to eliminate Alzheimer's Disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected…” and to one day find a cure.

He and his wife Barbara, have three sons, and one granddaughter, and spend the vast majority of their time in Glen Arbor, Michigan.

Pool Tournament & Chili Cook Off

Benefit
Pool Tournament

& Chili Cook Off

We're looking for pool players, good cooks,
and hungry judges to join us!

Saturday, Dec. 11th
Wagon Wheel Bar - Ossineke, MI
beginning at noon

Pool Information:
Pool teams of two, one guy and one gal, can enter the competition. Cost to enter is $20/person or $40/team. Envelopes are available at The Wagon Wheel Bar and the Alzheimer's Association to collect donations to cover the entry fee. Come have a good time and support a worthy cause!

Chili Cook Off Information:
Bring your best pot of chili in a crockpot to enter. Judging will begin shortly after noon. "Judges" will purchase a bowl and ticket for $2.00. Samples may be tasted from the various entries. To vote, drop the ticket in the can near your favorite chili and enjoy a bowlful! "Judges" may purchase as many bowls as they like. The winner of the cook off will be the one with the most tickets.

To round out the day:
Throughout the day there will be 50/50 raffles, prizes, small item raffles, and a live auction. Join us for the FUN, the FOOD, and support the FAMILIES in Northern Michigan dealing with Alzheimer's Disease.

Happy Thanksgiving!

The staff and volunteers of the
Northern Michigan Region
would like to wish you a


We are thankful for each and every one of you
who supports our association and enables us to
meet the needs of families in Northern Michigan.
We couldn't do it without YOU!

Welcome New Council Members

Welcome

our new

Northern
Michigan
Regional
Council
Members

Aaron Simon

and
Kelli Sefton

The Northern Michigan Region of the Alzheimer’s Association is pleased and honored to announce two new Regional Council members, Kelli Sefton and Aaron Simon.

Kelli and her family have lived in the Traverse City area for the last eight years; previously they lived in the Alpena area. Both she and her husband Rick own the Traverse City Wendy’s Restaurant on Division and the Wendy’s Restaurant in Petoskey. Kelli is currently serving on the Swingshift and the Stars committee for the Alzheimer’s Association.

Aaron Simon and his family also live in Traverse City. Aaron and his wife Erin are owners of Senior Helpers of Northern Michigan. He is a member of the Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce, BASA, and the Traverse Area Association of Realtors Committee on aging in place.

What Can Your Church Do?

We are blessed with over 700 churches in the Northern Michigan Region. This area of our state was originally settled by many ethnic groups who brought their religious traditions with them. And today, their descendants carry on their faith and continue to meet from shore to shore.

The Alzheimer's Association welcomes the opportunity to meet with people of all faiths and talk about Alzheimer's Disease, the symptoms, current research, staying healthy, and other related topics. We find a large concentration of our elderly in the pews and chairs of local churches and they need to know what we have to share.

What can your church do to help educate people about Alzheimer's Disease? Call one of our offices and invite a speaker to come and address your members and guests. We are very flexible on times and dates. There is no cost for this service, but a free will offering or a donation to help defray the cost of mileage is always appreciated.

What can your church do to help keep our presence as vibrant and accessible as it is today for families dealing with Alzheimer's Disease? If every church in our region would give a $100 gift of support to the Northern Michigan Region, it would make up our projected giving shortfall for 2010/2011 and secure our ability to provide vital work in our communities.

What can you do, dear reader? Present these ideas to your church board, elders, deacons, women's groups, or pastor. Thank you!

The Shriver Report

"A Woman‘s Nation Takes on Alzheimer's" sounds the alarm for Americans—women, men, government leaders, corporations, nonprofits, churches and the press—to understand that almost a third of Americans have a family member with Alzheimer's and that women are effectively a gender under siege by this disease. Other reports on Alzheimer's exist. But this one—backed by an extensive, scientific poll, buttressed by in-depth chapters by experts and salted with dozens of poignant, revealing essays and original photography commissioned exclusively for this report—is the first to underscore the impact of the disease on women and how that impact is compounded by the increased risk women have of developing the disease. Learn more here.

Where Should I Give and Why?

It seems like everyone is asking for your donation dollars this year. And maybe everyone is! Times are hard in Northern Michigan and dollars are fewer and farther between than we've seen in a long time. The reasons for giving, however, have not changed. People are in need all across our great state, our nation, and our world.

We receive many calls at our offices in Alpena and Traverse City asking about how our donation dollars are spent. The short-hand way to describe it is this:

1) All money collected by the local offices is split 70/30 with the National Association. We keep 70% of each dollar right here in Northern Michigan. The remaining money is split 15% and 15% to research and awareness at the national level.

2) All money collected by the National Office is split 30/70 with Northern Michigan receiving 30% to further the work here in our area.

The best way to keep more of your donation dollars in Northern Michigan is to donate through one of our local offices. You can call either office to request a donation envelope at any time. The phone numbers are listed to the right. Thank you, your donations of any amount do make a difference!

Happy Hour Hustle

Monday, November 15^th, the Cambria Suites and TC Dance Star Heather Daniels will host a “Happy Hour Hustle” at Cambria Suites from 5 – 7 p.m. Heather invites everyone to “get their groove on” as she teaches the Hustle. Appetizers and a happy hour cash bar will be available. There is no entrance fee, donations are accepted and support the Alzheimer’s Association.

All proceeds from the Happy Hour Hustle will be used towards programs and services for the caregivers and over 13,000 individuals affected by Alzheimer’s Disease in Northern Michigan. The Alzheimer’s Association offers a 24 hour toll-free helpline, educational programs, support groups, our national Safe Return program, a resource center and lending library. For more information, please contact 231.929.3804.

What is the National Alzheimer's Project Act?

Here is the official summary:

National Alzheimer's Project Act - Establishes in the Office of the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) the Office of the National Alzheimer's Project to:

(1) accelerate the development of treatments that would prevent, halt, or reverse the course of Alzheimer's;
(2) create and maintain an integrated national plan to overcome Alzheimer's;
(3) help to coordinate the health care and treatment of citizens with Alzheimer's;
(4) ensure the inclusion of ethnic and racial populations that are at higher risk for Alzheimer's or that are least likely to receive care in clinical, research, and service efforts with the purpose of decreasing health disparities;
(5) coordinate with international bodies to integrate and inform the fight against Alzheimer's globally; and
(6) provide information and coordination of Alzheimer's research and services across all federal agencies. Sets forth the duties of the Director of the Office, including to use discretionary authority to evaluate all federal programs concerning Alzheimer's. Establishes in the Office an Advisory Council on Alzheimer's Research and Treatment.

The National Alzheimer's Project Act (H.R. 4689 / S. 3036) now has 33 Senate co-sponsors and 106 House co-sponsors. Send your legislators a letter requesting that they push to enact NAPA when they return to Washington after the elections.

Senator Carl Levin
Senator Debbie Stabenow
Find your local Representative here.

Alzheimer's Association TrialMatch™

Doing something proactive is a great way to focus energy away from the despair that can come from living with a life changing disease. What can we, as family members, caregivers, and people in the early stages of Alzheimer's do to help make a difference? How can we advance the battle against this disease? What can one person do?

The Alzheimer’s Association has launched TrialMatch, which connects people with Alzheimer’s, caregivers, family members, doctors, and healthy volunteers with Alzheimer’s clinical trials nearby that are recruiting volunteers.

Find out more at alz.org/trialmatch. Get proactive and help us help others in the future.

Two Great Conferences

The Greater Michigan Chapter is honoring National Alzheimer's Disease Month in November by offering two great conferences. Both will be held on Tuesday, November 16th, at Wayne State University - Oakland Center, in Farmington, Michigan.

Alzheimer's Disease: A Professional Approach to a Personal Disease
This conference offers continuing education credits and contact hours for social workers and nurses as they learn more about Alzheimer's. Cost for this event is $35.00 and includes a continental breakfast. Pre-registration is required. For more details, click on the title.

Alzheimer's... What Every Caregiver Should Know
This conference is set up to help the in-home caregiver learn how to better care for their loved one and themselves as they journey through the caregiving experience. This is a FREE event, a box lunch will be served. For more details, click on the title.

Put it in Writing

Come learn what you need to know to safeguard your health care wishes. This presentation will cover issues concerning power of attorney, guardianship, and other things you need to know. Learn how and where to make your wishes known concerning your future health care. This open and free to the public.

Where: Alpena Public Library Conference Room
When: Friday, Oct 22nd from 1:00pm - 2:30pm

Put on by the Alzheimer's Association in conjunction with the Northeast Michigan Community Foundation.

(Please note: There was a misprint in the Alpena News, the correct date is Friday, Oct. 22nd.)

Alzheimer's Disease - 6th Leading Cause of Death in the U.S.

According to a recently released CDC report, Alzheimer's Disease is now the 6th leading cause of death in the United States. The breakdown looks like this:

1) Heart Disease - 616,067
2) Cancer (all types) - 562,875
3) Stroke - 135,952
4) Lung Diseases (all types) - 127,924
5) Accidental Deaths - 123,706
6) Alzheimer's Disease - 74,632
7) Diabetes - 71,382
8) Flu & Pneumonia - 52,717
9) Kidney Disease - 46,448
10) Septicemia - 34,828
11) Suicide - 34,598
12) Liver Disease (all types) - 29,165
13) High Blood Pressure - 23,965
14) Parkinson's Disease - 20,058
15) Homicide - 18,361

The need for funding and research has never been greater. The expected rise in the incidence of Alzheimer's with the aging of the Baby Boomers is a true health crisis. Contacting our representatives in Washington is a great way to help.

Senator Carl Levin
Senator Debbie Stabenow
Find your local Representative here.

Spaghetti Dinner - Benefit for Alzheimer's

Attention Gaylord!

Saturday, October 16
5:00 - 7:30pm
St. Mary Catherdral Parish Hall in Gaylord

Sponsored by:
The Otsego Haus Memory Walk Team
Suggested donation $5.00 per person

Entertain by:
Margaret Madagame

Teen In Action on World Alzheimer's Day

TEENS IN ACTION were on the MOVE in recognition of World Alzheimer’s Day. TEENS dressed in their purple Memory Walk shirts distributed Purple Mardi Gras beads to staff and students, upon arrival to school, Tuesday morning. A brief presentation was given to promote awareness about Alzheimer’s Disease, as well as to provide information on World Alzheimer’s Day and the significance of wearing the purple beads. To quote Lexi Vanbrocklin, one of the TEENS, “The beads went great!! A lot of people took them and wore them all day long!” GREAT JOB TEENS!!!

Alzheimer's Myth #8

There are treatments available to stop the progression of Alzheimer's disease

Reality: At this time, there is no treatment to cure, delay or stop the progression of Alzheimer's disease. FDA-approved drugs temporarily slow worsening of symptoms for about 6 to 12 months, on average, for about half of the individuals who take them.

Purple Cookie Day!

Awareness has never been so sweet! In celebration of World Alzheimer's Day 2010, the Alzheimer's Association is partnering with E-Z Way Store in Alpena and selling purple frosted sugar cookies.
Cookie orders must be received by Friday, September 17th. Order forms are available at the Alzheimer's office (526 W Chisholm) and E-Z Way Store (2060 M-32 West). Or e-mail the office for a form. Cookies are $5.00/dozen and can be picked up at E-Z Way Store on Tuesday, September 21, between 8:00 am and 6:00 pm.

We are especially targeting businesses this year, asking employers to purchase cookies for their employees. In addition to providing a sweet treat, each box of cookies will include our office contact information. People working 9-5 often don't have time to search us out. This is one sweet way we can find them. Please recommend our cookies to any business or employer you know!

Alzheimer's Myth #7

Silver dental fillings increase risk of Alzheimer's disease

Reality: According to the best available scientific evidence, there is no relationship between silver dental fillings and Alzheimer's. The concern that there could be a link arose because "silver" fillings are made of an amalgam (mixture) that typically contains about 50 percent mercury, 35 percent silver and 15 percent tin. Mercury is a heavy metal that, in certain forms, is know to be toxic to the brain and other organs.

Many scientists consider the studies below compelling evidence that dental amalgam is not a major risk factor for Alzheimer's. Public health agencies, including the FDA, the U.S. Public Health Service and the World Health Organization, endorse the continued use of amalgam as safe, strong, inexpensive material for dental restorations.

• March 1991, the Dental Devices Panel of the FDA concluded there was no current evidence that amalgam poses any danger.
  
  
• National Institutes of Health (NIH) in 1991 funded a study at the University of Kentucky to investigate the relationship between amalgam fillings and Alzheimer's. Analysis by University statisticians revealed no significant association between silver fillings and Alzheimer's. The abstract for this study is posted on the Journal of the American Dental Association Web site.
  
  
• October 30, 2003, a New England Journal of Medicine article concluded that current evidence shows no connection between mercury-containing dental fillings and Alzheimer's or other neurological diseases. The abstract for this study is posted on the New England Journal of Medicine Web site.

Alzheimer's Myth #6

Flu shots increase risk of Alzheimer’s disease

Reality: A theory linking flu shots to a greatly increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease has been proposed by a U.S. doctor whose license was suspended by the South Carolina Board of Medical Examiners. Several mainstream studies link flu shots and other vaccinations to a reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease and overall better health.

• A Nov. 27, 2001, Canadian Medical Journal report suggests older adults who were vaccinated against diphtheria or tetanus, polio, and influenza seemed to have a lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease than those not receiving these vaccinations. The full text of this report is posted on the journal’s Web site.
  
  
• A report in the Nov. 3, 2004, JAMA found that annual flu shots for older adults were associated with a reduced risk of death from all causes. The abstract of that report is posted on PubMed.

Teens In Action on a Friday Night!

TEENS IN ACTION joined street musicians, magicians, local artists, and food vendors on Front Street in Traverse City, August 13, for Friday Night Live!

This great TC tradition is held every Friday night for six Fridays in a row, beginning in late July. Each Friday Night Live has a theme of its own. Our Friday Night the theme was "Dancing In the Streets"!

This fit perfectly when SwingShift & the Stars dancer Heather Daniels joined us to promote the Association, Memory Walk, and SwingShift.

The TEENS had a great time with face and hair painting!! Through donations they raised $142.00 towards their Memory Walk Team Goal of $1,000.00.

You can help these TEENS reach their goal. Donate on-line to their Memory Walk team. Thank you for your support!

Alzheimer's Myth #5

Aspartame causes memory loss.

Reality: This artificial sweetener, marketed under such brand names as Nutrasweet and Equal, was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in all foods and beverages in 1996. Since approval, concerns about aspartame's health effects have been raised.

According to the FDA, as of May 2006, the agency had not been presented with any scientific evidence that would lead to change its conclusions on the safety of aspartame for most people. The agency says its conclusions are based on more than 100 laboratory and clinical studies. Read the May 2006 FDA statement about aspartame.

Alzheimer's Myth #4

Drinking out of aluminum cans or cooking in aluminum pots and pans can lead to Alzheimer’s disease.

Reality: During the 1960s and 1970s, aluminum emerged as a possible suspect in Alzheimer’s. This suspicion led to concern about exposure to aluminum through everyday sources such as pots and pans, beverage cans, antacids and antiperspirants. Since then, studies have failed to confirm any role for aluminum in causing Alzheimer’s. Experts today focus on other areas of research, and few believe that everyday sources of aluminum pose any threat.

Alzheimer's Myth #3

Only older people can get Alzheimer's

Reality: Alzheimer's can strike people in their 30s, 40s and even 50s. This is called younger-onset Alzheimer's. It is estimated that there are as many as 5.3 million people living with Alzheimer’s disease in the United States. This includes 5.1 million people age 65 and over and 200,000 people under age 65 with younger-onset Alzheimer’s disease.

Alzheimer's Myth #2

Alzheimer’s disease is not fatal.

Reality: Alzheimer's disease has no survivors. It destroys brain cells and causes memory changes, erratic behaviors and loss of body functions. It slowly and painfully takes away a person's identity, ability to connect with others, think, eat, talk, walk and find his or her way home.

Alzheimer's Myth #1

Memory loss is a natural part of aging.

Reality: In the past people believed memory loss was a normal part of aging, often regarding even Alzheimer’s as natural age-related decline. Experts now recognize severe memory loss as a symptom of serious illness.

Whether memory naturally declines to some extent remains an open question. Many people feel that their memory becomes less sharp as they grow older, but determining whether there is any scientific basis for this belief is a research challenge still being addressed.

Risk Factors For Alzheimer's - What YOU Can Do

Age, family history and heredity are all risk factors we can’t change. Now, research is beginning to reveal clues about other risk factors we may be able to influence.

Head injury: There appears to be a strong link between serious head injury and future risk of Alzheimer’s. Protect your head by buckling your seat belt, wearing your helmet when participating in sports, and “fall-proofing” your home.

Heart-head connection: Some of the strongest evidence links brain health to heart health. Your brain is nourished by one of your body’s richest networks of blood vessels. Every heartbeat pumps about 20 to 25 percent of your blood to your head, where brain cells use at least 20 percent of the food and oxygen your blood carries.

The risk of developing Alzheimer’s or vascular dementia appears to be increased by many conditions that damage the heart or blood vessels. These include high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes and high cholesterol. Work with your doctor to monitor your heart health and treat any problems that arise.

General healthy aging: Other lines of evidence suggest that strategies for overall healthy aging may help keep the brain healthy and may even offer some protection against developing Alzheimer’s or related diseases. Try to keep your weight within recommended guidelines, avoid tobacco and excess alcohol, stay socially connected, and exercise both your body and mind.

Visit www.alz.org for more information.

Treatments for Alzheimer's

Alzheimer's Disease has two distinct parts that can be treated. There are treatments available for the cognitive symptoms which include:

memory
language
judgment
planning
ability to pay attention
other thought processes

There are also treatments available for the behavioral and psychiatric symptoms. These include the ways we feel and act.

Talk to your doctor about what treatment may be right for you or the person in your care. A medication's effectiveness, and the side effects it may cause,,can vary from one person to the next. For one individual, one drug may be more effective but have greater side effects. For another person, the same drug may be less effective but have no side effects.

Ask the doctor the following questions when you discuss any treatments. They will not address all treatment needs, but the answers to these questions will help you understand the options and make informed decisions.

• What kind of assessment will you use to determine if the drug is effective?
• How much time will pass before you will be able to assess the drug's effectiveness?
• How will you monitor for possible side effects?
• What effects should we watch for at home?
• When should we call you?
• Is one treatment option more likely than another to interfere with medications for other conditions?
• What are the concerns with stopping one drug treatment and beginning another?
• At what stage of the disease would you consider it appropriate to stop using the drug?

Learn more at www.alz.org.

Depression and Alzheimer's

Men and women with Alzheimer’s experience depression with about equal frequency. But identifying depression in someone with Alzheimer’s can be difficult. There is no single test or questionnaire to detect the condition, and diagnosis requires careful evaluation of a variety of symptoms. Dementia itself can lead to certain symptoms commonly associated with depression, including:

• apathy
• loss of interest in activities and hobbies
• social withdrawal
• isolation

The cognitive impairment experienced by people with Alzheimer’s often makes it difficult for them to articulate their sadness, hopelessness, guilt and other feelings associated with depression.

Depression in Alzheimer’s doesn’t always look like depression in people without the disorder. For example, depression in Alzheimer’s is sometimes less severe and may not last as long or recur as often.

Learn more at www.alz.org.

A Profile of Older Americans: 2009

The older population (65+) numbered 38.9 million in 2008, an increase of 4.5 million or 13.0% since 1998.

Over one in every eight, or 12.8%, of the population is an older American.

Persons reaching age 65 have an average life expectancy of an additional 18.6 years.

Older women outnumber older men.

The median income of older persons in 2008 was $25,503 for males and $14,559 for females.

Learn more facts HERE on the Administration on Aging website.

Hyperthermia & Heat Stroke

The heat is on in northern Michigan. We all feel it, many are complaining about it, and most of us know how to keep cool. A person with Alzheimer's Disease, however, may not. Often a person with AD will not dress appropriately or drink adequate amounts of clear liquids. This increases the risk of hyperthermia and heat stroke.

Here are a few tips on what to do if you suspect someone is suffering from a heat-related illness:

1. Get the person out of the sun and into an air-conditioned or other cool place.

2. Offer fluids such as water, fruit and vegetable juices, but avoid alcohol and caffeine.

3. Encourage the individual to shower, bathe or sponge off with cool water.

4. Apply a cold, wet cloth to the wrists and/or neck.

5. Urge the person to lie down and rest, preferably in a cool place.

You can learn more by clicking HERE. Check up on elderly family, friends and neighbors during severe hot weather. It could save a life.

Thank You to Wal-Mart in Alpena

Thank you Alpena Wal-Mart for again supporting the Alzheimer's Association and Memory Walk 2010. We appreciate your steadfast support!

Thank You to Mercy Hospital Grayling

Thank you Mercy Hospital Grayling for once again partnering with the Alzheimer's Association and supporting our Memory Walk at the Program Sponsor level. Your continued support helps us reach families all across northern Michigan.

Thank You to Alpena Village

Thank you Alpena Village for partnering with us again in 2010 for Memory Walk as a Program Sponsor. We appreciate your steadfast support!

Thank You to Memory & Movement Disorder Clinic

Many thanks to the Memory & Movement Disorder Clinic in Traverse City for again sponsoring our Memory Walk. As a Benefactor Sponsor, your partnership is greatly appreciated!

Thank You to Grandvue

Thank you Grandvue of East Jordan for supporting the Alzheimer's Association and Memory Walk again this year as a Silver Sponsor! Your commitment to our cause is much appreciated!

Thank You to Orchard Creek

Thank you to another Silver Sponsor, returning this year to support Memory Walk. Orchard Creek Senior Living and Healthcare Community from Traverse City, thank you for your continued support of the Alzheimer's Association and the families of northern Michigan!

Thank You to Culver Meadows Adult Foster Care, Inc.

Thank you to Culver Meadows Adult Foster Care, Inc. of Traverse City for once again becoming a Memory Walk sponsor. We love our Silver Sponsors! Your steadfast support is greatly appreciated.

Thank You to The Village at Bay Ridge

The Village at Bay Ridge of Traverse City is once again sponsoring Memory Walk. Our Silver Sponsors are so appreciated! Thank you! Together we are making a difference in our communities.

Alzheimer's Day at Culvers in Alpena - June 9th

Wednesday, June 9th, is the Annual Alzheimer's Day at Culver's Restaurant in Alpena.

Culver's generously donates their "ButterBucks" to the Alzheimer's Association each year.

11:00am - 7:00pm
"ButterBucks" cost $1.00 each
Every dollar goes directly to the Alzheimer's Association - Northern Michigan Region

Each "ButterBuck" is redeemable for $1.00 off your next Culver's order.
(dates redeemable printed on the ButterBucks)

Come out for a nice meal and support the Alzheimer's Association!

Thank You to Cherry Hill Haven

Cherry Hill Haven is another returning Memory Walk sponsor. As a Silver Sponsor, their contribution to Memory Walk is vitally important. Without sponsors like Cherry Hill Haven, we would not be able to offer the many programs and services to families dealing with Alzheimer's Disease here in our northern Michigan communities. Thank you!

Thank you to Munson Medical Center

Thank you to Munson Medical Center for once again supporting Memory Walk! Your Benefactor Sponsorship is greatly appreciated in 2010.

Thank You to The French Manor Senior Living

Thank you to The French Manor Senior Living for sponsoring Memory Walk 2010 as a Benefactor Sponsor! Our sponsors are vital to having a successful Memory Walk season. With their help, we can continue to reach those families in our communities of northern Michigan dealing with Alzheimer's Disease.

A Round to Remember

Saturday, August 14th
River's Edge Golf Course
Registration at 9:00am
Shotgun Start

Come join us for a great cause and a fun day on the links!

Hosted by Memory Walk Stevens Team

Entry forms available at the Alpena Office

Thank You Gosling Czubak Engineering Sciences, Inc.

Thank you to Gosling Czubak Engineering Sciences, Inc. for returning this year as a Program Sponsor for Memory Walk 2010! We appreciate all the businesses that partner with us to help families here in northern Michigan.

Alzheimer's Disease Know the 10 Signs- Early Detection Matters Webinar

What is a "webinar"? It's an on-line class available to people with a computer and a telephone. You listen to the speaker over the phone while the material plays out in front of you on your computer. All from the comfort and convenience of your own home!

To register for the current class:
Know the 10 Signs - Early Detection Matters

Click on HERE and follow the instructions.

There are two more opportunities for this class:

Tuesday, June 1, 2010
10:00 - 11:30 am
*registration deadline Friday, May 28, 2010

Thursday, June 24, 2010
2:00 - 3:30 pm
*registration deadline Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Poker Benefit This Weekend in Alpena

Come and support the

Alzheimer's Association

Thursday May 20 thru
Sunday May 23

Alpena Poker Palace
Tournaments starting:

Thursday at 7:00pm
Friday at 7:00pm
Saturday at 4:00pm
Sunday at 4:00pm

Thank You Comfort Keepers!

Again this year Comfort Keepers is supporting the Alzheimer's Association as a Platinum Sponsor for our 2010 Memory Walks in Traverse City and Alpena. Partnerships with businesses such as Comfort Keepers are a vital part of making our Memory Walks successful. Successful Memory Walks are what keep us here - in northern Michigan - helping families dealing with Alzheimer's Disease. Thank you Comfort Keepers, from our staff and the communities we serve!