Alzheimer's Discussions Held At MLS Libraries

Alzheimer's may be the only disease that generates more fear in its potential victims than cancer.

Alzheimer's is a progressive brain disorder that will gradually destroy its victim's ability to think clearly, communicate, make decisions, remember, and learn. Perhaps even more frighteningly, it can also generate a change in personality and behavior.

The Metropolitan Library System is sponsoring a discussion called "Living with Alzheimer's" that will be presented at three MLS locations. The first will be at the Belle Isle Library on Sept. 7 from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. , and the repeat sessions will be at the Edmond Library on Sept. 11 from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. , and the Warr Acres Library on Sept. 15 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.

All sessions are co-sponsored by the Central Oklahoma Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association and will be presented by the association's Community Education Coordinator, March Gardenhire. The Central Oklahoma chapter of the Alzheimer's Association works throughout central and western Oklahoma to provide education, services, and support to all whose lives are affected by Alzheimer's and related dementia diseases .

The library programs will include topics such as understanding the disease of Alzheimer's, warning signs and risk factors, care giving issues, and available resources.

It is estimated by the Alzheimer's Association that 70 percent of all sufferers with the disorder live at home, and as their condition worsens the burden placed on family caregivers increases. Demands on time, money and emotional support can become overwhelming. The stress and strain can become so great, caregivers' lives can be changed permanently.

One man, a retired plumber from western Oklahoma , watched his wife disappear mentally to the point at which she no longer recognized him. A grandmother enjoyed frequent visits from her favorite granddaughter, but every time the younger woman left the room, the older one would turn to an empty chair and ask someone only she could see, "Who was that girl?"

"It's just so hard and you keep wondering what's going on," one family member said. "It's like the person you love has been taken away and someone else who looks the same but is totally different has taken her place."

If your life has been touched by this disease, if you are caring for someone who is living with Alzheimer's or other memory loss disorders, or if you are seeking more information about a disease that affects more than 75,000 Oklahomans, you are encouraged to attend this free educational program.

For more information, please call the libraries at which the program is being offered. Belle Isle: 843-9601, 5501 N. Villa. Edmond Library: 341-9282, 10 S. Boulevard in Edmond . Warr Acres Library: 721-2616, 5901 NW 63rd. in Warr Acres.

The Metropolitan Library System of Oklahoma County includes 12 libraries and five extension libraries. Libraries include Belle Isle, Capitol Hill, Ralph Ellison, Ronald J. Norick Downtown Library and Southern Oaks in Oklahoma City, as well as Bethany, Choctaw, Del City, Edmond, Midwest City, Village and Warr Acres. Extensions are located in the communities of Harrah, Jones, Luther and Nicoma Park and include Wright Library in Oklahoma City . You can also reach us at www.metrolibrary.org.