Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Alzheimer's and Dementia


Speaker: Ms. Pat Felice - 

Ms. Pat Felice has been an educator and advocate for persons with dementia and their family care providers for over 10 years. As the former Family Services Director at the Alzheimer's Association of Colorado, Pat helped raise awareness about Alzheimer's disease and provided education, support and services to family caregivers, professionals and the general public. Pat has a B.A. in Communications and currently lives in Salt Lake City.

In her own words:
"The challenges of caring for a person with Alzheimer's disease are greatly misunderstood and underestimated by our society. Unless one has been personally impacted by the disease it is difficult for them to comprehend the physical, emotional and financial turmoil Alzheimer's can have on a family. With the benefit of easy access to information and services the burden can be lightened. Unfortunately, many people do not seek assistance and struggle alone due to the persistent stigma and ignorance about the disease that continues to prevail. Education and advocacy are imperative if we are to offer help to those currently diagnosed and hope for a cure in the future."