Support group to view HBO Alzheimer’s documentary

By ANNABELLE ROBERTSON
Item Staff Writer
arobertson@theitem.com

If your loved one suffers from Alzheimer’s Disease, hope is on the horizon. A group dedicated to support for loved ones of Alzheimer’s patients will be meeting to share stories and watch a pioneering new documentary that recently aired on HBO.

The meeting will take place Thursday at Covenant Place.

The documentary, called “The Alzheimer’s Project,” shows that while there is still no cure for the irreversible, progressive brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills, there is still reason for optimism. It explores groundbreaking discoveries made by the country’s leading scientists, as well as the effects of the debilitating and fatal disease, on those who have Alzheimer’s and their families.

“I extend an invitation to everyone who is interested in learning more about Alzheimer’s and the encouraging news about research that is very promising,” said Judy Jernigan, who leads the group. “There are stories about caregivers and about how they confront daily issues; there is news about research and how close we are in making progress. If you are a caregiver, you will learn so much and will be able to apply it to your personal situation. If you are a home health care agency/attendant or have a member of your family who suffers from Alzheimers, I encourage you to attend.”

Alzheimer’s is the second most-feared illness in America, following cancer, and is believed to affect as many as five million Americans. That number could soar to more than 11 million by 2040, as Baby Boomers move through retirement.

The Alzheimer’s Support Group meets at 6 p.m. on the first Thursday of each month at Covenant Place, 2825 Carter Road in Sumter. Their next meeting will take place this Thursday.

A second group meets the third Tuesday of every month at McElveen Manor, beginning at 6:30 p.m. The next meeting for this group will be on June 16, and participants will also have an opportunity to view the documentary.

For more information call Judy Jernigan 773-5293 or 840-7230.



Contact Staff Writer Annabelle Robertson at arobertson@theitem.com or (803) 774-1250.