Author Patricia McClure begins Purple Movement Fall Tour

Award-winning author Patricia M. McClure of "Losing a Hero to Alzheimer's: The Story of Pearl" is doing a purple movement fall book tour in the Chicago area to help raise awareness about the disease, discuss risk factors and give information, support, and advice from a caregiver's perspective.

McClure will kick off her Purple Movement Fall Tour from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23, at "Hands on Arts" event at Fischer Farm, 16W680 Grand Ave. in Bensenville, and the Autumn's Living Library from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 5, at McHenry County College, 8900 Route 14 in Crystal Lake; and the Oswego Literary Fest from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7, in Oswego.

The disease is a challenge and struggle. "I had a lot of sleepless nights because I was concerned about my mother's safety." Alzheimer's affects the individual, family and caregiver. It is a brain disease that causes a slow decline in memory, thinking and reasoning skills. According to the Alzheimer's Association more than 5 million Americans are living with the disease.

Every 66 seconds someone in the U.S. develops Alzheimer's.

The disease can bring families together, but it can also cause hopelessness and confusion. McClure was inspired to write about her mom's struggle with the disease.

She wanted to capture her experience as a caregiver and family member.

McClure shares practical guidelines on how she handled the situation as a caregiver. Family members

members can be in denial in regards to a love one being diagnosed with Alzheimer's. McClure shares how family members watched from the sidelines and criticized her. "The lack of support and criticism was very hurtful. At times I felt very hopeless and isolated from my family." McClure gives credit to her husband, Eric Chessier, who helped her a great deal, and was right by her side.

McClure wants her audience to know there is hope. There is treatment available, and can help slow down the progression of the disease.

Alzheimer's is caused by a combination of genetic, lifestyle and environmental factors that affect the brain over time. Here are a few suggestions offered by neurologists to help prevent Alzheimer's: a healthy diet, regular exercise regimen, proper amount of sleep, connect socially and boast brain power by learning new information.

Contact McClure on Facebook for dates of future events, book signings and speaking engagements.

For more information, contact pmcclurechessier@yahoo.com or www.patriciammcclure.com.