Local Author comes to Barnes & Noble in Naperville for book signing and to help raise awareness about Alzheimer's
Author joins forces with the Alzheimer's Association and comes to Barnes & Noble in Naperville to raise awareness about Alzheimer's
"Alzheimer is no respect of person" says Author Patricia M McClure of "Losing a hero to Alzheimer's The Story of Pearl." Everyone is at risk! The only requirement for Alzheimer's is a brain. June was declared Alzheimer & Brain Awareness Month by the Alzheimer's Association. The Alzheimer's Association estimates that the disease is affecting over 47 million people worldwide. More than 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's disease and there are more than 5 million caregivers. "I use to be a caregiver for my mother" she said, as she engaged the audience during her many presentations in the Chicago land suburbs. McClure accepted the challenge to help uncover the truth by educating others about a brain disease that is often misunderstood, irreversible, and grueling to watch. She unveiled her experience as she took the audience through her experiences as a caregiver.
In her presentation, McClure gave facts about early detection, symptoms, possible causes, prevention, how to take action, management and patient care. Alzheimer's disease is a progressive brain disorder that slowly destroys memory, thinking skills, language and eventually the ability to carry out the simplest tasks. Alzheimer's is the 6th leading cause of death. 1 in 3 seniors will die with Alzheimer's or another dementia. There is a combination between genetics, the environment, life style and co-existing medical conditions which can be catalysts for the disease. There are no clear cut answers yet about if Alzheimer's can be prevented according to the Alzheimer Association. However, more research is under way. A good place to start for prevention is, diet, exercise, good lifestyle choices and learning new information so that your brain doesn't become rote. When your love one is diagnosed with Alzheimer, it is so important to help them maintain a good quality of life, foster a safe environment, maximize function in daily activities and promote social engagement. She shared how important it is to maintain a routine, minimize changes, and make it a priority for them to attend social events with their peers. "Changes can be very disruptive for Alzheimer patients."
McClure who was very confident and knowledgeable about the subject matter enthralled the crowd with her presentation. Spectators were encouraged to ask questions. She spoke very candidly about how the debilitating disease is harder on the caregiver than the person afflicted with the disease. "It's important to avoid power struggles and choose your battles." Most importantly, "don't let the negative things that they say upset you." 'They're in denial so you probably won't hear thank you." "It's important for you to show them love regardless of their behavior." "Try not to take what they say personally", she said. The audience was interactive and she was quite inspiring and engaging in her delivery. "Thank you for the work you do, you're wonderful human-being," one spectator heckled from the crowd. "I really like the fact that she was so transparent and genuine about her experience" said another member from the audience.
Historically the color purple has been associated with various movements. She is dedicated to the movement to educate and end Alzheimer's, and will continue her book signing tour across the country. McClure is available to do presentations at educational institutions, churches, support groups, nursing homes and various organizations. Please join her on Sunday July 17, 2016 from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. for a book signing at Barnes & Noble located at 47 East Chicago Suite 132 in Naperville, Illinois.
Authors for Article: Patricia M McClure-Chessier & Mary Compton
Photographs by Mike Jue
If you have any questions please feel free to call me at (708) 400-3853.
Thank You
Patricia