How the Alzheimer's Association of WNY is Making a Difference
John Asaro was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s
disease about 18-months ago, after his children began questioning why he was
repeating himself so often, and he started having serious problems with
directions while driving. “We were actually relieved when we learned the
diagnosis, because we finally knew what was wrong with him,” recalls John’s
wife Eileen.
They were referred to the Alzheimer’s
Association WNY Chapter by their nurse practitioner. “It was like the sun
coming out after the rain,” says John. He and his wife have attended social
programs, support groups and educational seminars. “The Chapter’s support
groups are vital,“ says Eileen. “You share your pain and frustration and learn
from each other, because with this disease, every day is different.”
For John, the Chapter is a refuge. “I am most
comfortable around the friends I’ve made here because I can relate to them.”
John is also an ardent “bell-ringer” trying to raise awareness about
Alzheimer’s. “People are frightened and don’t know how to react because there
are a lot of misconceptions about it. But I don’t hide it. I have a disease…I
don’t eat children. I am trying to spread the word to others to see a doctor,
and get help from the Chapter.”
Another WNY couple, George and Nancy Kessler
remember how in 2009, out of the blue, George suddenly couldn’t recall the time
or date. But it wasn’t until he passed out while driving several years later
that his cognitive health was assessed, and he failed, indicating George had a
form of dementia. Nancy witnessed her husband of 34 years change from a
sharp-as-a-tack and happy man into a humorless person who went through periods
of paranoia. George was fortunate, though, in that medication provided some
help, and they were better able to cope once he and Nancy contacted the
Alzheimer’s Association WNY Chapter.
“Education is essential,” says Nancy. “We have
a great support system at the Chapter and they have some wonderful resources to
help us, including support groups for caregivers, social programs for those
with the disease, and educational seminars. We learned ‘the whys’ behind George’s
changes in behavior and how to respond and adapt.”
A former salesman, George now appreciates the
rapport he shares with others in the social programs. “Everything I do, like
volunteering for different things, helps me, because I connect with people”.
John, Eileen, George and Nancy plan to take
part in the Chapter’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s on September 20, 2014 in Delaware
Park behind the Buffalo Zoo. The Walk is the Chapter’s major fundraiser of the
year, and sustains programs like support groups and educational seminars. John
says, “When the doctor told me I had Alzheimer’s, I thought my life would
change drastically. But with the help of the wonderful people at the Chapter,
I’ve learned to replace the things I can no longer do with things I can.”
Walks are also scheduled in Chautauqua and
Orleans counties on September 6; Genesee and Niagara counties on September 27;
and in Wyoming County on October 4. To learn more about Alzheimer’s disease and
the Walk, visit www.alz.org/WNY or call
1.800.272.3900.
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