Thank you for your article, “Alzheimer’s conference offered for caregivers” (Nov. 9), and promoting the fifth annual Napa Valley education conference, “Understanding Memory Loss: Strategies for Success V,” presented by the North Bay Alzheimer’s Association, in partnership with Napa Valley Hospice & Adult Day Services and the town of Yountville.
There was an exciting energy felt throughout the day from the approximately 150 people in attendance on Thursday, Dec. 5, at the Yountville Community Center. The conference began with a warm welcome from Yountville Mayor John Dunbar. Keynote speakers followed with UCSF neurologist Dr. Gil Rabinovici discussing the latest Alzheimer’s research efforts and developments, and UCSF pharmacist Ron Finley talking about the progress and pitfalls around drug therapy. The day continued with a variety of speakers on topics ranging from hospitalization and dementia, bathing without a battle and self-expression through the use of art. The closing presenter was Alan Arnette, mountaineer and Alzheimer’s advocate, who provided an inspirational and unique message. Alan gave the audience a visual journey of his climbing the highest mountains on each of the seven continents (including Mount Everest), bringing a message of hope, need and urgency to people around the world for increased education, awareness and research funding for Alzheimer’s disease.
Our goal of bringing this event to the Napa County community is to bring such awareness of Alzheimer’s disease and caregiver strategies. Family caregivers and professionals who attended were able to take away valuable information and resources by our speakers and sponsors. This event, of course, could not be possible without local supporters. We would like to thank our sponsors and partners: Aegis of Napa, Your Home Nursing Services, Visiting Angels, Born to Age, Home Instead Senior Care, Senior Helpers North Bay, the Meadows of Napa Valley, Eldercare Resources Bay Area, Emeritus at Villa del Rey, Hired Hands Homecare, Piner’s Medical Supply, Umpqua Bank, AAA Napa/Solano, Napa Long-Term Care Ombudsman, Redwood Caregiver Resource Center and Rianda House Senior Center.
We would also like to acknowledge Bouchon Bakery for their donation of the delicious muffins and scones for the morning’s continental breakfast, Starbucks of Napa for their coffee contribution, Yountville Deli for the lunches, Trader Joe’s of Napa for their donation of the afternoon snacks, Napa Winery Inn for providing overnight accommodations for speakers and staff, Napa Valley Audio-Visual for its AV services, and our event attendants, Larry and Vickie, from the town of Yountville. Lastly, we want to thank and acknowledge Napa Valley Hospice & Adult Day Services and the town of Yountville for co-sponsoring this event every year and understanding the need for education and support. Mark your calendar, our sixth annual Napa conference will be held Dec. 4, 2014, at the Yountville Community Center.
Hope to see you there!
The Alzheimer’s Association has many resources available to those who are caring for loved ones with Alzheimer’s or want to learn more about how to prevent it. Our 24/7 help line can be reached at 800-272-3900, and valuable information can be found on our website, alz.org.
Dombroski is the regional director of the Alzheimer’s Association, North Bay Office-Santa Rosa.
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