FROM THE ROOFTOPS - August 2006

Part of the mission of The Unforgettable Fund is to serve as a voice. But unless there is active listening, understanding, and exchanging of ideas – a voice is meaningless.

In keeping with that mission, several members of the Board of Directors have dedicated time and energy in reaching out, answering questions, educating others, and exchanging ideas about Alzheimer’s Disease.

• In June, Alzheimer’s Community Care presented the 2006 Alzheimer’s Educational Conference in West Palm Beach, Florida. Dr. Malcolm Leissring, Assistant Professor and research scientist at Scripps Florida and Vice President of The Unforgettable Fund, was a guest speaker for one of the sessions, sharing recent developments in untangling the tangles of Alzheimer’s Disease. Attendees were impressed by the approachability of Dr. Leissring – how he could explain the scientific complexities of the disease in terms that the non-scientist could understand. Questions posed to Dr. Leissring were answered with true respect and dignity. Alzheimer’s Community Care celebrated their 10th Anniversary this year and with the mission: Placing a safety net around both patient and their care-givers everyday. Visit www.alzcare.org for more information.

• The Florida Legislature created the Florida Center for Universal Research to Eradicate Disease (FL CURED) to engage in activities and promote actions that will expedite the discovery, translation, and dissemination of cures for the most deadly and widespread diseases. The Florida Department of Health presented 2006 FL CURED, Meeting of the Minds – Research for New Insights and Innovative Cures. The Inaugural Summit was successfully held in Palm Beach Gardens at the PGA National Resort and Spa on August 1st, 2006. Dr. Claes Wahlestedt, Director of Neuroscience at Scripps Florida and secretary of The Unforgettable Fund, was “Champion & Facilitator” for the Aging/Neurosciences Workshop. And adding perspective from the caregivers’ point-of-view was Patty Doherty, founder of The Unforgettable Fund. Exchanging information, listening to life lessons, and active dialogue made the Aging/Neurosciences receive the highest scores out of all the workshops held. To learn more, visit www.flcured.org

• And, alas, due to the approach of Hurricane Ernesto, a free seminar entitled: Alzheimer’s Disease: What is it? And what are scientists doing about it? By Dr. Malcolm Leissring - has been cancelled. The event hosted by the Visiting Nurse Association of Florida will be rescheduled at a later date. Check www.vnaflorida.org for details.