Alzheimer’s Advocacy in Rhode Island
For folks affected by Alzheimer’s Disease in Rhode Island, these past few weeks have held quite a few interesting developments and poignant stories. Here’s a quick look at some of them:
- On May 7, an “Alzheimer’s Advocacy Day” was held at the State Capitol to meet with legislators and discuss the disease and its impact on Rhode Islanders, and to urge the passage of new legislation that would improve life for people with Alzheimer’s, their families and caregivers. There are various pieces of legislation currently being considered; two key bills are H 5569 and S 310, companion measures that would legislatively endorse the recently released 2019 State Alzheimer’s Plan.
- Dr. Stephen Salloway, a global leader in Alzheimer’s Disease research, was inducted into the Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame. The Memory and Aging Program at Butler Hospital noted that “Perhaps the only thing that might rival the number and significance of the accomplishments contained in Dr. Salloway’s nearly 100-page curriculum vitae is the less tangible but profoundly meaningful impact he has had on the lives of his patients and their families, as well as his staff and his students.”
- A team of film students from the University of Rhode Island successfully crowdsourced funding for a short film called A Man’s Life. The story is based on the experience of film writer/director Justine Mirek’s grandfather and his family, and captures “the pain that comes with Alzheimer’s disease but also the strength of love and family. It shows the different ways people cope when their relationship with a loved one who has Alzheimer’s is evolving.” The film had several public screenings this month.
Looking ahead, June is always a special month for families of loved ones with Alzheimer’s. The Alzheimer’s Association holds their annual “Longest Day” fundraising activities. June 21, Summer Solstice, was chosen because it represents an opportunity to join together and outshine the darkness of Alzheimer’s Disease. Learn more about how you can get involved here: