Sisters Rotary explores impact of Alzheimer's

Toward raising awareness of the global increase and impact of Alzheimer’s Disease and dementia, the Council on Aging of Central Oregon and the Sisters Rotary Club will conduct a free series of talks on the morning of June 23 at the Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District Community Hall.

Doors will open at 9:30 a.m. and sessions run through the noon hour.

The purpose of the event is to raise awareness of dementia and Alzheimer’s in the Sisters and Central Oregon communities, and it coincides with Alzheimer Association’s The Longest Day. The Longest Day is the day with the most light — the summer solstice. On June 21, people from across the world will fight the darkness of Alzheimer’s through awareness and fundraising efforts nationwide.

The statistical impact of Alzheimer’s and dementia is staggering.

• About one in nine people age 65 and older has Alzheimer’s.

• Almost two-thirds of those are women.

• Overall, an estimated 6.7 million Americans age 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s in 2023.

• One in three seniors dies with Alzheimer’s or another dementia. It kills more than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined.

• Deaths from Alzheimer’s have more than doubled between 2000 and 2019, while those from heart disease — the leading cause of death — have decreased.

The June 23 presentation will commence with a presentation on the 10 warning signs of dementia followed by four “Sis Talks” to include:

• The Importance of Social Engagement

• Staying Physical, Why It Matters

• Why Balanced Nutrition Is Important

• Keeping Your Brain Engaged

There are plans to have two panel question-and-answer sessions. There will be a raffle for a two-night stay at Suttle Lake to raise funds.

The Sisters community is also conducting a 50-kilometer Alzheimer’s Summer Solstice Spin Challenge at Sisters Athletic Club in an effort to raise at least $1,500 for the Alzheimer’s Association of Central Oregon on the June 21 Solstice. Tate Metcalf, owner of the Sisters Athletic Club, is making the Challenge possible and hosting the effort.

Sisters Rotary Club member and Alzheimer’s Association advocate Debbi McCune said, “So many of us live with the devastating impact of dementia and Alzheimer’s in our communities and there is so much to be learned about how to best fight and deal with its affect on our daily lives.”