Alzheimer art auction March 31

Nearly every family has been touched by Alzheimer's disease, and those who care for patients see the devastating effects of the disease on an everyday basis.

At Charles Cole Memorial Hospital, Nursing Home Administrator Phyllis Glinkowski is organizing a fund-raising Art Auction to benefit the Alzheimer's Association. It will be held Saturday evening, March 31 at the Coudersport Consistory. The preview with wine, cheese and hors d'oeuvres begins at 6:00 with the auction following at 7:00.

The auction features art in all media and price ranges. Tickets are $10, available by contacting Glinkowski at (814) 274-9301, ext. 1392.

Alzheimer's is a progressive brain disorder that gradually destroys a person's memory and ability to learn, reason, make judgments, communicate and carry out daily activities. As Alzheimer's progresses, individuals may also experience changes in personality and behavior, such as anxiety, suspiciousness or agitation, as well as delusions or hallucinations.

Although there is no cure, new treatments are on the horizon as a result of accelerating insight into the biology of the disease. Research has also shown that effective care and support can improve quality of life for individuals and their caregivers over the course of the disease from diagnosis to the end of life.

An Alzheimer's Disease Support Group meets monthly at the Charles Cole Memorial Hospital Wellness Center on the second Wednesday. Meeting time is 1:30 p.m. and new participants are always welcome.