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The Alzheimer’s Association and Athens Community Council on Aging to Host Panel Discussion

Members of the Athens community affected in some way by Alzheimer’s are invited to attend “A Talk With the Experts.

The Alzheimer’s Association and Athens Community Council on Aging are cohosting the panel discussion on battling Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.

Mary Caldwell is a program manager with the Alzheimer’s Association Georgia Chapter.

“We’ve got some very interesting panel members,” Caldwell said. “We’re going to highlight brain health, current trends and practices related to Alzheimer’s and other dementias, not just Alzheimer's.”

Kris Bakowski is a volunteer and member of the Board of Governor’s with the organization. She was diagnosed with the disease in her 40’s. She says the event will provide valuable information.

“Things are happening pretty rapidly in the field of dementia research and things like that,” Bakowski said.

Both women say the panel will help to clear misconceptions about Alzheimer’s, which is the most common form of Dementia.

“This is not one of those conditions that you’re just going to be able to stick your head in the sand and everything is going to be ok,” Caldwell said.

While there is no cure for the disease, or medication to prevent it, or to slow progression, there are medications available to treat the symptoms and allow for a better quality of life.

And the sooner you seek treatment, the better.

“It’s a protective factor for your brain to get on the medication earlier,” Caldwell said.

The discussion is Thursday at the Athens Library, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. A coffee reception will follow.

Alexia Ridley joined WUGA as Television and Radio News Anchor and Reporter in 2013. When WUGA TV concluded operations, she became the primary Reporter for WUGA Radio. Alexia came to Athens from Macon where she served as the News Director and show host for WGXA TV. She's a career journalist and Savannah native hailing from the University of Michigan. However, Alexia considers herself an honorary UGA DAWG!