The Purple Affair takes place on August 17th at the Georgia Aquarium. This event honors local heroes who work in support of the Alzheimer’s community. The James M. Dixon Foundation for Alzheimer’s Research & Support, host of The Purple Affair, will join us at CAREGIVERS Relax on August 14th from 11AM - 2PM at Porter Sandford Performing Arts & Community Center.
The foundation’s founder, Dr. Lori James, speaks with us about her journey.
She shares that in 2018, her father was diagnosed with Alzheimer's, but the journey started before the diagnosis. James speaks about being in denial when faced with her father’s cognitive decline. She also talks about the accompanying grief and anger that she experienced due to the diagnosis. She became a CAREGIVER for her father.
The foundation came out of the needs she experienced. She speaks about the need for a will, a power of attorney, and other documents that are necessary for caregivers.
Her foundation provides support and tools for those in the role of caregiver. They have produced the CAREGIVERS Notebook, and while the GALA takes place on August 17th, there is a gathering just for caregivers on August 16th.
I asked James about any new research around Alzheimer’s, and she spoke about an Emory researcher, Dr. Glenna Brewster, who is making progress. I asked about the devices that produce a certain frequency, and she spoke about music therapy, especially “soul” music, being soothing to persons in distress.
For more information on the James M. Dixon Foundation for Alzheimer’s Research & Support
For more information on The Purple Affair Event