No Alzheimer’s Caregiver Left Behind in Forget-Me-Not Project

AARP North Carolina has joined with award-winning Durham playwright Garrett Davis in a novel approach to telling the story of families who have a loved one with Alzheimer’s.

See Also: Learn about Alzheimer's Disease

This approach brings his play, Forget Me Not, the story of the devastation that Alzheimer’s brings not only to the person who is afflicted with the disease but also to that person’s caregiver, together with a series of prayer breakfasts and health fairs.

The aim is to raise awareness of the cost of Alzheimer’s to caregivers and their loved ones, and to use art to educate about the disease.

Davis began his awareness campaign through a VIP Celebrity Gala that introduced the public policy implications of Alzheimer’s to local officials by partnering with the Alzheimer’s Association staff to educate them about legislation being introduced on Capitol Hill and what they can do locally to make a difference.

The short play tells the story of Alzheimer’s from the perspective of the caregiver, emphasizing symptoms that may not be seen or understood at the time. It also extols the value of family and their assistance to the primary caregiver, and how the symptoms of the disease can often result in comic relief for the families affected. By adding a prayer breakfast and health fair, audiences can gain greater understanding of the symptoms and impacts of the disease on their communities.

The ultimate goal of the four-pronged approach to education about Alzheimer’s is increased awareness, understanding, and emphasis on the need for expanded research for a cure.

Anyone interested in sponsoring one of these events in their community can email Debra Tyler-Horton, ASD for Multicultural Outreach at AARP North Carolina at dtylerhorton@aarp.org. They can also email Garrett Davis about the Forget Me Not Project at garrett@gdavisplays.com.