More than 5 million people in the United States are currently living with Alzheimer’s; about half of which are in the early stages of the disease when they still retain many abilities and can contribute in the planning of their own care and future. The Alzheimer’s Association is hosting several regional Town Halls across the U.S. to give people living with the disease the opportunity to discuss issues they face and share helpful resources, programs and services.

The goal of this discussion is to give those with Alzheimer’s disease a unique opportunity to share perspectives and connect with others who are living with the disease. This is also an opportunity for the Alzheimer's Association to listen and learn from those who are still able to advocate for themselves. Ultimately, this group will influence future resources, public policy efforts and general awareness about the realities of this disease.

“This is the first open forum for individuals in the early stages of Alzheimer’s in Ventura County” said Norma Featherston, Area Director, Ventura County. We look forward to this opportunity to not only listen directly to those diagnosed with the disease, but also reach out to them by gaining new information that will help the Alzheimer's Association deliver the best care and support to all those living with the disease.”

For those in the early stages of Alzheimer’s this is our chance to be active participants in the shaping of programs, services and public policy. We are extremely excited to be a part of this platform for change on how society views people with Alzheimer’s and how services can best assist people in the various stages of the disease and their caregivers.

This event, co-sponsored by Senior Concerns, will be moderated by Loretta Redd, Executive Director, Alzheimer’s Association, Central Coast Chapter. The moderator will lead the Town Hall discussions and introduce panelists; a Question and Answer period will follow.

The Town Hall is free of charge, and will be held on July 31, 2008 from 6 to 7:30 PM at Senior Concerns, 401 Hodencamp Road, Thousand Oaks, CA. Refreshments will be served. For more information, call the Alzheimer’s Association at 805 485 5597.