Alzheimer’s Women’s Initiative Holds Inaugural Luncheon

The Alzheimer’s Women’s Initiative luncheon honored special caregivers this afternoon. The event was held at the Fess Parker Doubletree Resort in Santa Barbara.

Those attending learned about the growing concerns about Alzheimer’s and dementia in our society, along with the services available.
The keynote speaker was actress and local resident Kimberly Williams-Paisley, who is married to country star Brad Paisley.
She talked about her mother who faced dementia in her early 60’s, back in 2006.

Williams-Paisley told the group, “There was no treatment or cure. I sat in the back of the room of the doctor’s office trying to comprehend this news. I was pregnant with my first child. ‘How much time will my baby have with her? What is life going to be like without my mom ?’ And then, ‘what is life going to be like with mom?'”

The event honored employee caregiver Lorena Angeles, Spouse caregiver Dr. Glen Adams and daughter caregiver Susan Stewart.

An auction also took place with the prize – two Brad Paisley concert tickets and VIP meet and greet passes.

There are currently about 12,000 residents dealing with dementia and Alzheimer’s in Santa Barbara County. Studies show by the age of 80 one in three will have the disease.

If you or someone you know is dealing with Alzheimers and dementia related issues, the Santa Barbara Chapter has valuable resources to help you. The local group covers not just Santa Barbara, but also Ventura, San Luis Obipso and Kern counties.