Will anyone be attending the Early Memory Loss Symposium at the Skirball Center in Los Angeles tomorrow, Saturday March 28th? I'm going.

Iris L.

Yesterday I attended the Early Memory Loss Forum at the Skirball Center in Los Angeles. The day was packed full of information and encouragement. The forum began at 8am and ended at 3 pm. I drove over 75 miles round trip and I was exhausted when I returned home after navigating through Los Angeles horrendous traffic.

I was impressed by the motivation of the patients to get the message out about early diagnosis and treatment. I was also impressed by the loyalty of the family members, who try so hard to help.

All of the people involved were top-notch. There is hope for patients. Diagnosis, treatment, planning for the future, daily life don't have to be so difficult.

One thing I was disappointed in is that there are many services and resources to help early memory loss patients, but they seem to be located in the West Los Angeles area or the San Fernando Valley area. Otherwise you are out of luck.

The wonderful education and support that is available needs to get around to the many affected people who live in other areas. The amount of information presented was welcome, but overwhelming. We need to advocate for local support groups for patients.

Iris L.

Thanks Iris, that was very interesting!

That services are better in some parts of L.A. than others fits my observation of the available talent pool. There really aren't enough talented people to staff all the Alzheimer's offices, any more than there is an Einstein for every Physics department.

I've been quite disappointed at a staff change in my area, regarding the EOAD services. Occasionally I check online their staff roster, looking for turnover to bring a chance for something better. Meanwhile I have some good doctors, a loving wife, and the online community.

yes, NE portland lacks help that is available in other parts of the city.