Alexandra Dillon
associate director, 308.440.7773; Linda Harr, Senior College secretary, 308.327.2744
In recognition of Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, the Senior College of Central Nebraska will sponsor a viewing of HBO’s “The Alzheimer’s Project, Momentum in Science Part 1 and 2” on Sunday, Nov. 15, at the University of Nebraska at Kearney.
The documentary will be shown beginning at 1:30 p.m. in the Nebraskan Student Union Ponderosa Room. The event is free and open to Senior College members and the general public.
The two-part series of “The Alzheimer’s Project” will give viewers a look into the laboratories and clinics of 25 leading scientists and physicians. The series will present the most recent advances in Alzheimer’s research.
“Senior citizens are very health conscious, and Alzheimer’s disease affects mainly senior citizens,” said Stan Dart, Senior College vice chair. “Our purpose in offering the program is to provide information on the current level of knowledge of causes and treatments of Alzheimer’s disease.”
After the first segment, there will be a question and answer session with a panel of professionals in the field, including: Travis Groft, Ph.D., director of neuropsychology at the Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital in Lincoln; Brian Sanley, pharmacist at the Apple Market Pharmacy; and Ronald Dobesh, M.D., internal medicine, Platte Valley Medical Group.
According to the 2009 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report, 10 million baby boomers will develop Alzheimer’s disease. In Nebraska today, 33,000 people have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, and that number is expected to grow to 37,000 by 2010. Assisting those with the disease are 54,319 caregivers, providing an estimated 46,888,454 hours of unpaid care for loved ones with Alzheimer’s or other dementia valued at $496,079,839.
The Senior College of Central Nebraska is an organization that provides educational opportunities for senior citizens in the Kearney area. In 2005, the UNK College of Education helped establish the Senior College.
“UNK is a valuable partner with the Senior College,” Dart said. “Many of our classes are presented in classrooms throughout the campus at times when the facilities are not being otherwise used.”
The Alzheimer’s Project is being presented in partnership with the Great Plains Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. For more information contact Linda Harr, secretary for the Senior College Board of Directors, 308.237.2744, or Alexandra Dillon, associate director for the Alzheimer’s Association, 308.440.7773.
