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Syracuse Oncenter Hosts Dementia Convention Syracuse Oncenter Hosts Dementia Convention

Alzheimer's Disease is currently the sixth-leading cause of death in the U.S.

By Drew VonScio

ANISA WILLIAMS: The Oncenter in downtown Syracuse hosted a convention today to bring awareness to Alzheimer’s. NCC News Reporter Drew VonScio is live to tell us how the community came together for a good cause.

DREW VONSCIO: Thanks, Anisa. Alzheimer’s continues to affect millions of people every day. This story is personal for me since I lost my grandmother to this horrible disease in November. Today’s convention is helped to educate those who may not know the impact of it.

VONSCIO: Local vendors got together today in Syracuse to provide resources and support for caregivers as well as those who struggle with the disease themselves. These 45 vendors spread awareness for a disease that affects over seven-million people in the United States. Senior Director of Programs Jessica DesRosiers for the Alzheimer’s Association here in Central New York says it’s more important to educate now than ever before.

JESSICA DESROSIERS: “We are living in this era where people are living longer which is amazing but with that comes more of the disease and a need for caregivers.”

VONSCIO: These local vendors range from companies and support groups such as those who provide hearing aids, long-term care facilities, in-house treatments and animal or musical therapy. Crouse Hospital Doctor Lisa Nojaim explains how families can understand the warning signs for their loved ones.

LISA NOJAIM: “What we normally hear from family members is like ‘they are not the same.’ They didn’t used to do this, now they are doing this. They used to do this, and now they’re not doing it anymore.”

VONSCIO: All of the resources discussed at the convention stretch beyond the event today. While a cure for Alzheimer’s has not been created yet, love and support go a long way for those who are closest to our hearts.

VONSCIO: The Alzheimer’s Association is located in East Syracuse on Campuswood Drive. During hours they are not open, a 24-hour hot line is available to call. Reporting for NCC News, I’m Drew VonScio.

SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC NEWS) — The Alzheimer’s Association for Central New York hosted the Dementia Care Conference at the Syracuse Oncenter with Lycia Tramujas Vasconcellos Neumann as the keynote speaker.

Forty-five different vendors came Wednesday to spread awareness for those suffering from Alzheimer’s and those who serve as caretakers for people with Alzheimer’s. This disease affects 7 million people across the United States. Being educated about Alzheimer’s is important for everyone to take care of those who are suffering.

“We are living in this era where people are living longer which is amazing but with that comes more of the disease and a need for caregivers,” said Senior Director of Programs for the Alzheimer’s Association Jessica DesRosiers.

The number of vendors set the record for the greatest number of vendors to attend in the history of the convention.

Each vendor provided different resources today for attendees. Companies were there providing information about hearing aids, long-term care facilities, in-house treatments and animal or musical therapy.

While the onset of Alzheimer’s may seem sudden, there are warning signs that should prompt taking a trip to the doctor.

“What we normally hear from family members is like ‘they are not the same,'” said Crouse Hospital doctor Lisa Nojaim. “They didn’t used to do this, now they’re doing this. They used to do this, and now they’re not doing it anymore.”

Despite a cure not being found yet, the Alzheimer’s Association in Syracuse is there to help anyone in need. If help is required after hours of operation, there is a 24-hour hotline to call at 800-272-3900.

 

 

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