Dr. Ralph Carmona, living with Alzheimer’s for more than 10 years, will speak at the 10th annual Brain Health Forum. Photo courtesy of Kevin Ruse

SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) - If someone you love has Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, you know how hard it can be to navigate daily life, let alone think about long-term plans.

As caregivers to my mom, my brother and I lived our lives minute by minute as my mom declined and the disease progressed. Watching my mom struggle daily with simple tasks was frustrating but seeing her confusion and distress was utterly heartbreaking. I found myself helpless as I saw the fear in her eyes when she didn’t recognize my brother or understand what he was doing in her home.

In the beginning, mom navigated the memory loss with relative ease and even humor. But after my father passed, she lost her rock and her sense of home. That’s when my brother and I realized the tasks ahead of us were overwhelming. What worked for us on Monday failed on Tuesday. The learning curve was steep but we persevered daily.

What we needed was guidance, someone who has been through the experience and can provide simple but effective tips and tricks. When can I find the time to make dinner? Who will watch mom, so I can shop for groceries? How can I make the house safer for her to navigate? Should we discuss medications with her primary care physician?

That’s why the 10th annual Brain Health Forum the morning of Oct. 1 in Carmichael is a must-attend event for caregivers, family members and anyone facing memory challenges. The forum is open to residents in the Carmichael, Citrus Heights, Rancho Cordova and Rio Linda area.

My mom passed more than 10 years ago but the impact of her disease has stayed with me. So much so that I, along with thousands of volunteers with the Alzheimer's Impact Movement, vow to put an end to the suffering that often accompanies the disease, both for the patient and the caregiver. Many caregivers are related to the person with Alzheimer's and know all too well that the risk for themselves is higher. You might wonder how much higher? Is it different between males and females? Is there some test I can take, like a blood test? Are there any medications available? Are they covered by insurance or Medicare? What about clinical trials? And perhaps, most significantly, what are the evidence-based practices that can reduce my risk?

This year’s 10th annual Brain Health Forum will answer many of these questions. In addition, you will find numerous resource tables of local community organizations offering care support services and other programs. Need a meal quickly or on a regular basis? Need to install grab bars in the bathroom but are limited by finances or know how? If you’re unsure what help is even available or how to begin, this is a no-pressure, welcoming space to explore your options and receive real, usable solutions.

One of the many highlights of this event is speaker Dr. Ralph Carmona, a remarkable advocate living with Alzheimer’s for more than 10 years. He is still teaching at a community college and recently completed the Boston Marathon at age 74. Carmona brings his energy, insight and firsthand experience to the stage to share how science, advocacy and community can shape the future of brain health.

Learn how nine years ago, Carmona, because of an early diagnosis, participated in a clinical research trial for Leqembi, a new Alzheimer’s drug that he said stopped his symptoms from progressing. Leqembi is now approved by the Food and Drug Administration. While available to the public and covered by Medicare, patients must consult their physician to see if they fit the profile to be prescribed the medication. After hearing Carmona’s experience, I defy anyone to leave the forum without feeling immensely inspired and hopeful for the future.

Claire Day, Alzheimer’s Association of Northern California and Northern Nevada Chapter chief mission and program strategy officer, will present U.S. Pointer Study results. The study proves that positive, everyday actions can make a difference in brain health, and when combined into a program that targets multiple factors such as physical activity, improving nutrition, cognitive and social challenge, and health monitoring, we know it can have an even more powerful impact.

If you have questions about Alzheimer’s disease, clinical trials or current treatments, be sure to stay for the question-and-answer section featuring medical professionals, Alzheimer's Association representatives and clinical trial participant Carmona. You won’t want to miss the raffle at the end, where prizes include health-related products and information about the Mind diet.

The 10th annual Brain Health Forum is presented by Congressman Ami Bera with the Alzheimer’s Association and is free to attend. Register for the event at forms.office.com/g/3GYejVprHV. The event is from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Oct. 1 at the Carmichael Elks Lodge, 5631 Cypress Ave., Carmichael.