Tag Alzheimer

On a Personal Note…(Emma)

Emma at the 2012 Memories in the Making Art and Wine Auction

Emma at the 2012 Memories in the Making Art and Wine Auction

High school senior Emma volunteers her time to facilitate Memories in the Making, an Alzheimer’s Association art therapy program. She recently spoke about her experience as a volunteer with the program at the annual Memories in the Making Art & Wine Auction in Mountain View.

“For an hour every Wednesday afternoon, my name is Amy. I reminded Linda, the director of Activities at Canyon House, the assisted living center at which I paint with Alzheimer’s patients on Wednesdays, every so often that my name is not, in fact, Amy. But at some point, I stopped reminding her. So what if she can’t remember my name? Neither can Frank, René, Mary, Virginia, Paul, or Mr. Green, who all diligently paint with me.

Kerry, who used to facilitate the Memories in the Making programs at Canyon House, constantly reminded me, “Everyone is an artist.” It was those four words that originally inspired me in the program. Even I – whose drawing of some insect yet to be identified pales next to my sister’s beautiful bumblebee – am an artist.

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Alz Profile: Charles K. Kao, Nobel Prize Winner

On December 10, 2009, Mountain View, Calif. resident Charles K. Kao, Ph.D. received the Nobel Prize in Physics “for groundbreaking achievements concerning the transmission of light in fibers for optical communication.” But instead of presenting a traditional Nobel Lecture prior to accepting the award, Dr. Kao’s wife Gwen Kao took to the podium and presented the lecture on his behalf. Dr. Kao has Alzheimer’s disease.

In a Nobel documentary segment about Dr. Kao, Gwen says the biggest and most upsetting part of this journey has been the loss of conversation. “He has no more intellectual repartee,” she says. “And that’s what I miss.”

Dr. Kao’s loss of the ability to communicate is ironic as he was key to discovering technology that allows global communication: in 1966, he carefully calculated how to transmit light signals via optical glass fibers 5,000 times faster than ever before.

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Memories in the Making: Winter Berries by Fermin

Winter Berries by Fermin

Memories in the Making is an Alzheimer’s Association art therapy program for individuals with Alzheimer’s and related dementias. Volunteer facilitators help people with dementia – many of whom often have no art background – create drawings and paintings. These sessions provide participants social interaction and boost their self-esteem while opening the channels of communication with loved ones.

Today’s featured Memories in the Making artist is Fermin. Fermin was born on an Indian reservation in Pennsylvania and has worked throughout his life in a variety of careers. During his time in the military, he worked as a military MP, as well as working as a police officer, judge, instructor and custodian. He loves anything mechanical and enjoys drawing and reading.  He still likes to keep up with the latest information related to the armed forces, as well as his favorite football teams.

Fermin’s painting is just one of the many works of art that will be auctioned off at our annual Memories in the Making Art & Wine Auction, held this year on March 2 at the Computer History Museum in Mountain View. In addition to work by Memories in the Making artists, the silent and live auction selection will include fine wines, unique experiences and luxury items.

Visit www.alz.org/norcal to purchase tickets and learn more.

Memories in the Making: Green Eyes by Howard

Green Eyes by Howard

Memories in the Making is an Alzheimer’s Association art therapy program for individuals with Alzheimer’s and related dementias. Volunteer facilitators help people with dementia – many of whom often have no art background – create drawings and paintings. These sessions provide participants social interaction and boost their self-esteem while opening the channels of communication with loved ones.

Today’s featured Memories in the Making artist is Howard. Since his birth in 1921 in Whittier, California, Howard has been known as a quiet and genuine man. His vivid and purposeful brush strokes are symbolic of the joy seen on his face while he paints. His passion for painting is demonstrated in his eagerness to begin each week, as he is often the first person to start.  No matter what the subject is, he pushes silently forward, paying special attention to form and perspective. Howard has always enjoyed art and creative activities, as well as having an interest in building model airplanes, swimming and water polo. He was a member of the Coast Guard from 1942 until 1945, when he became a draftsman. Later in life, he also spent time working as a school crossing guard. He has two beautiful daughters and four grandchildren.

 

Howard’s painting is just one of the many works of art that will be auctioned off at our annual Memories in the Making Art & Wine Auction, held this year on March 2 at the Computer History Museum in Mountain View. In addition to work by Memories in the Making artists, the silent and live auction selection will include fine wines, unique experiences and luxury items.

Visit www.alz.org/norcal to purchase tickets and learn more.

Memories in the Making: Grandma’s Favorite Plate by Aurora

Grandma's Favorite Plate by Aurora

Memories in the Making is an Alzheimer’s Association art therapy program for individuals with Alzheimer’s and related dementias. Volunteer facilitators help people with dementia – many of whom often have no art background – create drawings and paintings. These sessions provide participants social interaction and boost their self-esteem while opening the channels of communication with loved ones.

Today’s featured Memories in the Making artist is Aurora. Aurora’s use of color and flowers is a predominant theme throughout much of her work. She is a local who was born, raised her family and worked in San Jose. She was employed as a manager of the gift shop at O’Connor Hospital, where she spent much of her time helping to make people’s days a little brighter.  Besides raising her son and daughter, Aurora has enjoyed spending time with her two grandchildren and two great grandchildren. One of her favorite pastimes has been watching the classic game show “Family Feud” on television.

Aurora’s painting is just one of the many works of art that will be auctioned off at our annual Memories in the Making Art & Wine Auction, held this year on March 2 at the Computer History Museum in Mountain View. In addition to work by Memories in the Making artists, the silent and live auction selection will include fine wines, unique experiences and luxury items.

Visit www.alz.org/norcal to purchase tickets and learn more.

Memories in the Making: The Consequence of Life by David

The Consequence of Life by David

Memories in the Making is an Alzheimer’s Association art therapy program for individuals with Alzheimer’s and related dementias. Volunteer facilitators help people with dementia – many of whom often have no art background – create drawings and paintings. These sessions provide participants social interaction and boost their self-esteem while opening the channels of communication with loved ones.

Today’s featured Memories in the Making artist is David. David is a man of many talents. Not only is he skilled at painting and drawing, but he has a talent in music as well. He has been a musician for over 25 years and was a member of blue grass, country western and country rock bands. He went through mechanical engineering courses in college and worked throughout his career as an army officer.  He has one son of whom he is very proud and with whom he shares his creative skills.

David’s painting is just one of the many works of art that will be auctioned off at our annual Memories in the Making Art & Wine Auction, held this year on March 2 at the Computer History Museum in Mountain View. In addition to work by Memories in the Making artists, the silent and live auction selection will include fine wines, unique experiences and luxury items.

Visit www.alz.org/norcal to purchase tickets and learn more.

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