The Good Life - Travel, Leisure & Fun for South Valley Adults

The date has been changed for a presentation in Fresno about Alzheimer's by a former national talk show host and author.

Michael Reagan, son of former president Ronald Reagan, will speak on January 21 at the Calvary Worship Center, 4581 E Dakota Ave in Fresno. The event, known as “Celebrating the Caregiver,” is free for family caregivers, and in addition to Reagan's talk will feature resources and information to the public and health care professionals. There is a $15 charge for health care professionals, and a $30 fee for those wanting CEU credits.

The event is sponsored by the Alzheimer's Association of Central California and Auspice Home Care. Doors will open to the event at 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Reservations are strongly encouraged due to limited space. Admission for healthcare professionals is $15, and 2 hours of CEU credit is available. Walkup registration is available at the door provided space is available.

Celebrating the Caregiver will feature breakout sessions with topics pertinent to the event. These will offer supportive resources to family caregivers or healthcare professionals. Several health care resources will be available to attendees to reach out for additional information or support.

Reagan, the son of former president Ronald Reagan who died in 2004 following a ten-year battle with Alzheimer's, will be speaking on his experiences caring for his father and the toll it took on his family and friends. Family caregivers will also be speaking about their experiences caring for their loved one with Alzheimer's disease and how they are coping.

An estimated 5.2 million Americans of all ages have Alzheimer's Disease, according to the Alzheimer's Association, with 200,000 of those individuals younger than age 65. Approximately 500,000 die each year because they have Alzheimer's. In 2013, 15.5 million caregivers provided an estimated 17.7 billion hours of unpaid care valued at more than $220 billion.

Reagan is the author of the autobiography Michael Reagan: On The Outside Looking In, which he published in 1988. In 2005 he wrote "Twice Adopted" about his feelings of rejection being adopted, parents divorcing and becoming a Born Again Christian. The Alzheimer's Foundation of Central California is a non-profit organization that does not receive any government funding. All services are provided through fundraising and private donations. For more information please call Tish Davis at Auspice Home Care at 559-458-8060 or look for the event on Eventbrite.com.