The Alzheimer’s Alliance of Smith County hosted its 14th annual Butterfly Hope Luncheon on Thursday at the Mehling Center within Breckenridge Village in Tyler. The event brought together businesses, nonprofits, caregivers, and supporters of individuals living with Alzheimer’s Disease, raising funds for the Alliance’s free and low-cost support services and featuring a keynote address on memory from a national champion.
Tickets for the luncheon were $125, with all proceeds dedicated to supporting the various programs offered by the Alzheimer’s Alliance. Guests enjoyed a multi-course meal while listening to Nelson Dellis, a six-time USA memory champion. Dellis shared that his personal journey into memory training began with his grandmother’s battle with Alzheimer’s Disease, which inspired him to explore how memory works and if it could be strengthened.
A video shared during the event featured Milton Price and his wife, Janette Price, detailing their experience with early-onset dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease, a journey that has spanned over 15 years. Milton, who cares for Janette, reflected on how every day spent with her has been a "found memory of." He explained that while the disease affects future activities, the Alzheimer’s Alliance has provided crucial assistance, particularly through his participation in a men’s caretaker support group and other services. Milton expressed gratitude to the organization, stating that its support makes him feel like he belongs to an organization that cares, empowering him to better support Janette. Janette Price also shared her positive feelings, noting her happiness when with Milton.
Bonnie Varner, CEO and executive director of Alzheimer’s Alliance of Smith County, emphasized the organization’s dedication to providing comprehensive support, education, and awareness. The Alliance offers a range of free and low-cost services for individuals with dementia and their caregivers, including an adult day club, memory screenings, counseling, caregiver support groups, case management, respite care, and diverse therapies. These therapies include music therapy, physical therapy, and socialization opportunities within the day club respite program. Milton Price noted the significant positive impact of the day club, saying Janette "looks so much forward to that," and that they rarely miss a session. Varner reiterated the Alliance's mission to raise awareness about the disease, educate the community on caregiving strategies, and keep residents informed about prevention and research updates.
Varner provided an overview of Alzheimer’s Disease, describing it as a progressive brain disorder where abnormal proteins accumulate, leading to the death of nerve cells. This process results in dementia, characterized by the permanent loss of memory, critical thinking, and cognitive function, alongside personality changes. Varner highlighted the disease's prevalence, noting that "one in nine" people over 65 will receive an Alzheimer's dementia diagnosis, meaning many will either become a caregiver or develop the disease. She stressed that it is "not just an old person disease" and impacts the community significantly, reinforcing the Alliance's role as a vital resource. Varner concluded that "the mission is what keeps us going."
Nelson Dellis shared how his grandmother's experience with Alzheimer's sparked his interest in memory, leading him to research its mechanics and discover ancient techniques for strengthening it. He recounted his initial belief that memory was an inherent trait, but his research revealed the effectiveness of training. Dellis explained that ancient civilizations used visualization and systematic information storage to pass down oral traditions, techniques he believes are still relevant today, especially for overcoming common "storage problems" when trying to recall information.
During his presentation, Dellis demonstrated the "memory palace" technique. This involves selecting a familiar physical space, such as one's home, and mentally associating vivid images of information to be remembered with specific points along a route within that space. By mentally traversing this route, individuals can efficiently recall information in order. Dellis contrasted this method with rote repetition, stating that the memory palace allows for information to be retained "forwards and backwards" with greater ease after a single pass. He acknowledged that while memory training requires dedication, it becomes increasingly intuitive with practice. Dellis emphasized the profound value of memory, noting that when it is lost, individuals often lose a significant part of themselves. He advocates for a holistic lifestyle combining mental and physical fitness, a proper diet, and social engagement to promote brain health and mitigate memory loss complications. His personal journey, he said, has fostered a deeper appreciation for memories and encouraged him to actively create lasting moments with his children.
The funds generated by the Butterfly Hope Luncheon will empower the Alzheimer’s Alliance of Smith County to continue its mission and provide quality services for individuals affected by dementia and their caregivers.
