Indianola Rotary Club welcomed John Duease, native of Indianola and president of the Mississippi Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association, as guest speaker during its Sept. 23 meeting, with sponsorship by Jimmy Clayton.
Duease was joined by Executive Director Jennifer Bennett to discuss recent advancements in Alzheimer's research, the impact of early diagnosis, and personal stories that underscore the reach of the disease in families throughout the region.
Duease shared reflections on his grandfather's long battle with Alzheimer's, illustrating the challenges and frustrations of caring for a loved one without proper awareness of warning signs or resources. He detailed the progression of his grandfather’s illness, the critical role of specialized care, and the importance of supporting families facing similar circumstances.
Bennett spoke of her own experience with Alzheimer’s in her family, emphasizing the need for public awareness and the importance of advocating for brain health in everyday life. She outlined ongoing research breakthroughs, including early detection methods and trials involving anti-inflammatory medications that have shown promise in slowing the progression of dementia. Bennett encouraged attendees to have open conversations with medical professionals, utilize available educational resources, and support funding for continued research.
Both Duease and Bennett urged the crowd to recognize symptoms early, be proactive about maintaining brain health, and take advantage of local and virtual caregiver support groups. The presentation concluded with a call to action for greater community engagement and support for Alzheimer's research and education.
