CBS News Correspondent To Speak About Alzheimer's At University Place Presbyterian Church

(Editor's note: The following message is from Pierce County)

Barry Petersen reported many stories during his career at CBS News. None is more personal than "Jan's Story," recounting his wife's early onset of Alzheimer's at age 55 and his years of caring for her.

Petersen will speak at the 2011 Pierce County Alzheimer's Conference on Wednesday, Sept. 21 from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at University Place Presbyterian Church on 8101 27th St. W. The event is free but space is limited. RSVP is required by calling 253-798-8787 in advance. Registration includes continental breakfast, lunch and caregiver handouts.

Barry Petersen's story is deeply personal. "Who cannot weep when the one you love disappears? Who cannot feel the rage I felt, asking myself: 'Why her. Why not me?' Jan was the better person of us as a couple, the bright star in whose glow I happily lived," Peterson said.

The conference will feature a full slate of speakers including:

• Dr. Doug Wornell, a geriatric psychiatrist with a special focus on working with dementia patients, speaking on "Dealing with Challenging Behaviors"

• Anita Dunlap on "Treasure Hunt: Uncovering Buried Memories" and importance of using familiar things to stimulate the long-term memory

• Local health and service professionals talking about ways to avoid caregiver burnout.

There will also be over thirty providers of services and care for individuals with Alzheimer's and their caregivers who will offer their information and resources.

Cascade Park Active Day, located at 246 Saint Helens Ave. in Tacoma, will provide complimentary adult day health to individuals with Alzheimer's to allow their caregivers to attend. To reserve a place for care at Active Day during the conference, please R.S.V.P. in advance to 253-697-9990.

Sponsors of this year's conference include Cascade Park Communities; Franke Tobey Jones, Rhemke and Flynn, PLLC, Attorneys at Law, Olympic Alzheimer's Residence; Visiting Angels and The Weatherly Inn.

For more information about the 2011 Pierce County Alzheimer's Caregiver Conference, call the Pierce County Aging and Disability Resource Center at 253-798-4600 or 800-562-0332.