SOUTHBURY — The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America and The Watermark at East Hill will host a National Commemorative Candle Lighting Ceremony at 11 a.m. Sunday, November 11, in the auditorium of the retirement community, 611 East Hill Rd.
The National Commemorative Candle Lighting is held each November in recognition of National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month.
Local organizations and communities hold inspirational ceremonies on the same day, uniting individuals from coast to coast as they light “candles of care.”
This year’s ceremony will be led by Denise Julian, director of health services
at The Watermark at East Hill.
The ceremony will feature a musical performance from singer/songwriter and East Hill resident Joan Sprung and a poetry readingby resident Retta Fagin.0
There will be a reading of the National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month
prayer, along with the names of those honored or remembered, with remarks
offered by residents and guests.
Refreshments will be provided following the ceremony.
The Watermark at East Hill will also host free memory screenings from 10 a.m.
to noon Tuesday, November 13.
The screenings aim to promote early detection of Alzheimer’s disease and
related illnesses, and to encourage appropriate intervention.
“Alzheimer’s disease often starts slow and gradually progresses,” said Michelle
Bettigole, executive director of The Watermark at East Hill.
“Screening should take place early to detect any potential risks and find the appropriate treatment, if necessary.
“Both our candle lighting ceremony and memory screening aim to shine a light on the disease, while also getting help to those who need it.”
The face-to-face screening is fast and easy, and takes 15 minutes or less.
Proper diagnosis is critical because some conditions that affect memory, such
as thyroid problems, are reversible.
For irreversible illnesses, proper diagnosis enables individuals to obtain
medical treatments and social services, as well as have input into legal and
financial decisions regarding treatment that can improve their quality of life.
Both the candle lighting ceremony and memory screening are free of charge and open to the public, but space is limited.
Those interested in participating are asked to call The Watermark at East Hill
at 203-262-6868.
More information on the event is available by visiting www.candlelighting.org or at www.alzfdn .org.