Options for elders: Find them at Senior Expo

Next week is a busy one. First, Monday is Memorial Day, so get your flowers ready and your plans made.

Then rest up because Wednesday is the second annual Senior Expo, from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Wellman Commons on the former site of the Bangor Theological Seminary, 300 Union St.

Brought to you in part by Eastern Area Agency on Aging, Penquis and Penobscot Community Health Center, the event is all about seniors. There will be a variety of educational tables and give-aways, door prizes and presentations.

“This expo is an opportunity to let seniors know what is out there for them,” said Jen Brooks, community relations manager at Penquis, a social action agency. “We have worked hard to ensure that seniors will get valuable information as well as have fun.”

Presentations will include:

. Better investment strategies for today’s retirees.

. Reverse mortgages – facts and falsehoods.

. Staying active while helping others.

. Seniors, crime and identity theft.

. Senior health care.

. Digital television – don’t lose your signal.

Eastern Area Agency on Aging is committed to improving seniors’ lives and providing the most up-to-date information. We hope you will all come to the expo. I will be there all day, so stop by and say hello.

Then, Thursday is the kick-off for the Memory Walk, which happens in October. These people plan all summer for this event, and the kick-off is the first step.

The meeting will be 2-3 p.m. Thursday, May 29, at First United Methodist Church, 703 Essex St., Bangor. It is open to all and you do not have commit to the Memory Walk to attend.

If you have any concerns or questions about Alzheimer’s disease, this meeting would be worth your time.

Here are some highlights:

. Alzheimer’s Research at Maine’s Jackson Laboratory, Dr. Steven Rauch. Come and learn about scientific research being done right here in Maine to help unravel the mysteries of Alzheimer’s disease that may lead to future treatments.

. Introduction to Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease, Dr. James Thomas, Neuropsychology of Maine, an affiliate of Eastern Maine Medical Center.

“Attendees will learn how a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s is made and what information family members should be prepared to share with the primary care physician and specialists in order to make an accurate diagnosis and rule out other causes of memory impairment,” said Kristie Miner, chairman of the Bangor walk.

. The Services of the Alzheimer’s Association, Maine chapter. Laurie Trenholm, acting executive director, will share information about the association and how families can find support after a diagnosis is made.

. Experiences of Our Family Team, with Pamela Clark, who will share her family’s journey with Alzheimer’s disease and “how they have come together in honor of her mother by participating in the annual Memory Walk that raises awareness and funds for the Maine Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association,” Miner said.

. Invitation to Join the Cause, with Kristie Miner. “I’ll be inviting attendees to join the local efforts to spread the word about the resources available for people with Alzheimer’s and their families,” Miner said. “I’ll invite people to participate in this year’s Memory Walk on Saturday, Oct. 4, at Bass Park.” Registration at 8 a.m., walk starts at 9 a.m. Walkers may register at www.alz.org/maine and call 942-7336 for information. “Of course there is no obligation. Just come and see what it is all about.”

Carol Higgins Taylor is director of communications at Eastern Area Agency on Aging. E-mail Higgins Taylor at chtaylor@eaaa.org. For information on EAAA, call 941-2865, toll-free 800-432-7812, e-mail info@eaaa.org or log on EAAA.org. TTY 992-0150.