Participants Shirley Pearson and Julia Kucsan laugh and sing together during the Wonderful Wednesdays Day Club at Shiloh Road Church of Christ in Tyler Wednesday July 1, 2015. The program is part of the Alzheimer's Alliance of Smith County and provides social and cognitive stimulation as well as lunch for people with Alzheimer's disease or dementia. (photo by Sarah A. Miller/Tyler Morning Telegraph)

About eight years ago, Roger Singleton began to change. He started losing his memory. He couldn’t make estimates for his job as a remodeler. He was misplacing his wallet and his cell phone.

Doctors determined he had a stroke and diagnosed him with severe depression and dementia, the latter of which would lead to Alzheimer’s, a disease his mother and grandmother had.

As expected, the reality of this diagnosis was challenging for Singleton and his wife of 34 years, Frances. The couple, she 69 and he 70, had long enjoyed an active life. They cycled together and Singleton loved playing pool.

But as Singleton’s health declined, he and his wife found a support system she didn’t know existed.

Through the encouragement of a friend, she contacted the Alzheimer’s Alliance of Smith County, where she found several resources to help her family.

“The alliance has really helped me understand what is going on with him,” Mrs. Singleton said, adding that the literature she has received is very good.

Singleton attends the Wonderful Wednesday Day Club, which provides cognitive and social stimulation for people in the early and middle stages of Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia and a respite for caregivers. He also wears a Project Lifesaver bracelet, which allows local law enforcement to track him in the event he wanders off, and Mrs. Singleton attends a newly formed women’s support group.

“They just were so nice and helpful and understanding and know all the things … (that are) happening and are going to happen. They educated me to be better aware, so I can be a better caregiver,” she said.

Each year, the Alzheimer’s Alliance of Smith County serves about 3,000 households through its programs.

The alliance provides programs and services for people with any type of dementia as well as their families and the professionals who take care of them, according to the organization’s website.

All of the donations received by the agency stay in Smith County and are used to provide local services.

Programs include: caregiver support groups, a tracking program for wanderers, a personal consultation with a social worker, the “Wonderful Wednesdays” respite program, educational seminars, training for care professionals, free and confidential memory screenings, resource library and a physician’s outreach program.

Heather Jones, the alliance’s community outreach coordinator, said the disease is devastating, and the organization is “committed to standing beside anyone in Smith County who is on the journey of Alzheimer’s.”

On July 9, the alliance will have its 14th Annual Mah Jongg for Memory Luncheon and Games Day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Willow Brook Country Club, 3205 Erwin St., Tyler.

All event proceeds go to support the alliance’s programs and services locally, with 74 percent for educational programs (events and speakers), 14 percent for respite care and 6 percent each for Project Lifesaver and community outreach.

In its history, the Mah Jongg for Memory event and Mah Jongg card sales has raised more than $300,000 for the alliance.

“This is kind of the kickoff to our fundraising season,” Ms. Jones said. “It kind of sets the tone to the fall. The reason that we focus primarily on these fundraisers is to get the community involved.”

The fundraiser touches on two of the five brain health pillars — socialization and mental stimulation. The other three are spirituality, physical activity and nutrition.

The Alzheimer’s Support Auxiliary or People (ASAP) puts on the event and an estimated 450 women are expected to attend.

Mrs. Singleton said the money the community provides through this event is a blessing.

“It’s just so good that that money is there, and somebody’s so unselfish to share,” she said. “(The people at the Alzheimer’s Alliance) just want the very best for the caregiver and the patient. They’re so dedicated to their work. They are in there, and they’re doing things and it’s wonderful. They’ve been really good to both of us.”

Groups and individuals who want to attend should call the Alzheimer’s Alliance office for more information at 903-509-8323. The event costs $40 and pre-payment and registration is required.

Twitter: @TMTEmily

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If you go: 

What: 14th Annual Mah Jongg for Memory Event

When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday

Where: Willow Brook Country Club, 3205 W. Erwin St. 

Why: To raise money for the Alzheimer’s Alliance of Smith County 

Cost: $40, pre-payment and registration is required

Info: Call 903-509-8323

 

 

Where the funds go: 

74 percent to education 

14 percent to respite care 

6 percent to project lifesaver

6 percent to community outreach

 

Sponsors: 

This year’s premier sponsor is Prestige Estates Luxury Assisted Living & Memory Care and presenting sponsors are Katie’s Jewelry and Emerson Insurance & Financial Services. Additional sponsors include: Trinity Mother Frances Hospitals and Clinics; The Hamptons, a premier retirement community; Ozarka; Bain, Files, Jarrett, Bain, & Harrison, PC; Marilyn Richey; The Scott Eckert Family; Home Instead; Tyler Laser Wash; Meadow Lake Senior Living; Crow Towing Service; and Tyler Digital Printing.