notbob > wrote in
:


> Do as you will, but I wouldn't give them a penny.
>
> Sounds harsh, but I've had much experience with both national
and
> local chapters of the Alzy Assoc. They are long on sympathy --
which
> sometimes provides short term relief to the caregiver-- but
woefully
> short on real help.

Notbob, I've heard similar stories from some other people, but
most people I know, myself included, believe they do good work.
Just suggesting, but maybe it's the chapter you were involved
with, or the particular situation. The various chapters operate
to a good degree independently of National, and National tends
more to be an advocacy organization than a direct support one.
I'm a passionate volunteer with the Massachusetts/New Hampshire
chapter and I think they're incredibly good folks. And quite
frankly, if that's what your issue is, it's not their charter to
provide direct patient care, but to provide education and support.
If you're looking for direct patient care help, you need to look
into government programs wherever it is you live.

As far as correcting faulty information is concerned, remeber that
at this stage of knowledge about the disease, it's kind of like
taslking to my old aunts: ask four of them a question and you're
going to get five different answers. It may not be ignorance
you're dealing with, it may be answers based on different
observances or opinions.

Certainly, if that's your thing, contribute directly to a sufferer
or to a caregiver, and bless you for it. They need it. If you
want to make a long term contribution toward research for a cure
for everyone, donate to the Alzheimer's Association.

And by the way, you can do both...