Michael Reagan, Jean Smart and More to Give 'THE ALZHEIMER'S TALKS' for The Art of Alzheimer's

The Art of Alzheimer's, along with presenting partner UW Medicine, Memory and Brain Wellness Center, is proud to present The Alzheimer's Talks: Perspectives and Personal Stories from Noteworthy Sources.

This year-long series features compelling conversations with well-respected public figures who share their own perspectives and personal stories about aging, memory loss and the positive power of creative expression. At present the program includes Michael Reagan, Madison Cowan, Gene Tagaban, and Jean Smart. Additional lectures and events may be added at later dates.

The prevailing narrative around the issue of Alzheimer's and dementia is one of fear and loss; people with dementia are often thought of as empty shells where someone used to be. In Seattle, however, a new dementia story is being told-a story that includes hope, connection, purpose, and courage. These lecturers and countless others are part of Momentia-a grassroots movement transforming what it means to live with memory loss in our community through engagement and empowerment. Through momentia, the fear and stigma of dementia will be replaced with a public narrative of hope.

Event organizer and Art of Alzheimer's founder, Marilyn Raichle explains her personal connection. "I was raised in the shadow of Alzheimer's with nearly everyone on my father's side and many on mother's side developing the disease. We were taught that when Alzheimer's arrived, it was like a death-actually worse than death. Our parents warned us, 'Don't sacrifice your lives for us. When our time comes, just walk away.' And I believed it. Then Mom began to paint. These paintings were amazing. She had never painted a day in her life yet these paintings were really good! They were always interesting and sometimes remarkable. Slowly, I began to understand. She may have had a short term memory of about ten seconds, but she was still here-loving, creative and joyful."

Marilyn began to share her mother's art with others and the reaction was always the same-delight, surprise and gratitude. People wanted to experience a story about Alzheimer's with hope and joy. In 2016 a very successful Art of Alzheimer's exhibition premiered at Seattle City Hall. Since then, the exhibition has toured to Harborview Medical Center and the UW School of Social Work; the Art of Alzheimer's organization has grown to include an ever- expanding program of events and activities.

Through events, exhibitions, community discussions and outreach creative arts workshops The Art of Alzheimer's fights for greater understanding about Alzheimer's and other dementias. Art of Alzheimer's seeks to expand knowledge and engagement, bring people with dementia out of The Shadows, create more opportunities for low-income residents living with memory loss and offer life affirming creative arts programs that provide much needed experiences to a growing a dementia-friendly community.

THE ALZHEIMER'S TALKS LINEUP:

Philanthropist Michael Reagan: May 23, 2017 - 7:30pm. A Conversation with Michael Reagan The eldest son of Ronald Reagan and chairman of the John Douglas French Alzheimer's Foundation will be interviewed by Kristoffer W. Rhoads Ph.D., UW Medicine.

Chef Madison Cowan: June 14, 2017- 7:30 pm. My Mind Unwrapped: My Relationship with Alzheimer's. This first-ever Grand Champion of Chopped shares a chef's personal and often humorous insight into the cognitive decline and its effects on loved ones.

Artist Gene Tagaban: August 17, 2017 - 7:30 pm. One Crazy Raven. A storyteller, performer and healer shares a Native American's perspective on aging, healing and the power of creative expression to enrich the quality of life for all whose lives are touched by memory loss.

Actor Jean Smart: September 27, 2017 - 7:30 pm. An Evening with Jean Smart. Emmy Award winning actress and Alzheimer's Champion, Smart discusses her experiences and perspective on caregiving and support for families caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's.

Single tickets at $35 each and a four-event subscription package for $106 are available at www.theartofalzheimers.net.

ABOUT THE SPEAKERS:

Michael Reagan is the eldest son of former President Ronald Reagan. His commitments to public service and the conservative vision his father championed are second to none, making him the natural heir to the Reagan conservative legacy. Michael spent nearly two decades as a conservative radio talk show host. He left this position to travel the country in order to champion President Reagan's values and principals in the public policy forum and through candidates who embody his father's legacy. In his work to further the inspirational legacy of his father, Michael also serves as chairman and president of The Reagan Legacy Foundation, which seeks to advance the causes President Reagan held dear and to memorialize the accomplishments of his presidency. Among the charitable activities the Foundation supports are: offering scholarships for the sailors, marines and airmen serving aboard aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan and their family members; supporting programs for children in need of adoption and those in the foster care system; educating Americans about Alzheimer's disease and searching for a cure.

On the philanthropic side, Michael is actively involved in charities and public service entities across the United States, including: The John Douglas French Alzheimer's Foundation (Current Chair), The Young America's Foundation, The Arrow Project for Neglected and Abused Children, and the Olive View-UCLA Medical Center Foundation's Advisory board. In addition, Michael was honored in 2006 as an electee to the board of trustees of Eureka College, President Reagan's Alma Mater. Besides his weekly column, read nationwide in more than 300 newspapers, Mike has authored many successful books including his best-selling autobiography, On the Outside Looking In. Mike and his wife, Colleen, have two children and reside in Toluca Lake, California.

Interviewer DR. KRISTOFFER RHOADS is a clinical neuropsychologist specializing in the evaluation and treatment of dementia and neurodegenerative disorders. He currently serves as the primary neuropsychologist for the UW Memory and Brain Wellness Center and is an Associate Professor in the Department of Neurology. Dr. Rhoads first came to the UW as a fellow in neuropsychology, returning after a decade of other clinical and leadership positions in dementia care. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Washington Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association, and was appointed as Chair of the Health/Medical Care Subcommittee for the Washington State Working Group to develop and implement the state plan for Alzheimer's disease.

Madison Cowan is a hands-on family man, cook, producer and storyteller with roots in London, Jamaica and Detroit. In 2004, after being awarded a four star rating from The Times as executive chef of Ashbells in London's West End, he established Madison Cowan LLC, a global culinary Production Company. Madison has catered to everyone from Lionel Hampton, Halle Berry and Scarlett Johansson, to poet Mos Def, Donna Karan, and Bill Clinton. In 2010 Food Network selected him as a contestant for their hit Primetime series Chopped where he competed and won three consecutive episodes to become the first ever Grand Champion. Following appearances on NBC's Today Show and CBS This Morning, in April of 2012 he was victorious on Iron Chef America's epic Battle Kale and co-starred in BBC America's exciting travel series No Kitchen Required. Madison returned to the tube in late 2013 as a recurring judge in Food Network's delectable series of chance, Kitchen Casino and currently features on multiple series such as Beat Bobby Flay, Guilty Pleasures, Worst Cooks In America, Chopped Junior and Guy's Grocery Games. Most notably, Madison's charitable endeavors include advocating on behalf of both the Alzheimer's Association and Alzheimer's NYC in its quest to cure the dementia related disease. He also serves as culinary council member for Food Bank For New York City.

Gene Tagaban is a teller of stories that teach, entertain and heal. With oratory, song, dance, movement and transformation, Gene travels nationally and internationally, sharing traditional Native American stories as well as stories from his personal experience, family and historical events. He performed with the Dalai Lama at the "Seeds of Compassion" gathering in Seattle, WA and the Nature Conservancy's 50th anniversary with Jane Goodall.

Jean Smart is the winner of three Emmy Awards and acclaimed for her work on stage, screen and TV. Current roles include Legion and Fargo. She appeared in the hit sitcom Designing Women followed by high profile supporting roles in Frasier, Bringing Down the House, Girlfriend's Guide to Divorce, Garden State and 24. She is an Alzheimer's champion who frequently lectures on her family's experience and the realities of caring for those with Alzheimer's and the challenges associated with it. Smart explains, "My father was my hero," says Smart. "I can't say enough about him and everything he did for me and my family. I have three siblings and we're very close and going through my father's illness only made us closer."

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