Al Roker to host Alzheimer’s ‘Together for Care’ Telethon

HollywoodNews.com: Highlighting the potentially crushing impact on young children and teens when a loved one has Alzheimer’s disease, the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America will feature a heartwarming educational discussion and a family profile on this important topic as part of its first-ever Alzheimer’s disease telethon on December 4. Al Roker of the “Today” show, serving as host of the telethon, will lead a discussion that will help parents and children learn how to speak to loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease. Separately, a family profile notes the impact of Alzheimer’s disease on teens, and viewers will be directed to help that is available specifically for this generation. Both segments mirror the overall theme of AFA’s “Together for Care” telethon: to heighten the nation’s understanding and awareness of the disease, and the support services and other resources available nationwide. Donations will fund the critical needs of the growing number of people with the brain disorder, especially as the first wave of baby boomers turn 65 next year. The telethon will air in 16 major markets on NBC and be telecast online on AFA’s Web site for national viewing. To appeal to viewers of all ages, the show features educational pieces, musical performances and celebrity appearances. The segment that focuses on talking to children takes place between Roker and Elmo, Sesame Street’s much-loved furry red monster. The two use the ABC’s to provide a valuable lesson in communication. For example, Elmo, expressing his signature giggle and positive outlook, learns that “C” stands for “care,” and that speaking in a calm and friendly tone lets loved ones know you care about them. The skit also assures youngsters that their grandparents, parents or other relatives still love them even if they now act differently. The telethon will also provide powerful insight into the impact of Alzheimer’s disease on teens, who often unexpectedly become caregivers when a loved one has Alzheimer’s disease. An estimated 1.4 million children ages 8 to 18 nationwide are caregivers, with Alzheimer’s disease being the most common condition affecting their relatives. One segment will profile a family coping with a rare form of the disease, known as young onset, which affects about half a million Americans. Specifically, it will turn the lens on a college student and her 14-year-old brother whose world was turned upside down when their dad was diagnosed at age 46. To drive home the message that teens should lean on experts and other [...]