Learning About Alzheimer’s Disease

By Tanjua Damon

Jo-Ann Dempsky wanted to find a way to leave a living memory of her father, Anthony A. Suttile, Sr, so she donated the book The Memory Box to every third grade class in Newtown.

The Memory Box, written by Mary Bahr, is about a little boy who spends time with his grandparents during the summer. His grandparents help him make a memory box because his grandfather has Alzheimer’s and a memory box will benefit the grandson as well as the grandfather.

“Alzheimer’s is a disease that debilitates many families and my dad loved children,” Ms Dempsky said. “He was a school custodian for 38 years. If we can help make it just a little bit easier for another family, I think it’s important that we do something positive when someone dies.”

Ms Dempsky wanted a book that was simple so that students might possibly understand the effects of the disease that takes memories away from their loved ones.

“It’s hard to understand,” Ms Dempsky said. “It’s hard for adults to understand. With Alzheimer’s it comes and goes. It can change so much.”

The book is being put in third grade classrooms because it fits in with the curriculum about life differences, health coordinator Judy Blanchard said. This simple book provides students with information about a disease that changes people’s lives and could be affecting their very own life.

“It brings the human touch to things,” Ms Blanchard said. “It brings the literature based age appropriate story. It’s just a beautiful way to bring this into the curriculum.”

The Memory Box will be available to students throughout the district, but will mainly be focused in third grade classes.

Anyone wishing more information about Alzheimer’s can call the Fairfield County Chapter at 203-845-0010 or email Robert Parks at bob.parks@azl.org.