He stressed we need to find the cure and help to cope with the patient. Some of the ways to help are by Safe Return ID bracelets and research to help slow the progression of the disease and eventually reverse the effects to the disease. Holst also spoke about the work the Alzheimer s Association is doing including training police to look for Safe Return bracelets on persons who display dementia behavior. He made the analogy between knowledge and change using football, saying often plays are changed when players know the other teams strategy. Genetic marking is also allowing for changes in treatment of the disease because like marking a play, by knowing about the disease, people can begin treatment earlier and delay onset of symptoms.
Art is a very entertaining and powerful communicator.
Over 800 people heard Holst s inspiring message during his whirlwind tour of Peoria, Quincy, Galesburg and Dixon. Holst generously donates his time to the Association each year for the events. Also special thanks to MCs Jeff Dorsey, Paul Herzog, Al Knickrehm, Jack Larson, Dave Snell, and John Tripp, and to the committee members and volunteers who helped organize, set-up and greet people.