Marie Espinola, executive director of the Alzheimer's Foundation of Central California, will be the guest speaker at the Oakhurst Alzheimer's Support Group at 10 a.m., Tuesday, Sept. 25 at the Oakhurst Lutheran Church, 39255 Black Road at Crane Valley Road (426).

The support group meets at the church the second and fourth Tuesday each month to provide information for Alzheimer's and dementia.

"If you are a care giver for a loved one with these diseases and need the most recent information and helpful resources, you should attend this informal meeting," said Carol Breit, support group coordinator. "A question and answer period will be provided."

Whether is you, your spouse, your mother, your father, an aunt or uncle, grandparent, or a best friend -- everyone faces the possibility of diminishing memory, and slowed mental capacity with age.

According to the Alzheimer's Association, 10 million baby boomers are expected to develop the disease. But now, not everyone must succumb to memory loss, dementia and other age-related losses of brain function.

Every day, scientists are proving that diminished memory and mental capacity are not inevitable -- and can be slowed, halted or even reversed through drugs, nutrition and lifestyle habits.

The Alzheimer's Foundation of Central California was established in 1993 by Dr. David Margolin, a Fresno based neurologist, to provide local state-of-the-art education, research and care to Alzheimer's patients.

In 1999, the foundation opened an office in Fresno and begin offering services throughout Central Calfiornia. It provides information about care, programs and assistance available to patients and their families.

Espinola was asked to become the executive director and spearhead the support groups that now span from Tulare to Merced Counties. As of now there are 12 monthly support groups throughout the valley. The foundation exists solely from generous donations and fundraising efforts throughout the Central Valley and brings in an average of $130,000 annually.

Details: Carol Breit, (559) 683-4045.