Dr. Fredric M. Barr, M.D., F.A.C.S. Supports Early Onset Dementia Sufferers

WEST PALM BEACH, FL – Imagine waking up one day, eager to get to work, but you can’t recall exactly what you do for a living. As you have a cup of coffee with your spouse, you use the endearments “honey” and “sweetie” – because even though you love your partner, you have also forgotten their name at the moment

You do remember that driving is part of your morning routine, but once you’re sitting in the driver’s seat, you don’t know how to operate your car. In the middle of your confusion, a text from your son flashes on the car’s screen and a robotic voice intones over the speakers: “Happy 38th Birthday!” I’m too young to be having memory problems, you think. What is wrong with my brain?

Sadly, an estimated 240,000 Americans suffer with early onset dementia (EOD), a rare form of Alzheimer’s disease. Most people who have EOD develop symptoms between the ages of 30 and 60, according to the Mayo Clinic. Since Alzheimer’s disease is commonly believed to afflict only the elderly, younger people with EOD are often misdiagnosed. Worse, there is little support and infrastructure in the healthcare system to help these individuals.

A group of childhood friends, now in their 50s, noticing the suffering and misdiagnosis of a mutual friend dealing with EOD, wanted to help. Gardens Jewish Experience, a community-based outreach program, offered to establish its first assisted-living grant. The grant will provide specialized care and the ability to live with dignity to individuals with EOD who do not have family nearby or are without financial means.

Shuchmacher Volvo of West Palm Beach has offered to host the first educational fundraiser. They will host a champagne brunch “The Remember Me Tea & See” from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 15, at Schumacher Volvo Showroom, 3001 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach, Florida

The fundraiser will feature a guest speaker, raffle, silent auction, and light refreshments. Purple is the color used in Alzheimer’s campaigns, and “Tea & See” guests are encouraged to wear purple attire

To purchase tickets, complete the online ticket form. Those who wish to donate now are encouraged to use the “Remember Me” donation form. For any questions, call Carla Pisani, Coordinator of Palm Beach Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery at (561) 632-4164.

“I first heard about this horrible disease from Carla Pisani, who is marketing and public relations director and patient counselor at Palm Beach Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery,” says Dr. Barr. “One of her childhood friends, who is in his 50s, has early onset dementia. His family and his friends are suffering alongside him as they watch this disease steal his mental faculties.

“The ‘Tea & See’ reception is a way for all of us at Palm Beach Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery to join with other folks in our community to help people locally. The ‘Remember Me’ grant will allow people with EOD to be housed in a safe environment and receive proper care.”

Dr. Barr, who has more than 30 years of experience as a board-certified plastic surgeon, is committed to following the most recent developments in his field and medicine in general.

“Researchers are still trying to crack the code on Alzheimer’s disease and early onset dementia,” Dr. Barr noted. “Until then, it’s an honor to be able to support the ‘Remember Me’ grant that Gardens Jewish Experience has created. I’m looking forward to seeing a lot of wonderful people at the ‘Tea & See’ fundraiser on May 15.”

About Palm Beach Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery

Headed by Fredric M. Barr, MD, Palm Beach Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery is one of the finest medical and reconstructive surgery providers in Palm Beach County, Florida. With a successful track record for over thirty years in the area, Palm Beach Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery is the surgical specialty that even physicians choose. The practice believes in three basic patient principles of understanding each patient’s unique needs, providing each patient with the utmost care and compassion, and making sure no question or issue goes unaddressed. For those reasons, along with the extensive skills and experience of Dr. Barr, Palm Beach Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery is a premier choice for those desiring to be renewed in both beauty and spirit. When it’s time to look anew, look to Palm Beach Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery. With offices conveniently located in West Palm Beach, call today at (561) 430-2183.