To my readers: I have only helped a researcher once before. I am doing it again because this project has to do with Alzheimer’s disease — a destructive, sad and omnipresent misfortune. It is on the march and affecting increasing numbers of families. The information below will allow some of you to do something constructive, and it might offer an afflicted loved one the chance to feel that they are contributing something important and valuable. Have a look, and see whether your city offers the opportunity.
Dear Margo: Like millions of Americans, I am living through the painful process of watching my mother struggle with Alzheimer’s disease. This very difficult experience is one of the many reasons I am proud and grateful to be leading one of the largest studies ever on Alzheimer’s disease, with the hope of uncovering vital information that could change the course of this now incurable and fatal condition.
It is important for people to know that one of our greatest challenges with Alzheimer’s is not the disease itself. The biggest hurdle we face is finding enough study volunteers to allow the research to continue at the pace needed to be successful against this “silent epidemic.” Today, 5.3 million people suffer from this horrible disease, and, as many of your readers know all too well, we caregivers often feel helpless. But we can do something about it.
Together, we can make progress against Alzheimer’s. My colleagues and I across the country want to put an end to Alzheimer’s disease, but we can’t do it without volunteer partners in science. And that is where we are asking for your readers’ help. One way to get involved is to go to or call 1-800-438-4380 to volunteer. We are committed to finding a cure for Alzheimer’s disease, but we can’t do it without you. — Michael W. Weiner, M.D., Principal Investigator, Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI), University of California, San Francisco
When Language Is a Barrier
Dear Margo: My problem is not the most earth-shattering, but since I find myself on the opposite sides of the same etiquette rule, I would like to hear your response.
It often has been said by many people that it’s rude to point out that someone’s being rude. So what am I to do when a co-worker of mine, when seated with several people at lunch, continuously speaks across the table to others in a language that is not spoken by me or some of the other people, or speaks in this language to others in front of me? And what am I to do if a dear friend, when entering a room, hears a few of us speaking a certain other language and interrupts mid-sentence without letting us finish with, “You are speaking this language again. Don’t speak it now!” I am at a loss as to how I am supposed to behave being caught at the opposite ends of rudeness. — Lost in Translation.
Dear Lost: You would probably feel better if you could be consistent when it comes to other languages. Regarding the co-worker addressing someone in their common language (not yours), the only excuse for this would be if that person did not speak English. If she does, then you might take the two of them aside and say it feels rude to the others. In the second instance you cite, I am wondering why you are doing what you dislike in others. The person who is admonishing you is simply acting on the feelings that you, yourself, have in the same situation. Bottom line: Using a foreign language is only acceptable in company if someone in the group does not speak English.
It is OK to point this out gently, and privately, to those who choose to go back and forth in two languages. — Margo, considerately
Dear Margo is written by Margo Howard, Ann Landers’ daughter. All letters must be sent via e-mail to dearmargo@creators.com. Due to a high volume of e-mail, not all letters will be answered.
COPYRIGHT 2011 MARGO HOWARD
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