Dr. Dana Merrithew of Speare Primary Care will take part in a panel discussion to address questions, regarding memory loss, Alzheimer’s Disease, related dementias and caregiving challenges. The discussion panel will follow a showing of the Academy Award winning movie “Still Alice” starring Julianne Moore, being shown at the Minot-Sleeper Library in Bristol, NH on June 13, 2015. The movie will begin at 3:00 p.m. and light refreshments will be available. Other members of the panel include Fran Olson, social worker and Administrator of the Day Away Program,and Sandra Coleman, RN Director of the Day Away Program

The Day Away Program

The Day Away Program is a social respite program held Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Our Lady of Grace Chapel in Bristol. This program helps to give personal caregivers a break and their loved one a Day Away as well. Trained volunteers and an RN are on staff to offer a worry free day to caregivers and a Day Away for loved ones filled with stimulating conversation, games, crafts, light exercise and music. There is a small participation fee and lunch is provided. There are openings available. For more information contact Fran Olson at 603-744-6828 or franeolson@gmail.com.

Dr. Merrithew

Trained as an internal medicine physician, Dr. Merrithew is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine, with an additional certification in Geriatrics.   After earning both his bachelor’s and doctorate from Boston University, he completed his residency at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Boston. Of particular clinical interest to Dr. Merrithew is helping patients with chronic disease management, including diabetes, COPD, and dementia.

About the movie

Alice Howland (Julianne Moore), happily married with three grown children, is a renowned linguistics professor who starts to forget words. When she receives a diagnosis of Early-Onset Alzheimer’s disease, Alice and her family find their bonds thoroughly tested. Her struggle to stay connected to who she once was is frightening, heartbreaking, and inspiring. Also starring Alec Baldwin, Kristen Stewart, Kate Bosworth, and Hunter Parrish.