Nancy Nelson-Author and Alzheimer's advocate

Nancy Nelson Author, Advocate, Speaker www.BlueRiverApple.com nancy@blueriverapple.com Born and raised outside of Seattle WA Graduate from University of Real-Life Experiences Fifty-five years living in Las Vegas, Nevada Raised two daughters, Michelle and Jennifer Grandmother to four, Brayden, Delaney, Rachel Anne, & Jack “Bonus” mom and grandma to more very special kiddos Diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s (AD) 2013 Re-diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) 2017 Dementia translates as “deprived of mind.” A confirmation that Nancy Nelson was to follow in her father’s footsteps jarred her in ways she never imagined. Nancy speaks, writes, and advocates from an inside view of an outside reality. She talks of hope and how she’s found joy and consolation in helping all who have any form of dementia. Also, she speaks with and holds care partners in the highest regard “for without them, where would we all be?!” Her belief is that communication is key and becoming a partner in one’s own health is paramount. Authored and published three books in her Blue.River.Apple. series, referred to by some as “reality” poetry, and by others, “prescription” poetry. Don’t let the word poetry sway your interest for her poignant lines and short verses. They will surprise you. Nancy journals day-to- day experiences from frustration to discovery, heightening her ability to make an Alzheimer’s difference. Whether you’re listening to her words, or reading her informative stories, Nancy will offer “Her Side,” possibly a new perspective that will help you. The Alzheimer’s Association chose Nancy as one of twelve nationwide participants, all diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in its varying stages and types. They participated in the 2015 Early Stage Advisory Group tasked with answering questions and sharing their own experiences to advance first-hand knowledge and solutions to living a positive and better life for longer while working through Alzheimer’s adversities. Whether it was speaking in front of hundreds of people, asking and answering questions on personal challenges, pharmaceuticals, speaking to elected officials—it was in the interest of the greater Alzheimer’s awareness. Nancy volunteers whenever asked at the Las Vegas Desert Southwest Chapter by facilitating caregiver and early state support groups, and speaks about how Alzheimer’s and hope may be used in the same sentence. Nancy volunteers for Alzheimer’s Nevada, an all-volunteer, non-profit that assists Nevadan’s with education and support for “normal people with an abnormal condition.” Nancy contributes to Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health by actively sitting on its Voices for Patient Advocacy Council, participates in the COBRE five-year brain study, advocates for their HealthyBrains.org initiative, and is pleased when she can say “yes” to helping. In 2018 Nancy was inducted into the Nevada Women’s Hall of Fame and also awarded Nevada’s Senior Citizen of the Year. Nancy Nelson Author, Advocate, Speaker