An advocate for the elderly
Charlotte Arbogast '10 has been appointed to the Virginia Alzheimer's Commission by Gov. Tim Kaine.
A history major from Harrisonburg, Va., Charlotte's understanding of Alzheimer's started at age 12, when her maternal grandfather's memory started slipping. He is now in the advanced stages of the disease. "He knows me some days," Charlotte said. "He's so sweet; he's my favorite person."
Charlotte's mother, Elly Swecker, recently resigned from the Alzheimer's Commission to take on new job responsibilities, so Charlotte lobbied to fill her mother's spot with a younger voice. She has already attended her first meeting. "Everyone was really receptive to having a younger member on the commission," she said.
She has been appointed to serve until June 30, 2013 in a public-at-large position, and will be confirmed by the General Assembly. The commission looks at how the commonwealth currently addresses Alzheimer's disease and dementia, and what more can be done for the 130,000 Virginians suffering from those diseases.
"I firmly believe that it is important to involve my generation in issues related to aging and dementia," she said. "It is essential that we become informed about the aging process, Alzheimer's disease, and dementia. As the baby boomers start to age, my generation needs to be prepared for the impact they will have. I hope to bring that perspective to the table while serving out my appointment."
Charlotte already has some statewide experience. Last summer, she did an internship with the Virginia Department on Aging.
At LC, Charlotte is a work study assistant to Denise Scruggs, director of the Beard Center on Aging. This semester she has helped set up Medicare Part D educational events throughout Central Virginia, and has helped with planning aging conferences. Charlotte and Denise have also submitted a proposal to do a program at the Southern Gerontological Society Conference in Richmond next spring about the Central Virginia Consortium on Aging, which brings together a diverse group of community members to address aging issues.
"Charlotte will be a wonderful asset to the Commission," Scruggs said. "Her passion for working with older adults and her personal experience give her insight into the issue of dementia. She will also be able to serve as a voice for children and grandchildren who are significantly impacted by dementia."
After she graduates, Charlotte hopes to earn her master's in gerontology. Her life and work experience, along with her academic record, should make her a shoo-in. Charlotte is a member of the Westover Honors Society, Phi Kappa Phi, Phi Alpha Theta, and a history tutor.
