When one of the members of the production crew, cameraman Carter Wells, died from Alzheimer's, his wife asked Jeffery to help educate the public.

"She is convinced that identifying the disease early is key," Jeffery said.

Jeffery enlisted William Fisher--longtime Cupertino resident and chief executive officer of the Northern California and Northern Nevada chapter of the Alzheimer's Association--to help. Fisher has been trying to bring more awareness about the disease to the public for 18 years.

His successful background in nonprofit organizations got him the job, but he has since been personally touched by the disease. His wife's mother died from Alzheimer's about a year ago.

Is It Alzheimer's? is the first of two of Jeffery's shows that will air on Cupertino Comcast 15 starting Sept. 5. In the show, Fisher and Jeffery discuss how to identify the difference between normal memory loss, other forms of dementia and the debilitating affects of a disease that is loaded with taboo, stigma and is the butt of many "old-timer" jokes.

The accompanying program, Diagnosis Alzheimer's, which airs Sept. 12 on the same channel, covers the progression of the disease and durable power of attorney.

It's estimated that 4.5 million Americans have Alzheimer's. That is more than double the number of people affected in 1983 when the National Alzheimer's Disease month was established by Ronald Reagan. Reagan died of the disease in 2004.

The number of Alzheimer victims is projected to grow to 16 million by mid-century, partly due to the increase in people living longer and today's more accurate diagnosis. The disease affects 10 percent of people 65 years old and 50 percent of people 85 years and older.

It's an emerging disease that unveils itself quietly in which the brain continues to deteriorate until death. Often, family members of Alzheimer's patients will think back and realize that the symptoms were evident long before the disease was diagnosed.

Knowledge and treatment surrounding Alzheimer's is emerging also. Fisher says research shows that early intervention and treatment have proven to slow progress of the disease.

Research also shows that diet and exercise can play a part in slowing the progress, and exercise includes working both the body and the mind. Research has found that the same principles for diet and exercise found to be heart healthy are believed to benefit Alzheimer's patients.

Through an educational grant provided by Harrah's Casino, the Alzheimer's Association has produced a deck of cards on which tips from the "Maintain Your Brain" program are printed. Tips such as "read an unfamiliar type of book or magazine article" or "brush your teeth with your opposite hand" are exercises for the brain.

The Maintain Your Brain campaign received a nationwide kick-off late last year and continues to be a focus for the association. Fisher's immediate focus, though, is on the Memory Walk.

Fisher took in $2.5 million from all the area walks last year. This year's walk on Treasure Island will be the organization's first "million dollar walk," he says.

The lofty goal is attainable considering that location raised $850,000 in 2004.

The money raised will help the organization continue to provide programs and services for people with the disease and their families.

The Treasure Island Memory Walk is on Oct. 8 at 9:30 a.m. Other walks take place on various days throughout Northern California, including one in Monterey Bay on Sept. 24. For more information about the disease or the Memory Walks, visit the Alzheimer's Association web site at www.alznorcal.org or call 800.272.3900.

Both "Is It Alzheimer's?" and "Diagnosis Alzheimer's" will air on additional dates and times. For more information about The Better Part videos on Alzheimer's, contact the Cupertino Senior Center at 408.777.3150 or visit the web site www.thebetterpart.com.

Ten warning signs of Alzheimer's Disease

Here is the Alzheimer's Association's 10 warning signs of Alzheimer's disease, the most common form of dementia:

*Memory loss--Forgetting recently learned information is one of the most common early signs of dementia. A person begins to forget more often and is unable to recall the information later.

What's normal? Forgetting names or appointments occasionally.

*Difficulty performing familiar tasks--People with dementia often find it hard to plan or complete everyday tasks. They may lose track of the steps involved in preparing a meal or placing a telephone call.

What's normal? Occasionally forgetting why you came into a room or what you planned to say.

*Problems with language--People with Alzheimer's often forget simple words or substitute unusual words, making their speech or writing hard to understand.

What's normal? Sometimes having trouble finding the right word.

*Disorientation to time and place--People with Alzheimer's can become lost in their own neighborhood, forget where they are and how they got there, and not know how to get back home.

What's normal? Forgetting the day of the week or where you were going.

*Poor or decreased judgment--Those with Alzheimer's may dress inappropriately, wearing several layers on a warm day or little clothing in the cold. They may show poor judgment, such as giving away large sums of money to telemarketers.

What's normal? Making a questionable or debatable decision from time to time.

*Problems with abstract thinking--Someone with Alzheimer's may have unusual difficulty performing complex mental tasks, forgetting what numbers are for and how to use them.

What's normal? Finding it challenging to balance a checkbook.

*Misplacing things--A person with Alzheimer's may put things in unusual places: an iron in the freezer.

What's normal? Misplacing keys or a wallet temporarily.

*Changes in mood or behavior--Someone with Alzheimer's may show rapid mood swings--from calm to tears to anger--for no apparent reason.

*Changes in personality--People with dementia may become extremely confused, suspicious, fearful or dependent on a family member.

What's normal? People's personalities do change somewhat with age.

*Loss of initiative--A person with Alzheimer's disease may become very passive, sitting in front of the TV for hours, sleeping more than usual or not wanting to do usual activities.

What's normal? Sometimes feeling weary of work or social obligations.

If you recognize any warning signs in yourself or a loved one, consult a doctor. Early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease or other disorders causing dementia is an important step to getting appropriate treatment, care and support services.