The Dementia Spotlight Foundation (DSF) - an Atlanta-based nonprofit organization working toward a world that fully embraces the rights and needs of individuals and families living with dementia-related disorders - today announced Robert Bowles has been awarded the introductory Robert Bowles 2021 Dementia Advocate of the Year Award. The notable award provides much-needed recognition to those living through dementia or Alzheimer's-related illnesses who are actively forging paths around this disease. The recognition honors their dedication of time, effort and resources in the fight to spread awareness and offer necessary support to individuals and caretakers touched by dementia.

The inaugural dementia advocacy award has been named after and gifted to Robert Bowles, a retired local pharmacist and Georgia native who has served as an executive advisor at Dementia Spotlight Foundation since the organization's inception in 2016. After receiving a Lewy Body Dementia diagnosis in 2012, Bowles founded United Against Dementia where he was an active advocate, educator and supporter of people living with dementia. His personal diagnosis led him to quickly recognize that individuals diagnosed with dementia had to find their own way to move forward and live a life with purpose. This personal turn of events and Robert's passion for serving others became an inspiring battle cry that propelled him to advocacy work on the state and federal levels in both corporate and nonprofit arenas.

"To distinguish Robert with this honorary inaugural award means the world to me and to the foundation," said DSF Founder and Executive Director Whitney DeMarlo Oeltmann. "Robert has played an instrumental role in DSF's history and has been the epitome of a champion for those living with dementia. We hope others affected by this devastating disease find inspiration in Robert's journey of carving a meaningful path forward after a diagnosis."

During his tenure with DSF, Bowles has helped to identify the individualized needs of countless individuals living with dementia. These needs can range from mobility to communication issues that severely impact many daily activities. He has actively participated in focus groups, speaking engagements and support groups where he shares insight into his deeply personal experiences of living with dementia, ultimately helping to build a sturdy foundation of trust and transparency for a dementia-conscious community.

Additionally, Bowles has been an active member of DSF's sister organization, Dementia Mentors, serving as trusted counsel to many individuals recently diagnosed with dementia. This role has allowed him to serve as a guiding light to individuals battling this disease.

When asked about his feelings towards this award, Robert Bowles said "People don't care what you know, they just want to know that you care."

The Robert Bowles award will be awarded annually and is intended to spotlight deserving dementia advocates with a distinguished honor for their support in enriching the lives of people living with dementia and their caregivers. Every year this award will be given to an individual with dementia who stands out by spreading awareness and helping others with dementia-related issues. DSF is honored to present Robert Bowles with the introductory award and will continue to recognize other advocates in Bowles' name.

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