PULSE ALZHEIMER'S CAN START EARLIER THAN YOU THINK.

The onset of Alzheimer's started with what looked like careless oversight. The Rev. Al Rhodes-Wickett would forget to pick up his son from a movie. Or he'd go to the grocery store to buy one item and return with something else.

Doctors, thinking Al was too young for Alzheimer's, tested for heart trouble and seizures. Then two years ago, the official diagnosis came. Al, only 54 and with two teenage children, was suffering from the early onset of Alzheimer's.

Since the diagnosis, Al and his wife, Sharon, have worked to spread awareness about the early stages of the ravaging disease. Last week, they were honored for their efforts at the annual Alzheimer's Association celebrity fund-raiser, where they received the Care Partners Award.

``I don't even think of it as an award,'' said Sharon, a pastor at United Methodist Church in Westwood. ``I think of it as an opportunity to share the bigger picture of Alzheimer's. Its effect is wider and broader than most people recognize.''

After Al was diagnosed, the couple searched for support groups but found their situation didn't fit the typical profile. Alzheimer's sufferers and their spouses were much older than the Rhodes-Wicketts. And though the groups for adult children were closer in age, they dealt with different issues.

Then the Rhodes-Wicketts came across a new program by the Alzheimer's Association of the Greater San Fernando Valley and Granada Hills Hospital for people grappling with the early stages of the disease. The project, funded by UniHealth, created the Memory Club, a 10-week series on Alzheimer's education at California State University, Northridge.

The Rhodes-Wicketts completed the program and helped form a support network of Memory Club graduates. The couple also have participated in panel discussions and other speaking engagements to raise awareness of Alzheimer's early stages.

``It's families like the Rhodes-Wicketts who feel a passion for helping other people that allows us to achieve our mission,'' said Rachelle Dardeau, director of the Alzheimer's Association of the Greater San Fernando Valley. ``They are truly pioneers in this area along with us.''

The program addressing early onset is the only one of its kind in Los Angeles County, Dardeau said. The Rhodes-Wicketts say the Memory Club has given them help and hope.

``The biggest thing that came out of this is that I'm not alone,'' said Al, a former pastor at United Methodist Church in Granada Hills. ``It's a pleasure to get together with other people. We can laugh and talk and completely open up.''

- Mariko Thompson

HEALTHY EATING: Learn how to balance vegetables, grains, fish and fruit to lose weight as well as relieve allergies and digestive disorders at a seminar set for 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday and March 15. The course, ``Choosing Foods for Health, Healing and Weight,'' is offered through California State University, Northridge, Extension. The seminar costs $69. For information or to register, call [phone].

- M.T.

HELP LIGHT THE WAY: The Avon Breast Cancer Crusade continues its commitment to find a cure with a new rose-scented candle in a dainty rose and pink ribbon-themed glass tumbler for $6.50. It's available from Avon representatives or by calling [phone]. All proceeds (Avon has already donated $250 million) will benefit breast cancer research as well as community nonprofit early detection breast health programs.

- Barbara De Witt 

WEIGH IN: Brave souls who are curious about where they fall on the body mass index may want to participate Wednesday in the American Cancer Society's Great American Weigh In. Up to one-third of cancer deaths could be prevented through healthy eating habits and regular physical activity, according to the American Cancer Society.

Body mass index (BMI), a calculation based on height and weight, is considered a more accurate gauge of health than merely stepping on the scale. The Great American Weigh In will take place from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Weight Watchers centers. Local centers participating in the event include: 7523 Fallbrook Ave., Canoga Park; 1160 N. Central Ave., Suite 212, Glendale; 2014 W. Ave. J, Lancaster; 24244 Lyons Ave., Santa Clarita; 21515 Soledad Canyon Road, No. 104, Santa Clarita; 4454 Van Nuys Blvd., No. 106-A, Sherman Oaks; 3885 Cochran St., Unit H, Simi Valley; and 19720 Ventura Blvd., No. 101, Woodland Hills. For more information, go to www.cancer.org or www.weightwatchers.com.

- M.T.

10 warning signs of Alzheimer's

--Memory loss: While it's normal to forget appointments, names or telephone numbers, those with dementia will forget such things more often and not remember them later.

--Difficulty performing familiar tasks: Not knowing the steps for everyday tasks, such as preparing a meal, using a household appliance or participating in a lifelong hobby.

--Problems with language: Everyone has trouble finding the right word at times. A person with Alzheimer's often forgets simple words.

--Disorientation to time and place: Becoming lost on their own street, forgetting where they are and how they got there, and not knowing how to get back home.

--Poor or decreased judgment: Dressing without regard to weather or giving away large amounts of money to telemarketers.

--Problems with abstract thinking: Tasks such as balancing a checkbook become difficult. Someone with Alzheimer's may forget what numbers are and what needs to be done with them.

--Misplacing objects: Putting things in unusual places, like setting an iron in the freezer or a wristwatch in the sugar bowl.

--Change in personality: Extreme confusion, suspicion, fear or dependence on a family member.

--Loss of initiative: Extreme passivity, such as sitting in front of the television for hours, sleeping more than usual or not wanting to do usual activities.

--Change in mood or behavior: Exhibiting rapid mood swings - from calm to emotional to angry - for no apparent reason.

Source: Alzheimer's Association

CAPTION(S):

2 photos, box

Photo:

(1) Two years ago, at age 54, the Rev. Al Rhodes-Wickett, left, was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. He and wife Sharon, with their son, Ben, received the Alzheimer's Association's Care Partners Award for their efforts to spread awareness about the early stages of the ravaging disease.

David Sprague/Staff Photographer

(2) no caption (Avon Breast Cancer Crusade candle)

Box:

10 warning signs of Alzheimer's (see text)