The Alzheimer’s Association Greater Indiana Chapter offers free education for families affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Topics range from the basics of Alzheimer’s and dementia and how to identify the 10 warning signs to legal and financial planning and how to communicate throughout the various stages of the disease.
“Education is vital,” said Brianna Saunders, Associate Director of Community Engagement. “Unfortunately, we do not have a cure for Alzheimer’s disease. But, we can positively impact the journey through education, care and support.”
On Oct. 20, the Alzheimer’s Association will be hosting a one-day Caregiver Symposium for family members or professional caregivers affected by Alzheimer’s disease. The symposium will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Avalon Manner Banquet Center, located at 3550 US-30, in Merrillville. There is a $35 registration fee for family members and a $65 fee for professionals. To register, visit alz.org/Indiana or call (800) 272-3900.
The Association will host five education programs–two of which have already occurred. The first was, “The Basics: Memory Loss, Dementia & Alzheimer’s Disease.” It was held on Oct. 4 at Jasper County Library, located at 350 S. Bierma St., in Wheatfield. This program teaches attendees about detection, causes and risk factors, stages of the disease, treatment and much more.
“The Basics” was offered on Oct. 6 at the St. Catherine Hospital-Professional Office Building in East Chicago.
The following programs are scheduled for next week. “Effective Communication Strategies” will be offered on Tuesday, Oct. 11, from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Hobart Public Library located at 100 Main St., in Hobart. Attendees will learn to decode the verbal and behavioral messages delivered by someone with dementia, and identify strategies to help them connect and communicate at each stage of the disease.
The Association will host “Dementia Conversations: Driving, Doctors Visits, Legal & Financial Planning,” on Tuesday, Oct. 18, from 3 to 4:30 p.m., at Westchester Public Library, located at 200 W. Indiana Ave., in Chesterton. Attendees will learn to have honest and caring conversations about common concerns when someone begins to show signs of dementia.
“Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body: Tips from the Latest Research” will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 25, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Jasper County Library, located at 350 S. Bierma St., in Wheatfield. In this program, attendees will learn about the latest research providing insights on how to make lifestyle choices that may help them keep their brain and body healthy as they age, and use hands-on tools to help incorporate these recommendations into a plan for healthy aging.
There are no fees to attend programs, but registration is requested by contacting the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900. For a full listing of our education programs, visit alz.org/Indiana.
The Association is calling on dedicated volunteers statewide to assist in delivering education programs as Alzheimer’s Association Community Educators. Volunteers help the Association better service Indiana communities by spreading awareness of Alzheimer’s disease, caregiving tips and connecting people with valuable resources. Contact [email protected] for more information on how to get involved.
Today, more than 5 million Americans have Alzheimer’s disease, including 110,000 Hoosiers. Alzheimer’s disease is the nation’s sixth-leading cause of death. The direct and indirect costs of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias amount to more than $226 billion annually.
