Alzheimer’s and Dementia Series offered at VMH

Veterans Memorial Hospital, together with the Alzheimer’s Association® will be offering a series of presentations concerning Alzheimer’s and dementia this summer for both the general public and for caregivers of anyone with these conditions.

The first of this three-part series will begin Wednesday, June 5, in the ICN Conference Room of Veterans Memorial Hospital. The first session will be held at 12 Noon for the general public. Anyone who wishes to attend is welcome to bring their own sack lunch in with them to enjoy during the session which is entitled “Understanding Alzheimer’s.”

In the United States alone, more than five million individuals are living with Alzheimer’s and 16 million are serving as their unpaid caregivers. The disease is a global crisis that impacts numerous families right here in the local community. However, no one has to face this disease alone or without information.

The Alzheimer’s Association® has created an education program covering the basics of Alzheimer’s and dementia to provide a general overview for people who are facing a diagnosis as well as those who wish to be informed.

The free one-hour program explores the relationship between Alzheimer’s disease and dementia; Examines what happens in a brain affected by Alzheimer’s; Details the risk factors for and three general stages of the disease; Identifies FDA-approved treatments available to treat some symptoms; Looks ahead to what’s on the horizon for Alzheimer’s research; Offers helpful Alzheimer’s Association resources.

That same day, at 1:30 p.m., a similar presentation geared more for actual caregivers and family members of an Alzheimer’s or dementia patient will be offered entitled “Understanding and Responding to Dementia-Related Behaviors.” This program is also one hour in length and is free of charge.

The next two presentations in this three-part series will be offered July 3 and August 7. The public is welcome to attend any or all of them.

For more information, call Veterans Memorial Hospital at 563-568-3411.