Alzheimer’s Education Series planned for August: Understanding and coping with memory loss, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease

On three consecutive Tuesday evenings this August, anyone who is interested in understanding memory loss, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease can attend a free workshop series.

The Alzheimer’s Association, in partnership with Community Caregivers, Bright Horizons Adult Day Services, and the Guilderland YMCA, is presenting a workshop series that offers valuable and practical information.

All sessions will be held at the Guilderland YMCA at 250 Winding Brook Drive in Guilderland from 6 to 7 p.m. on the following Tuesdays: Aug. 15, Aug. 22, and Aug. 29. Please register for one or more sessions by calling Tonya at (518) 967-4999, ext. 200.

Here is the schedule:

— Week One, Aug. 15, The Basics of Memory Loss, Dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease: This program is designed to provide basic information that everyone needs to know about memory-loss issues and what they mean for all of us. It explores the difference between memory loss brought about by normal aging versus Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. The appropriate audience for this session is anyone interested in learning more about Alzheimer’s disease and dementia;

—Week Two, Aug. 22,  Understanding and Responding to Dementia-Related Behavior: Behavior is a powerful form of communication and is one of the primary ways for people with dementia to communicate their needs and feelings as the ability to use language is lost. However, some behaviors can present real challenges for caregivers to manage. Attendees will learn to decode behavioral messages, identify common behavior triggers, and learn strategies to help intervene with some of the most common behavioral challenges of Alzheimer’s disease;

— Week Three, Aug. 29, Recognizing and Coping with Caregiver Stress: This program discusses what causes stress for individuals who care for someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Topics covered include how to handle the stress of caregivers effectively. The appropriate audience for this session is anyone who is actively caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia or knows someone who is a caregiver.

Community Caregivers Inc. is a not-for-profit organization that provides non-medical services, including transportation and caregiver support, at no charge to residents of Guilderland, Bethlehem, Altamont, New  Scotland, Berne, Knox, and the city of Albany through a strong volunteer pool of dedicated individuals with a desire to help their neighbors.

Our funding is derived in part from the Albany County Department for Aging, the New York State Office for the Aging, and the United States Administration on Aging. To find out more about our services, as well as volunteer opportunities, please visit www.communitycaregivers.org or call us at (518) 456-2898.

Editor’s note: Linda Miller is the Outreach and Education coordinator for Community Caregivers.