The Speaker's Bureau consists of staff and volunteers who are knowledgeable about Alzheimer's disease, caregiver concerns, relevant public policy issues, and the programs and services of the Alzheimer's Association, Maine Chapter.  These speakers are available to address community groups, faith communities, businesses and schools.  There is no fee for a community education presentation, but honorariums and contributions to further the work of the Alzheimer's Association, Maine Chapter are welcome.

Keeping Our Minds Sharp As We Age:

Do we all forget more as we grow older?  What are specific strategies for keeping our minds sharp as we age?  In this stimulating and fun talk, we will provide topics for keeping our minds in tip-top shape as the years roll by.  The program will also explain when memory loss can be the symptom of a more serious condition.  This is an excellent introductory-level program for families and volunteers.

Memory, Aging, and Alzheimer's Disease:

Maintain Your Brain:

When people think about staying fit, they generally think from the neck down.  But the health of your brain plays a critical role in almost everything you do: thinking, feeling, remembering, working and playing - even sleeping.  The good news is that there are a number of things you can do to maintain cognitive function and help reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease.  This fun, interactive workshop focuses on three primary areas: how the brain works and changes with age how the heart and brain are connected - and health habits that affect both how stress, depression, and social isolation (and their opposites) affect your brain

Town Meetings: For Friends of People with Dementia

		There are over 700 people with Alzheimer's disease in Franklin County.  These people are our family members, our friends and our neighbors.  You might ask, "What can I possibly do to help?"
We say that education is the key to finding the answer.
Please join us Time: 5:30-7:30 pm on Wednesdays Place: Franklin Memorial Hospital, Farmington Facilitator: Peg Gagnon, Information and Outreach Specialist, Alzheimer's Association, Maine Chapter
Meeting #1: "Stages of Dementia and What to Expect as the Disease Progresses" Date: February 20, 2008
Meeting #2: "Validation: The Art of Meeting Them Where They Are" Date: March 19, 2008
Meeting #3: "Taking Care of Business: Legal and Financial Issues" Date: April 23, 2008
Meeting #4: "Creating Meaningful Activities as the Disease Progresses" Date: May 21, 2008
Meeting #5: "How To Give Great Care Without Losing Yourself in the Process" Date: June 18, 2008
Sponsored by: The Alzheimer's Association, The Healthy Community Coalition and the Ben Franklin Center at Franklin Memorial Hospital

Volunteer Respite Training:
   For Friends & Neighbors of People with Dementia

		Place: West Parish Congregational Church, Garland Chapel, Church St, Bethel Facilitator: Peg Gagnon, MS, Information & Outreach Specialist, Alzheimer's Association There are over 1250 people with Alzheimer's disease in Oxford County.  These people are our family members, our friends and our neighbors.  Get the information and tools needed to provide some help to the many who need it.  Please join us for this free education and learn about:
April 2, 2008, 5:30 - 7:30 pm Stages of dementia of the Alzheimer's type, what happens and what to expect Effects of the disease on perception Understanding behavior as communication
April 9, 2008, 9:30 - 11:30 am Safety Issues The importance of the person's life story Ways to spend valuable time with a person who has dementia
Sponsored by: Western Mountains Senior College, Bethel Family Health Center, MSAD#44/Community Education, Wayne DuPlessis, Counselor and the Alzheimer's Association, Maine Chapter.
Light refreshments provided. Donations accepted to offset Senior College expenses.