If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s we’re here to help you through every step of your journey.
We offer a variety of educational classes and workshops on a wide range of topics related to Alzheimer's disease. We offer classes for family caregivers on topics like: understanding Alzheimer's disease, improving communication, effective strategies for challenging behaviors, Alzheimer's treatments and research, and planning for the future. We also offer an Early Stage Memory Loss class for those who are in the early stages of Alzheimer’s. Classes are interactive and allow plenty of time for questions and answers.
There is often no charge for classes. Donations are always welcome and pre-registration is required. The Oregon Chapter does not off continuing education credits for classes. Please call the office for details.
Additionally, we offer classes and presentations to community groups, businesses, and other non-profits interested in learning about Alzheimer's disease. Please call or email Kristrun Grondal, our Program Director, at 503-416-0206 or kristrun.grondal@alz.org for more information.
Caitlin Campbell, Program Associate
My experience with Alzheimer’s hits very close to home, as my maternal grandfather has been struggling with the disease for several years. After his diagnosis, we discovered the world of challenges that comes along with Alzheimer’s disease, not just for Grandpa, but for our entire family. My grandparents’ ten adult children struggled to determine the level of care that their parents should receive, as my grandmother was frail but fully functioning while my grandfather’s memory was quickly fading. Soon after placing them together in an adult foster home in February 2009, my grandmother broke her hip, and passed away, leaving Grandpa confused and alone.
My family faced their toughest challenge yet: grieving her death, while helping my grandfather adjust to his new life without his wife. The transition hasn’t been easy. One day my mother discovered a stack of letters addressed to Grandpa’s beloved Betty, asking her why she had left him. His mind will never been able to fully grasp her death, so he looks to explain why he sleeps alone every night. He thinks maybe she left him for another man, or that she moved out after an argument. Every letter ends with apologies: “I don’t know what I said, but I’m sorry. I love you.” “Please come back, the kids miss you.” “Whatever is wrong, we can make it right together.” Unable to comprehend or remember her death, but still thinking every day of his wife of 62 years, Grandpa’s past couple of months have been full of heartache and confusion.
My mom and her siblings, overwhelmed by the sadness they felt about their father’s condition, reached out to the Alzheimer’s Association for guidance and support. They joined support groups, attended educational classes, and learned as much about Alzheimer’s disease as possible. With their newfound knowledge and support, the whole family has experienced better visits with Grandpa. They have gained an understanding of how to better interact with him, and how to help him feel safe in his new world. As a new employee of the Alzheimer’s Association, I work every day to bring the same kind of experience to our clients.
Megan Lange, Program Associate
My professional interest in Alzheimer’s began when working as a residential support professional for Angie, a 43-year-old woman with Down syndrome and Alzheimer’s disease. I watched this vibrant woman lose her ability and desire to do things she always loved. She was one to always keep her room looking immaculate and took great pride in her physical appearance. Once Alzheimer’s disease took hold, it was a struggle to find matching outfits, especially since half of her clean clothes would end up buried under her bed or stuffed in a pillow case. The house staff struggled for answers to her changing behaviors and moods.
While working with Angie, I was also studying for my MSW at the Brown School of Social Work. Through practicum experiences with the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center at Washington University and the Alzheimer’s Association-St. Louis Chapter I was able to gain a better understanding of the disease and its effects on different populations, including those with Down syndrome. I have a strong passion for providing support to those affected by this awful disease. I am grateful for the opportunity to share my knowledge and experiences with people who have Alzheimer’s and their caregivers through the Oregon Chapter HelpLine and Education programs.
