More than 400,000 Coloradans are military veterans, and an increasing number of those are living with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.
For those veterans, as well as those who care for them, the Alzheimer’s Association, the Veterans Health Administration, VA Caregiver Support Program, and the State of Colorado Military and Veterans Affairs, are offering a free five-part series starting June 15 to help participants understand the disease, anticipate the changes it creates, and make necessary legal and financial plans.
“Age is the primary risk factor for developing Alzheimer’s, but veterans face additional circumstances that increase their risk,” said Debra Bianchi, Alzheimer’s Association regional director for south and southwestern Colorado. “This webinar series provides valuable information for veterans who serve as caregivers, caregivers of veterans, and those who serve veterans in the community.”
Each week’s program will include two sessions: one geared toward Alzheimer’s disease and one led by veteran service agency providers (with the exception of the final session on legal and financial planning).
Scheduled for 1 to 2:30 p.m. on five consecutive Tuesdays, the online webinars will cover the following topics:
- Week 1 (June 15)
- The 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s, led by Jim Collins, retired U.S. Army, and Alzheimer’s Association community educator
- Navigating VA Eligibility, led by Brian Oney, Veteran Services Officer (VSO) for the State of Colorado Military & Veterans Affairs
- Week 2 (June 22)
- Effective Communication Strategies, led by Shaire Chavez, Alzheimer’s Association community educator
- VA Caregiver Support Program: General Program Overview, led by Sarah Mellon, LCSW, & Kellie McMaster, LCSW, VA Caregiver Support Program
- Week 3 (June 29)
- Understanding and Responding to Dementia-related Behaviors, led by Brenda Gurung, Alzheimer’s Association community educator
- VA Caregiver Support Program: Comprehensive Program Overview, led by Sarah Mellon, LCSW, & Kellie McMaster, LCSW, VA Caregiver Support Program
- Week 4 (July 6)
- Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body, led by Wendy Abbott, Alzheimer’s Association community educator
- Tele-Geriatrics for Veterans, led by Stephanie Hartz, LCSW, BCD, VA Medical Center
- Week 5 (July 13)
- Legal and Financial Planning, led by Richard Selinger, J.D., LL.M., Alzheimer’s Association community educator
To register for any of the free, virtual webinar programs, call the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900 or register online at
http://bit.ly/VA-CG-SeriesZOOM.
Alzheimer's Association
The Alzheimer's Association leads the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer's and all other dementia.™ For more information, visit www.alz.org or call the 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900.