As the number of Americans with Alzheimer’s disease continues to rise, the unfortunate reality is that only about half of them will receive a diagnosis. Since more than 6.2 million people across the United States, including 76,000 Coloradans, are living with Alzheimer’s, the importance of understanding the disease and dementia-related behavior continues to increase.
Whether we are medical professionals, first responders, or family members trying to help a loved one cope with behavioral changes brought on by Alzheimer’s – the sixth-leading cause of death – there is value in learning how to interpret and respond to dementia-related behavior.
The Alzheimer’s Association is offering a free virtual webinar in June to help participants better understand how behavior becomes a critical communication tool as verbal skills decline as a result of dementia. The webinar will be offered twice during the month: 6 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 8, and 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 24.
“Understanding and Responding to Dementia-Related Behavior” is one in a series of live webinars that will be offered at no charge during the month of June. The full schedule for the month includes:
- The 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease (Learn about the 10 common warning signs, what to watch for in yourself and others, typical age-related changes, the benefits of a diagnosis, early detection and more.) – 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 1.
- Conozca las 10 Senales de Alzheimer’s (En Espanol) 6 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 9.
- Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia (Learn about the impact of Alzheimer’s, the differences between Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, risk factors, current research, treatments to address some symptoms and more.) – 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday, June 3.
- Understanding and Responding to Dementia-related Behavior (Behavior is a powerful form of communication and one of the primary ways that people with dementia communicate their needs and feelings as the ability to use language declines. But these behaviors can be challenging for caregivers. Join us to learn how to decode behavioral messages and learn strategies to intervene with some of the most common behavioral challenges.) – 6 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 8; and 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 24.
- Dementia Conversations (Tips on how to have honest and caring conversations with family members about going to the doctor, when to stop driving, and making legal/financial plans.) – 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday, June 10.
- COVID-19 and Caregiving (Caring for someone living with dementia during the COVID-19 pandemic adds unique challenges for caregivers. This program provides simple tips caregivers can put in place whether the person living with dementia lives at home, in a residential facility, or care providers are coming into the home.) – 6 to 7 p.m. Monday, June 14.
- Legal and Financial Planning for Alzheimer’s (An interactive program where you’ll learn about important legal and financial issues to consider, how to put plans in place, and how to access legal and financial resources near you.) – 6 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 15.
- Effective Communication Strategies (This workshop teaches caregivers to decode verbal and behavioral communication from someone with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Develop strategies for having meaningful connection with people in differing stages of dementia.) – 6 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 16; and 6 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 28.
- Advancing the Science: Alzheimer’s and Dementia Research (An overview of Alzheimer’s disease science and the latest advances in research to find a prevention, treatment and cure.) – 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday, June 24.
- Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body: Tips from the Latest Research (We’ve always known that the health of the brain and body are linked, but now science is able to provide insights into how we can optimize our physical and cognitive health as we age. Learn about research in the areas of diet and nutrition, exercise, cognitive activity and social engagement, and use hands-on tools to help you incorporate these recommendations into a plan for healthy aging.) – 6 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 30.
Like all programs and services of the Alzheimer’s Association, the webinars are offered at no charge, but registration is required. To register, click here or call the free Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900. To learn more about Alzheimer’s Association programs and services, go to www.alz.org.
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.