Understanding & responding to dementia-related behaviors at the holidays – a free webinar

When families gather over the holidays, one thing that frequently becomes apparent is any change in the cognitive health of older relatives. Over the course of months or a year apart, the changes that occur for those who may be in the earlier stages of Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia become more noticeable and startling for loved ones.

The holiday season sees the most calls to the Alzheimer’s Association’s free Helpline (800-272-3900), which is staffed 24/7 by trained professionals. What those professionals frequently offer are tips on available programs and services, including information on how to communicate with and respond to dementia-related behavior.

The Alzheimer’s Association will offer a free webinar: Understanding & Responding to Dementia-Related Behaviors at the Holidays, on Wednesday, Dec. 8, as one in a series of live webinars that will be offered at no charge during November and December. The full schedule for the months includes:
 

• 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.) – 3 to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 2; noon to 1:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 8; and 5:30 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 7. 
• The 10 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.) – 1 to 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 3; noon to 1:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 15; and 5:30 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 14.
• 10 Señales de Advertencia de Alzheimer’s (español) – 5:30 to 7 p.m. Miércoles, Dec. 15.
• Living with Alzheimer’s: for Caregivers – Middle Stages – Part 1 – (In the middle stage of Alzheimer’s disease, those who were care partners now become hands-on caregivers. Join us for this 3-part series and hear caregivers and professionals discuss helpful strategies to provide safe, effective and comfortable care in the middle stage of Alzheimer’s.) – 7 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 4.
• Living with Alzheimer’s: for Caregivers – Middle Stages – Part 2 – (In the middle stage of Alzheimer’s disease, those who were care partners now become hands-on caregivers. Join us for this 3-part series and hear caregivers and professionals discuss helpful strategies to provide safe, effective and comfortable care in the middle stage of Alzheimer’s.) – 7 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 11.
• Living with Alzheimer’s: for Caregivers – Middle Stages – Part 3 – (In the middle stage of Alzheimer’s disease, those who were care partners now become hands-on caregivers. Join us for this 3-part series and hear caregivers and professionals discuss helpful strategies to provide safe, effective and comfortable care in the middle stage of Alzheimer’s.) – 7 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 18.
• 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.) – 11 a.m. to noon Tuesday, Nov. 9.
• New Advances in Alzheimer’s Treatment (Learn about Aducanumab, a new advancement in Alzheimer's treatment. This program will provide an overview of how Aducanumab works, who are the intended candidates to receive the treatment, availability, and more.) – 1 to 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 10.
• 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.) – 5 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 30; and 5:30 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 21.
• Living with Alzheimer’s: for Caregivers – Late Stages – Part 1 – (In the late stage of Alzheimer’s disease, caregiving typically involves new ways of connecting and interacting with the person with the disease. In this 2-part series, you’ll hear from caregivers and professionals about resources, monitoring care and providing meaningful connection for the person with late-stage Alzheimer’s and their families.) – 7 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 2.
• Living with Alzheimer’s: for Caregivers – Late Stages – Part 2 – (In the late stage of Alzheimer’s disease, caregiving typically involves new ways of connecting and interacting with the person with the disease. In this 2-part series, you’ll hear from caregivers and professionals about resources, monitoring care and providing meaningful connection for the person with late-stage Alzheimer’s and their families.) – 7 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 9.
• Understanding & Responding to Dementia-Related Behaviors at the Holidays – (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. Join us to 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.) – 3 to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 8.

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 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.