As COVID-19 continues to spike in Michigan leaving more residents feeling isolated, the Alzheimer’s Association Michigan Chapter announces its free virtual support groups, education programs and social engagement programs for December for Michigan residents impacted by Alzheimer’s and dementia.
“We know the pandemic has brought about increased isolation and stress for persons with dementia and their caregivers,” said Jean Barnas, Alzheimer’s Association program services director. “Our free support groups and education programs offer emotional and social support, provide much-needed information about memory loss and dementia, and help persons with dementia and their care partners find ways to remain socially active.”
While dementia does not increase risk for COVID-19, dementia-related behaviors, increased age and common health conditions that often accompany dementia may increase risk.
According to a recent Alzheimer’s Association analysis of CDC data from the past five years, people with Alzheimer’s and dementia are dying at a higher rate amid COVID-19. Nationwide, through the end of September, there have been at least 31,047 more deaths due to Alzheimer’s or another dementia nationwide than would be expected normally — 1,023 in Michigan alone.
“In addition to the Association advocating for long-term care policy recommendations that call for rapid-turnaround testing and prioritization testing, it’s so important that more Michigan residents know about and take advantage of the free programs and services we provide,” Barnas said.
Upcoming groups, programs and events are listed below. Registration is required by calling the Helpline at 800.272.3900 or visiting alz.org/gmc/virtual.
Education Programs
Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body: Tips from the Latest Research
Tuesday, Dec. 1, noon-1 p.m. |
Register
Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia
Tuesday, Dec. 1, 4-5 p.m. |
Register
Friday, Dec. 4, noon-1 p.m. |
Register
Monday, Dec. 14, 4-5 p.m. |
Register
Effective Communication Strategies + Enjoying Family Celebrations
Wednesday, Dec. 2, 10-11:30 a.m. |
Register
Friday, Dec. 11, noon-1:30 p.m. |
Register
10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s
Thursday, Dec. 3, 10-11 a.m. |
Register
Spanish-speaking: Monday, Dec. 7, 6-7 p.m. |
Register
Wednesday, Dec. 9, 5-6 p.m. |
Register
Monday, Dec. 21, 2-3 p.m. |
Register
Tuesday, Dec. 29, noon-1 p.m. |
Register
Understanding and Responding to Dementia-Related Behaviors
Thursday, Dec. 10, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. |
Register
Tuesday, Dec. 15, noon-1:30 p.m. |
Register
Friday, Dec. 18, 2-3:30 p.m. |
Register
Dementia Conversations: Driving Doctor Visits Legal & Financial Planning
Thursday, Dec. 10, 1-2 p.m. | Call Helpline
Tuesday, Dec. 22, noon-1:30 p.m. |
Register
Legal & Financial Planning
Monday, Dec. 14, 3-4:30 p.m. |
Register
Effective Communication Strategies
Tuesday, Dec. 15, 7-8 p.m. |
Register
Living with Alzheimer’s: For Caregivers (Early-Stage) | 3-Part Series
Part 1: Tuesday, Dec. 15, 10-11:30 a.m. |
Register
Part 2: Wednesday, Dec. 16, 10-11:30 a.m. |
Register
Part 3: Thursday, Dec. 17, 10-11:30 a.m. |
Register
Living with Alzheimer’s: For Caregivers (Late-Stage) | 2-Part Series
Part 1: Wednesday, Dec. 16, 1-2:30 p.m. |
Register
Part 2: Thursday, Dec. 17, 1-2:30 p.m. |
Register
Support Groups
The Alzheimer’s Association Michigan Chapter offers statewide virtual support groups in English and Spanish as well as area-specific caregiver support groups and early-stage support groups. For more information and to register, visit
alz.org/gmc/helping_you/support_groups.
Social Engagement Programs
Bruce H. and Rosalie N. Rosen Community Connect Program
Fitness Friday with Luba
Friday, Dec. 4, 1-2 p.m. |
Register
Arctic Ring of Life with the Detroit Zoo
Tuesday, Dec. 8, 1 p.m. |
Register
Holiday Traditions in Greenfield Village with The Henry Ford
Thursday, Dec. 10, 1 p.m. |
Register
Detroit Symphony Orchestra Performance
Monday, Dec. 14, 1 p.m. |
Register
Minds on Art with the Detroit Institute of Arts
Monday, Dec. 21, 1 p.m. |
Register
Early-Stage Social Club (pre-screening required)
Wednesday, Dec. 2, 1 p.m. | Call Helpline
Wednesday, Dec. 9, 1 p.m. | Call Helpline
Wednesday, Dec. 16, 1 p.m. | Call Helpline
Additional programs
Early-Stage Social Group: First Friday Coffee Chat (West Michigan)
Friday, Dec. 4, 9:30-10:30 a.m. | Pre-screening required. Email salambaria@alz.org or call 616-459-7467.
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.