Dancers enjoy the first “Experience the Arts” meeting of the Alzheimer’s Association, West Virginia Chapter. The six-week program is for people in the early stages of Alzheimer’s and their care partners. The social engagement group allows attendees to be active in Charleston’s thriving arts community.
Dancers enjoy the first “Experience the Arts” meeting of the Alzheimer’s Association, West Virginia Chapter. The six-week program is for people in the early stages of Alzheimer’s and their care partners. The social engagement group allows attendees to be active in Charleston’s thriving arts community.
Having Alzheimer’s disease and caring for someone with dementia can be an isolating and stressful experience. Enjoying Charleston’s abundant arts scene might seem a thing of the past for Alzheimer patients but the local chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association is aiming to change that by offering a 6-week “Experience the Arts” program.
“Alzheimer’s disease can be so isolating for the person with the disease and their caregiver. This social group is like a family and, when they join, they quickly become part of the family,” Laurel Kirksey, executive director of the West Virginia chapter, said.
Younger people are being diagnosed with the disease, she said, so the importance of early stage activities is essential for the diagnosed person and their care partners.
The arts, in particular, is an area from which they can feel isolated.
“Keeping connected is so important. Because Charleston has such a rich arts community, there is a lot we can do here,” Kirksey said.
“You take for granted those opportunities when you are well and we hope to give back those moments and experiences with this program. It provides confidence and fun and they get to meet people who are facing the same challenges,” Kirksey said.
On Oct. 29, the chapter launched a new early-stage Alzheimer’s social group, the first in the series of events focused on the arts.
“It’s really been fun. They are having a blast. We had about 10 people attend,” she said of the first event, ‘Music of the Decades Dance’ where DJ Bill Bradley spun tunes and light refreshments were offered.
Kirksey expects the events to attract 10 to 25 people, depending on the timing of the event.
“The social engagement group offers a fun and comfortable way for people living in the early stage of Alzheimer’s or other dementia to get out, get active and get connected with one another. The activities were shaped by members of our early stage support group and the activities promote social interaction and companionship,” Kirksey said.
Art, music, theater and dance can enrich the lives of people with Alzheimer’s disease because it allows for self-expression and engagement.
“We have a number of great opportunities lined up, including a few behind-the-scenes looks at plays and symphony performances. Our early stage group is really passionate about getting the word out to others who may be feeling alone in their diagnosis,” Kirksey said.
Exposure to the arts might reduce agitation and improve behavioral issues common in the disease. It provides a way to connect, even after verbal communication has become difficult, the organization’s website states.
“The goal is to help people living in the early stage of Alzheimer’s to remain mentally and socially active, post-diagnosis. After a pilot funded by the MetLife Foundation in select markets nationwide, the Alzheimer’s Association Early Stage Social Engagement Program is now being offered in
Charleston through a grant from The Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation,” Kirksey said.
She said the Alzheimer’s Association encourages early detection so families can plan for the future together and take advantage of available resources.
With earlier detection, individuals in the early stage are seeking more opportunities for appropriate social engagement where they can interact and connect with others facing similar challenges.
“Due to the changes an individual experiences in their behavior, cognition, daily routines and relationships, Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia can be very isolating and lonely,” said Kirksey. “This opportunity will allow people to come together and continue to remain involved and active in daily life and friendships, for as long as possible.”
The Clay Center, West Virginia Symphony, Charleston Ballet and the Alban Arts Center are participating in the series.
“They have rolled out the red carpet for us. It’s great to see how the community is rallying around us,” she said.
Registration is required for the remaining events:
n Coffee Hour at the Alzheimer’s Association, 1601 2nd Ave., near Patrick St. and Kanawha Boulevard. 10:30 a.m., Nov. 7. After coffee, there will be a performance by special guests from the Alban Arts Center.
n Paul Bunyan Dress Rehearsal at the Clay Center, 1 p.m. (seated by 12:45 p.m.), Nov. 14. A behind-the-scenes look at the play.
n Rumpelstiltskin at the Clay Center. 11:30 a.m., Nov. 19. A one-hour performance of the timeless play from box seats.
n Potluck dinner with discussion on music and your brain with special guests from the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra at the Alzheimer’s Association. 5 p.m., Dec. 2.
n The Nutcracker Dress Rehearsal at the Clay Center. 1 p.m. (seated by 12:45 p.m.), Dec. 12. A behind-the-scenes look at the Charleston Ballet and West Virginia Symphony Orchestra’s holiday performance.
For additional information or to register for an event, call 800-272-3900 or email wvinfo@alz.org. For additional information about the organization, visit www.alz.org.
