Alzheimer’s Association to Offer Free Three-Part Series

AlzheimersAssociationThe Alzheimer’s Association Greater Indiana Chapter will host a free three-part series, “Living with Alzheimer’s: for the Middle Stage Caregiver,” on Thursday, November 1, 2012, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Valparaiso Public Library. Additional sessions will be held November 8 and 15, also from 6:00 p.m.- :00 p.m. There is no fee to attend the sessions but registration is requested by contacting the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900. The Valparaiso Public Library is located at 103 Jefferson Street.

When someone is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, friends and family have many questions. What does the diagnosis mean? What kinds of plans need to be made? What resources are available to help? As the disease progresses, new questions reflect growing needs for skills, programs and services.

The “Living with Alzheimer’s: For Middle-stage Caregivers” program will discuss the symptoms and care needs associated with the middle-stage of Alzheimer’s and learn about the relationship changes that occur in the middle-stage. Ways to maximize safety, prepare for emergencies and access respite care will be discussed as well as effective ways to provide personal care and manage challenging behaviors. You will also have a chance to hear from those directly affected and learn what you need to know, what you need to plan and what you can do at each point along the way.

Today, approximately 5.4 million Americans have Alzheimer’s disease, including 120,000 Hoosiers. Every 68 seconds, someone develops Alzheimer’s disease, making Alzheimer’s disease the 6th leading cause of death. The direct and indirect costs of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias amount to more than $200 billion annually.

The Alzheimer’s Association is the world leader in Alzheimer’s research and support. Having awarded more than $292 million to over 2,000 research projects, the Alzheimer's Association is the largest private funder of Alzheimer research. The Association’s vision is a world without Alzheimer’s disease. For more information, please visit www.alz.org/indiana.