Alzheimer’s Association, Georgia Chapter is offering a free virtual interactive series that brings top experts to talk and answer questions related to Alzheimer’s and dementia. Originally, this program was provided to people with early stage dementia and their care partners but is now open to the public. The series is free but registration is required. 

“For this month, we are excited to have State Representative Sharon Cooper as one of our guest speakers”, added Linda Davidson, Executive Director for the Alzheimer’s Association, Georgia Chapter. “You see or hear on the news that a bill was signed by the Governor but you don’t always know what that means or how it will affect you and your family. For this particular bill – HB 987 is an extremely important law to all those living in memory care and assisted livings. Over forty-two percent of people living in those communities have some form of dementia. Once in effect in 2021, this law will improve the care provided in these designated settings by increasing staffing, oversight, and training. ”, added Davidson. 

The September virtual Lunch and Learn” scheduled for Wednesday, September 16th from 12:00 – 1:00 pm. To register, go to https://bit.ly/3m2dVom or call 800-272-3900. 

While the on-going coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic still threatens the health of millions in this country and around the world, it continues to create additional challenges for people living with Alzheimer's and all dementia, their families and caregivers, including 150,000 in Georgia and their estimated 540,000 caregivers.

People with early stage of Alzheimer’s or dementia and their care partner can still join one of the Alzheimer’s Association early stage virtual programs including Gentle Yoga, Art at the High Museum or the support groups. 

For more information or to register for one of the early stage programs, please call 800-272-3900 or visit alz.org/Georgia. 

The Alzheimer’s Association, Georgia Chapter are continuing to offer free virtual education programs and online support groups to help all Georgia caregivers and their families. Launched in early April in response to the impact COVID-19 was having on those affected by dementia, the Alzheimer's Association now offers a number of education programs that can help those living with Alzheimer’s and their families understand what to expect so they can be prepared to meet the changes ahead.

Special topics highlighted in September include “Living with Alzheimer’s in Late Stages” and “Effective Ways to Communicate”, both of which are even more important in light of the COVID-19 pandemic as caregivers strive to care for individuals living with dementia at home or at a distance.

Living with Alzheimer’s – Late Stages – Part 1 and 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 will hear from caregivers and professionals about resources, monitoring care and providing meaningful connection for the person with late-stage Alzheimer’s and their families.

Living with Alzheimer’s – Late Stages Part 1 offered on Wednesday, September 30 from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm and Late Stages Part 2 offered on Wednesday, October 7 from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm. 

Effective Communication Strategies 

Communication is more than just talking and listening – it’s also about sending and receiving messages through attitude, tone of voice, facial expressions and body language. As people with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias progress in their journey and the ability to use words is lost, families need new ways to connect.  Join us to explore how communication takes place when someone has Alzheimer’s, learn to decode the verbal and behavioral messages delivered by someone with dementia, and identify strategies to help you connect and communicate at each stage of the disease. The Effective Communication Strategies program of the Alzheimer’s Association was designed to provide practical information and resources to help dementia caregivers learn to decode verbal and behavioral messages from people with dementia.

Each virtual education program is approximately one hour and allows the audience to ask questions and engage with others going through the journey online. 

Attendees are invited to join via video/webinar or through a toll-free number. There is no charge to participate, but registration is required. For a complete list of upcoming virtual programs or to register for a class, visit https://alz.org/georgia/helping_you/education_programs or call 800-272-3900. 

Participants will be sent conferencing details prior to the date of each virtual program.

More than 16 million family and friends, including 540,000 in Georgia, provide unpaid care to people with Alzheimer's or other dementias in the United States. To help family caregivers navigate the current complex and quickly changing environment, the Alzheimer’s Association has also offered additional guidance to families at alz.org/covid19help.

For more information, visit alz.org/georgia or call the 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900. 

Additional Facts and Figures: (http://www.alz.org/facts/)

• Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States.

• More than five million Americans are living with the disease, including 150,000 Georgia residents — a number estimated to grow to as many as 190,000 by year 2025.

• More than 16 million family and friends, including 540,000 in Georgia, provide unpaid care to people with Alzheimer's or other dementias in the United States.

• In 2019, friends and family of those with Alzheimer’s in Georgia provided an estimated 615 million hours of unpaid care, a contribution valued over $8 billion.