A look at Alzheimer's research among free September webinars

Press release

The latest advances in research to find a cure for Alzheimer’s disease will be the subject of a free, live webinar offered by the Alzheimer’s Association during September. It is one of a series of webinars that will be offered throughout the month for Alzheimer’s caregivers and those who wish to learn more about the disease.

The Alzheimer’s Association provides a wide range of programs and services to the nearly 6 million people in the United States living with Alzheimer’s disease, including 22,000 in Montana and their over 51,000 family caregivers.

The free webinars offered during the month of September include:

•  Advancing the Science: Alzheimer’s and Dementia Research — An overview of Alzheimer’s disease science and the latest advances in research to find a prevention, treatment and cure — 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 23.

•  The 10 Warning 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 — noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 2; 6 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 15; and noon to 1 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 24.

•  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 — 4 to 5 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10; 3 to 4 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 17; and noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 30.

•  Understanding and Responding to Dementia-related Behavior — Behavior is a powerful form of communication and one of the primary ways that people with dementia communicate their needs and feelings as the ability to use language declines. But these behaviors can be challenging for caregivers. Join us to learn how to decode behavioral messages and learn strategies to intervene with some of the most common behavioral challenges — 1 to 2:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 14.

•  Dementia Conversations — Tips on how to have honest and caring conversations with family members about going to the doctor, when to stop driving, and making legal/financial plans — 11 a.m. to noon Wednesday, Sept. 16; and 10 to 11:30 a.m. Monday, Sept. 28.

•  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 — noon to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 8; 1 to 2:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18; 4 to 5 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 24; and 2 to 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 29.

•  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 12:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10; 4 to 5 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 17; and 1:30 to 3 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25.

•  Living with Alzheimer’s: for Younger-Onset Alzheimer’s — When someone under the age of 65 is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, it can be a shock. A diagnosis of younger-onset Alzheimer’s raises questions about work, relationships and planning for the future. Join us for this series of programs that provide information and insight, and hear from others facing the disease as they discuss tips and strategies for living well with younger-onset Alzheimer’s — 10 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 22.

Like all programs and services of the Alzheimer’s Association, the webinars are offered at no charge, but registration is required. To register online visit https://www.communityresourcefinder.org or call the free Alzheimer’s Association Helpline at 800-272-3900.

To learn more about Alzheimer’s Association programs and services, go to http://www.alz.org or call the Association’s free 24/7 Helpline.