Enhance dementia communication with free Alzheimer's Association webinars

From America Alzheimer’s Association

More than 6 million families across the United States have a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.

Communicating clearly with those individuals, particularly with the added confusion and stresses brought on by the coronavirus pandemic, can be challenging.

To help families cope with the challenges of communicating with their loved ones with dementia, the Alzheimer’s Association is hosting a free webinar — one of a series of webinars offered through November — that teaches caregivers to decode verbal and behavioral communication from someone with Alzheimer’s and other dementias, and develop strategies for having meaningful connection with people in differing stages of dementia

The full schedule of free webinars offered during the month of November includes:

• 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.

9 to 10 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 3, and 2 to 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 19.

• 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 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 4; 1 to 2 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 12, and 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 20.

• 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.

2 to 3 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 4; 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 15, and noon to 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 24.

• 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.

3 to 4 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5, and noon to 1 p.m. Friday, Nov. 20.

• 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.

5 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5, and 11 a.m. to noon Thursday, Nov. 19.

• 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.

11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10, and 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17.

• 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 a.m. to noon Wednesday, Nov. 18.

• Legal and Financial Planning for Alzheimer’s

An interactive program where you’ll learn about important legal and financial issues to consider, how to put plans in place, and how to access legal and financial resources near you.

3 to 5 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 18.

• COVID-19 and Caregiving

Caring for someone living with dementia during the COVID-19 pandemic adds unique challenges for caregivers. This program provides simple tips caregivers can put in place whether the person living with dementia lives at home, in a residential facility, or care providers are coming into the home.

11 a.m. to noon Friday, Nov. 20.

• Living with Alzheimer’s: for Care Partners — Early Stage — Part 3

In the early stage of Alzheimer’s disease, families face new questions as they adjust. What does the diagnosis mean? What kinds of plans need to be made? What resources are available to help? This 3-part program provides practical answers to the questions that arise in the early stage. Hear from those directly affected and learn what you can do to cope with the changes that come with an early-stage diagnosis.

1 to 2:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 2.

• Living with Alzheimer’s: for Caregivers — Middle Stage — Part 1

In the middle stage of Alzheimer’s disease, those who were care partners now become hands-on caregivers. Join us for this 3-part series and hear caregivers and professionals discuss helpful strategies to provide safe, effective and comfortable care in the middle stage of Alzheimer’s.

1 to 2:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 9.

• Living with Alzheimer’s: for Caregivers — Middle Stage — Part 2

In the middle stage of Alzheimer’s disease, those who were care partners now become hands-on caregivers. Join us for this 3-part series and hear caregivers and professionals discuss helpful strategies to provide safe, effective and comfortable care in the middle stage of Alzheimer’s.

1 to 2:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 16.

• Living with Alzheimer’s: for Caregivers — Middle Stage — Part 3

In the middle stage of Alzheimer’s disease, those who were care partners now become hands-on caregivers. Join us for this 3-part series and hear caregivers and professionals discuss helpful strategies to provide safe, effective and comfortable care in the middle stage of Alzheimer’s.

1 to 2:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 23.

• Living with Alzheimer’s: for Caregivers — Late Stage — Part 1

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’ll hear from caregivers and professionals about resources, monitoring care and providing meaningful connection for the person with late-stage Alzheimer’s and their families.

1 to 2:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 30.

Like all programs and services of the Alzheimer’s Association, the webinars are offered at no charge, but registration is required. To register, go to https://stage.alz.org/media/co/Regional-Education-Nov-2020-FINAL.pdf or call the free Alzheimer’s Association Helpline at 800-272-3900.

To learn more about Alzheimer’s Association programs and services, people go go to http://www.alz.org .