Alzheimer’s Association presenting special education programs
DAYTON People in the Miami Valley will have an opportunity to ask a neurologist questions and attend dementia education programs on a Saturday this month as part of special programming by the Alzheimer’s Association Miami Valley Chapter.
Dr. Christopher Janson, who leads the Cognitive Clinic at the Clinical Neuroscience Institute, will answer questions and present on Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia 4:30-5:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 25 during a webinar event. Janson, who is a memory specialist, will provide insight into recognizing problematic memory changes, what to expect during the dementia assessment and the specific questions a good assessment can answer. The session, which is free, will be conducted via Zoom. To attend, call 800-272-3900 to register and the Zoom link will be provided.
Efforts to identify veterans at risk of dementia intensifying locally
DAYTON Willie Norman Walker was a Korean War veteran who regularly read the newspaper, loved to do crossword puzzles everyday that challenged his thinking, and as his wife Edna Walker said, “was the smartest person I know.”
An Army weapons specialist from Georgia, Walker ended his military service in the 1950s. But during retirement, he started forgetting where he was putting things and “just to look at his face and see the disorientation I knew something was wrong,” Edna Walker said.
She took him to a Veterans Administration Medical Center to get checked. The diagnosis was vascular dementia. Walker was in his early 70s.
Webinar addresses Alzheimer’s communications, behaviors
Submitted story
DAYTON – The Alzheimer’s Association Miami Valley Chapter will host a workshop on how to identify and manage communication and behavioral changes when someone has Alzheimer’s disease.
Effective Communication Strategies & Dementia Related Behaviors will be held 2:30-4 p.m. on January 5 in partnership with the Dayton Center for Neurological Disorders. This free virtual education event will explore how communication changes when someone has Alzheimer’s and how to identify strategies to connect.
Participants are encouraged to pre-register. After registering, participants will receive instructions about how to connect. To register, call 800-272-3900 or email helkinslopez@alz.org.
Sharing holidays with Alzheimer’s patients
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DAYTON – While holidays can be a joyous time for many families, they can be challenging for families affected by Alzheimer’s. The current COVID-19 crisis is adding even more complexities that can feel overwhelming for many families impacted by Alzheimer’s.
Rebecca Hall, program director for the Alzheimer’s Association Miami Valley Chapter, said caregivers need to look for ways to de-stress by creating new traditions and finding new ways for their family members to help make this season satisfying for all.
“At the end of the day, support your caregivers,” Hall said. “Talk with them to find out what they need, such as buying gifts or baking/food preparation. Be a support for them during this busy time.”