Alzheimer’s Assoc. program on understanding dementia-related behavior

ATHENS, Ohio – The Alzheimer’s Association, West Virginia Chapter is offering a free community workshop, Understanding and Responding to Dementia-Related Behavior. The workshop will be held in Athens on Friday, December 15, at 12 p.m. at The Athens Village, ACEnet Building B (Conference Room), located at 94 Columbus Road. To RSVP, call 800-272-3900. Spaces are limited.

Behavior is a powerful form of communication and is one of the primary ways for people with dementia to communicate their needs and feelings as the ability to use language is lost. These behaviors can be confusing or challenging for family and caregivers. Dementia is a very difficult and demanding illness so the care for those suffering from it must be of the highest importance. If a family member needs help with a loved one, who has been diagnosed with dementia, it may be a good idea to look into having Dementia care at home, which will take the strain off family members so they can continue their lives without worrying about the care, the person suffering from dementia, is receiving. However, if family members feel like they can still continue to give the support they need, a workshop to keep on learning more about dementia is a great place to start. The workshop offers attendees ways to decode behavioral messages, identify common behavior triggers, and learn strategies to help intervene with some of the most common behavioral challenges of Alzheimer’s disease. The workshop is open to the public and community members are encouraged to attend.

“Understanding and knowing how to handle dementia-related behavior is very important,” said Carolyn Canini, Program Director for the Alzheimer’s Association. “We want caregivers and family members to be prepared for any challenges they may face as behaviors become prevalent.”

For more information regarding Understanding and Responding to Dementia-Related Behavior, more information about Alzheimer’s disease, or to connect to information and support through the free 24/7 Helpline, contact the Alzheimer’s Association at 800.272.3900. A complete listing of all community workshops can be found at www.alz.org/wv.