Alzheimer’s Association planning virtual special programs

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The Alzheimer’s Association Greater Indiana Chapter plans to host a series of special virtual programs designed for people affected by the disease in various ways, including people living with dementia, caregivers and family members, future health care workers and individuals who are looking to reduce their risk of cognitive decline.

The schedule includes:

  • 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday: Effective Communication Strategies for Future Health Care Workers
  • Noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday: Alzheimer’s Facts and Figures: What We Know Now about Dementia (and COVID-19)
  • 3 to 5 p.m. April 7: Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body: An Interactive Program

During the Facts and Figures program, attendees will learn the results of the 2021 Facts and Figures report that was released earlier this month. The findings show deaths attributed to Alzheimer’s and dementia increased last year and that discrimination is a barrier to Alzheimer’s and dementia care.

The Effective Communication Strategies program is designed specifically for students who are studying medicine, nursing or any health care field.

“Dementia is a public health crisis that will only continue to grow as the population ages, and future health care workers will care for and interact with people who are living with the disease, even if they are not choosing a specialty such as neurology or geriatrics,” said Stephanie Laskey, Alzheimer’s Association Greater Indiana Chapter program director.

“This program will empower them to understand the ways people communicate as the disease progresses and learn strategies for interacting at every stage of the disease,” she said.

The Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body program will include a healthy recipe and cooking demonstration, a chair yoga activity and an interactive game designed to challenge the mind.

“There is growing evidence that certain lifestyle factors can reduce the risk of cognitive decline,” Laskey said. “This program is a great way to learn about each of those factors in a way that is fun and engaging with concrete steps that Hoosiers can implement right away. It is never too late or too early to incorporate these healthy habits.”

Registration for these special programs is free. For information, go to alz.org/Indiana/helping_you and click on “join a virtual education program” or call the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 helpline at 800-272-3900.

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