To
help understand Alzheimer’s Disease and to learn how it affects communication,
Koochiching Aging Options and ACT on Alzheimer’s are hosting a free public
presentation by the Alzheimer’s Association the evening of October 15. The
presentation will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the theatre of Rainy River Community
College, 1501 Highway 71 in the Falls.
The presentation is for anyone who
would like to know more about Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Those
who attend will learn about the symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease and other types
of dementia and how they affect the brain.
Addressed in the presentation will
be risk factors, diagnosis and states of the disease as well as treatment and
hope for the future. A second part of the presentation will address
communication, behavior and memory loss and how the disease impacts
communication. The prevention of negative reactions during communication will
be discussed.
The presenter will be Deborah
Richman, vice president for education and outreach for the Alzheimer’s
Association Minnesota-North Dakota. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree
from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. She has presented at the national,
state and local level for a variety of professional health related
organizations and community groups. She has provided project consultation and
training in the areas of communication and memory loss, dementia related
behaviors and therapeutic program development as well as training for direct
care staff in residential care settings. Among other qualifications, she is
certified by the Alzheimer’s Association to offer Foundations of Dementia Care.
Alzheimer’s Disease and related
forms of dementia are affecting increasing numbers of families in Koochiching
County and across the country. Alzheimer’s Disease is the most common form of
dementia. Estimates are that one in nine persons age 65 and older has
Alzheimer’s Disease or a related dementia. Numbers affected are expected to
increase as the Baby Boomers age.
Call Koochiching Aging Options at
218-283-7030 with questions.