How much do you know about dementia? If a family member has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, you can benefit from learning more about the condition and how memory care services in an assisted living community can help.
The BridgeHaven Learning Series: “Alzheimer’s & Related Dementia” provides three upcoming opportunities to hear expert information on various aspects of the condition, including the ways in which art and creativity can inspire dementia patients and how you can better communicate with your loved one. The mission for the series, presented by Elder Care Alliance, is “Engaging hearts, transforming lives, erasing boundaries.”
The series is presented by Memory Care Specialist Sean Caulfield, who has served as a keynote speaker for the Alzheimer’s Association and recently presented at the U.K. Arts & Dementia Symposium.
The Seven Stages of Dementia
In the presentations, you’ll learn about the seven stages that occur as dementia progresses, from no detectable memory problems through loss of some physical functionality and loss of communication abilities. As the disease begins to wreak havoc, patients may notice minor problems with losing items or remembering information.
A patient may begin to have more trouble with finding the words they want to use and the ability to solve simple math problems may deteriorate. As a patient reaches the stage of moderately severe decline, assistance may be required with daily activities. In the severe decline phase, family members may notice significant changes in personality and the patient may lose the ability to recognize many people.
Upcoming Lecture Information
You can learn more about Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia in one of three upcoming lectures at the Marin County Free Library, 3501 Civic Center Dr. #427, San Rafael, Calif. 94903:
- Saturday, March 18, 10:30–11:30 a.m. – Dementia: Communication Techniques. How can specific communication approaches help patients move past undesirable behaviors and create healthy emotional connections?
- Saturday, April 15, 10:30-11:30 a.m. – Dementia, Art & Creativity. Art provides an outlet for dementia patients to express themselves in unexpected and beautiful ways. Case studies of poetry, sculpture and other forms of creative expression are among the topics discussed.
- Saturday, May 13, 10:30-11:30 a.m. – Creating a Dementia-Inclusive Society. How can community leaders help dementia patients experience better engagement and social inclusion?
Seating at the presentations is limited. To reserve your seat, please contact Sean Caulfield at 510-769-2743 or SCaulfield@ElderCareAlliance.org.
To learn more about memory care services, please contact us at AlmaVia of San Rafael.
