The Alzheimer’s Association – Western Carolina Chapter, in collaboration with Salemtowne Retirement Community, will be hosting a series of dementia-related workshops at Salemtowne’s Babcock Health Care Center, located at 1550 Babcock Drive in Winston-Salem.

“Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia” will take place on Tuesday, April 30 from 7-8 p.m. Attendees will learn about the impact of Alzheimer’s; the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia; available research and treatments; and Alzheimer’s Association resources. To register, visit https://tinyurl.com/ALZApril30 or call 800-272-3900.

“Effective Communications Strategies” will take place on Tuesday, May 7 from 7-8 p.m. This program covers how to decode verbal and behavioral messages delivered by someone with dementia. To register, visit https://tinyurl.com/ALZMay7 or call 800-272-3900.

“Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body” on Tuesday, May 14 from 7-8 p.m. Attendees will learn about research in the areas of diet and nutrition, exercise, cognitive activity and social engagement, as well as hands-on tools to help plan for healthy aging. This session is open to anyone interested in learning how to keep their brains healthy as they age and possibly delay the onset of cognitive decline. To register, visit https://tinyurl.com/ALZMay14 or call 800-272-3900.

All three sessions are free and open to the general public. These educational programs are particularly valuable for caregivers supporting an individual with a possible or confirmed dementia diagnosis. Registration is strongly suggested to ensure space for all attendees.

“These are some of the many programs we offer to let those impacted by Alzheimer’s know that we are here for them from the beginning of a diagnosis and throughout their journey with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia,” said Katherine L. Lambert, CEO of the Western Carolina Chapter. “We encourage families and caregivers to take an active role in educating themselves to be prepared to meet the changes ahead and live well for as long as possible.”

Additional Facts and Figures: (http://www.alz.org/facts/)

• Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States.

• Every 65 seconds someone in the United States develops Alzheimer’s.

• An estimated 5.8 million Americans are living with the disease, including 170,000 North Carolina residents, are living with Alzheimer’s, a number estimated to grow to as many as 14 million by year 2050.

• More than 16 million family and friends, including 473,000 in North Carolina, provide unpaid care to people with Alzheimer's or other dementias in the United States.

• In 2018, friends and family of those with Alzheimer’s in North Carolina provided an estimated 538 million hours of unpaid care, a contribution valued at $6.8 billion.

About the Alzheimer’s Association:

The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s.

About the Alzheimer’s Association - Western Carolina Chapter:

The Western Carolina Chapter provides patient and family services, information and referral, education, and advocacy in 49 central and western North Carolina counties. We provide a variety of services including a 24/7 Helpline, support groups, educational programs, and MedicAlert®. We offer opportunities to get involved and to make a difference. For more information about Alzheimer's disease or the Alzheimer's Association Western Carolina Chapter, visit www.alz.org/northcarolina or call (800) 272-3900. For the latest news and updates, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.