The Alzheimer’s Association – Western Carolina Chapter will be hosting a workshop called “Understanding and Responding to Dementia-Related Behavior” on Thursday, March 14. It will take from 6:30-8:00 p.m. at St. Gabriel Catholic Church located at 3016 Providence Road in Charlotte.

This program is free and open to the general public, but particularly valuable for caregivers supporting an individual in the middle-stage of Alzheimer’s and related dementias. Through practical information, resources, and interviews with experts, this program will help caregivers to address the challenges of dementia-related behavior.

Registration is strongly suggested to ensure space for all attendees. To register, visit https://tinyurl.com/ALZMarch14. For questions or to register over the phone, call 1-800-272-3900.

“Behavior is a primary way for people with dementia to communicate their needs and feelings when the ability to use language is lost,” said Katherine L. Lambert, CEO of the Western Carolina Chapter. “This is very helpful program for families and caregivers to learn strategies to help intervene with some of the most common behavioral challenges of Alzheimer’s disease.”

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

• One in 10 people age 65 and older (10 percent) has Alzheimer's dementia.

• An estimated 5.7 million Americans, including 170,000 North Carolina residents, are living with Alzheimer’s, a number estimated to grow to as many as 16 million by year 2050.

• Almost two-thirds of Americans with Alzheimer's are women.

• African-Americans are about twice as likely to have Alzheimer's or other dementias as older whites.

• Hispanics are about one and one-half times as likely to have Alzheimer's or other dementias as older whites.

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 the 49 central and western North Carolina counties that serves over 110,000 people currently living with Alzheimer's disease and their 330,000 caregivers in these 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.