Mayo Clinic Hosts Fall 2002 Alzheimer's Disease Mayo Clinic Hosts Fall 2002 Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementia Education Series for the Public

Tuesday, August 27, 2002

ROCHESTER, Minn. — The Mayo Clinic Alzheimer's Disease Research Center and the Minnesota-Dakotas Chapter (Rochester Center) of the Alzheimer's Association present an Alzheimer's disease and related dementia education mini-series on Thursdays from Sept. 5 to Oct. 24, 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Alzheimer's Association, Assisi Heights, 1001 14th St. N.W., Rochester. The sessions will focus on caring for people with Alzheimer's disease. Registration is not required, and the sessions are free. Attendees may park in the Assisi Heights north parking lot to the rear of the buildings and enter through the northeast door. For more information, please call 507-284-4059.

Sept. 5 My Loved One Has Alzheimer's Disease, Now What? Angela Lunde, Mayo Clinic This session will explore the emotional impact families experience when a loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. Telling friends and family about the diagnosis, support services, resources and planning for the future will be discussed.

Sept. 12 The Earlier Stages of Alzheimer's Disease Angela Lunde, Mayo Clinic This session will address what to expect in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease. The speaker and class participants will examine issues of communication, home safety, driving, and planning for trips and special events. In addition, the speaker will provide an overview of a philosophy of care based on the book The Best Friends Approach to Alzheimer's Care.

Sept. 19 Alzheimer's Disease Day-to-Day Jamie Pennington, Alzheimer's Association As Alzheimer's disease progresses, issues and challenges can arise. This session will provide information for structuring the day, communication, and assisting with activities of daily living such as dressing, bathing and eating. Alzheimer's disease and sexuality also will be discussed.

Sept. 26 Reaching Out and Staying Well Jamie Pennington, Alzheimer's Association People need to reach out to others to maintain wellness. This session presents services available to caregivers and their loved ones such as respite companion programs, home health, day programs and extended overnight care. The class will discuss when to consider alternative living options such as assisted living and nursing care.

Oct. 3 Understanding and Managing Difficult Behaviors Angela Lunde, Mayo Clinic In dementia, behavioral and personality changes such as anger, agitation and paranoia can occur, making caregiving difficult and stressful. This session will help caregivers understand possible causes of these challenging behaviors, and offer suggestions for reducing and coping with these behaviors. Oct. 10 Stress Management and Self-Care for the Caregiver Yonas Geda, M.D., Ph.D., Mayo Clinic; and Mary Doucette, Elder Network Dr. Geda will explain how people's perceptions influence feelings of stress. He will talk about ways for individuals to manage stress. Doucette will discuss the problem of being an "overachieving caregiver" and provide suggestions for creating a healthy balance between caregiving and self-care.

Oct. 17 Transitions: Caring as Part of a Team Jamie Pennington, Alzheimer's Association Moving your loved one to assisted living or nursing care can be an emotional mix of relief, guilt and grief. In this session, the class will discuss the positive changes that can occur within relationships when caregiving becomes a team effort. We'll offer suggestions for communicating with non-family caregivers and for what to do if problems arise.

Oct. 24 Making End-of-Life Decisions Angela Lunde, Mayo Clinic, and Julie Assef, Seasons Hospice This session will focus on what to expect in the late stages of Alzheimer's disease. The presenter will discuss advanced-care directives, understanding end-stage medical care options, coping with family differences and the role of hospice.

Lisa Copeland
507-284-5005 (days)
507-284-2511 (evenings)
e-mail: newsbureau@mayo.edu

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