Although our brain decline, like other forms of aging, begins when we're in our 20’s--gasp!--the news on this front is surprisingly good. Older brains can learn new things--and in some ways, they can deal with information even better than young ones. Years of research proves people of all ages can and want to learn…and there is no time like the present! Through June, July and August the Alzheimer's Association will offer learning opportunities in Cooke, Fannin and Grayson counties. Families of persons with dementia and the public are invited at no charge to all events except caregiver classes where professionals are required to pay a $25 fee.
The one-hour Maintain Your Brain workshops are an introduction to scientifically rooted advice on brain health based on strong life style choices. The workshop discusses managing "numbers" such as body weight, cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar. It also encourages adopting a brain healthy diet, remaining physically active, staying sharp with challenging mental activities and engaging in social interactions. Growing evidence supports the benefits of these types of healthy-aging strategies, and researchers are devoting increasing attention to healthy aging and its relationship to dementia.
A nationwide survey revealed that only 124 of 376 caregivers surveyed felt they were receiving all the information they wanted from their primary care physicians. Yet 440 of the 500 physicians who responded felt they were providing the necessary advice and recommendations. To help narrow the communication gap, the Alzheimer's Association developed a special program called, Partnering with Your Doctor. The goal of the 90-minute workshop is to help persons with Alzheimer's and their caregivers improve communication strategies and help those affected by Alzheimer's or their surrogates make informed decisions about care and services.
Alzheimer's Association Caregiver Classes are designed for families or professional caregivers providing care to persons with dementia. The six hour training covers physical care, dealing with problem behaviors, ways to communicate effectively, how to help insure the safety of a person with memory problems, and caring for the caregiver. These classes are from 9am to 3pm with lunch included. Classes are free for relatives of persons with Alzheimer's or related dementias. Professional caregivers may attend for a $25 fee if space allows.
The summer learning events sponsored by the Alzheimer's Association are listed below. Mark your calendar now and plan to participate in a living, growing summer maintaining your brain, partnering with your doctor and preparing for excellence in caregiving! Questions concerning any of these events or about Alzheimer 's Disease in general may be emailed to Dianna.Niemann-Harris@alz.org or by calling 903-771-9471 or 903-416-1035.
Wednesday, June 3, 2008
(Grayson Co) Noon to 1 pm
Maintain Your Brain
The Willows
3410 Post Oak Crossing
Sherman, TX 75092
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
(Grayson Co) Noon to 1 pm
Maintain Your Brain
Bella Fontana Spa
101 East Jones.
Sherman, TX 75090
Registration Required
Call 1-800-272-3900
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
(Cooke Co) 10:30 to 11:30 am
Maintain Your Brain
Valley View Senior Center
101 North Lee
Valley View, TX 76272
Thursday, June 19, 2008
(Grayson Co) 9 am to 3 pm
Family Caregiver Class
Reba McEntire Rehabilitation
1200 Reba McEntire Lane
Denison, TX 75020
Registration Required
Call 1-800-272-3900
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
(Cooke County) 9 am to 3 pm
Professionals Caregiver Class
North Texas Medical Center
1900 Hospital Blvd
Gainesville, TX 76240
Registration Required
Call 1-800-272-3900
Thursday, July 17, 2008
(Grayson Co) 11:30 am to Noon
Brown Bag Lunch and Learn
Maintain Your Brain
Reba McEntire Rehabilitation
1200 Reba McEntire Lane
Denison, TX 75020
Thursday, July 24, 2008
(Fannin County) Noon to 1 pm
Brown Bag Lunch and Learn
Maintain Your Brain
American Bank of Texas
120 West Sam Rayburn Drive
Bonham, TX 75418
Monday, July 28, 2008
(Cooke County) 3 to 4 pm
Partnering With Your Doctor
Wheeler House Assisted Living
2310 East Broadway
Gainesville, TX 76240
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
(Grayson County) 9 am to 3 pm
Professionals Caregiver Class
Bella Fontana Spa
101 E. Jones
Sherman, TX 75090
Monday, August 26,2008
(Fannin County) 1:30-2:30 pm
Maintain Your Brain
Veterans Center – SNF Unit
1201 East Ninth Street
Bonham, TX 75418
Thursday, August 28, 2008
(Grayson County) 2-3 pm
Maintain Your Brain
Whitesboro Nursing and Rehab
1204 Sherman Drive
Whitesboro, TX