Caring for or Concerned About a Love One with Memory Loss?

Statistics from a recent AARP survey show that 28% of African Americans are currently participating in caring for parents and other older adults, as compared with 19% of non-Hispanic whites. 

The stresses of caring for a person with Alzheimer's disease or a related disorder (multi-infarct dementia, Parkinson's, Pick's disease, or complications of diabetes and kidney disease) can be overwhelming. And caring for someone with dementia requires different techniques than those needed to care for a person who is not cognitively impaired.

The Alzheimer's Association, Western and Central Washington State Chapter, is sponsoring its 4th Annual African American Caregivers Forum, intended for those who are caring for a family member or loved one with Alzheimer's or a related dementia.

The forum offers engaging speakers, meaningful exhibits and hands-on activities, all designed to emphasize the importance of caring for the caregiver holistically—body, mind and spirit—as they provide care for a loved one.

This year's forum, Celebrating Our Legacy of Love, will again be held at the Northwest African American Museum, 2300 S. Massachusetts Street, Seattle, on Saturday, October 17, from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.  

The forum and lunch are free, but space is limited. To reserve your seat, register online on the Alzheimer's Association, Western and Central Washington State Chapter website or call the Registration Line at (206) 529-3894.

Speakers include: Dr. Gwendolyn Coates, founder of GAP Ministries; Dr. Kristoffer Rhoads, Neuropsychologist, Virginia Mason; Shirley Bondon, Manager of the Office of Public Guardianship; and Gayle Johnson, President, Seattle Chapter of The Links.

Topics include:

• Who Decides? Helping Your Loved One with Alzheimer's with Planning Needs and Legal Decision-Making
• Detecting and Diagnosing Dementia: Neuropsychological Assessment
• End-of-Life Care for People with Dementia.