Alzheimer’s Association Orange County Chapter

Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia among older adults. Dementia is the loss of cognitive functioning—thinking, remembering, and reasoning—and behavioral abilities to such an Alzheimer’s Association-Orange-County-Chapterextent that it interferes with a person’s daily life and activities. Dementia ranges in severity from the mildest stage, when it is just beginning to affect a person’s functioning, to the most severe stage, when the person must depend completely on others for basic activities of daily living.  According to the 2015 Alzheimer’s disease Facts and Figures report an estimated 5.3 million Americans have Alzheimer’s disease in 2015.  In Orange County alone it is estimated that 84,000 people are affected by this disease.

The Alzheimer’s Association’s goal is to rid world of Alzheimer ’s disease through the advancement of research, providing care and support to those affected and reducing the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.

In regards to  providing care and support, I had the opportunity to talk with Kari Walker, the chapter’s Education Director to discuss the types of programs and other resources the Alzheimer’s Association offers to the Orange County community.  There are a variety of educational events and programs that take place on a regular basis. These include seminars, workshops, online education and support groups for family, professionals, and the general community. These programs help raise awareness in identifying the disease and in providing tools and methods in managing the day to  day care of someone with the disease. And according to Kari  “ for families, education is needed to make the proper decisions for their loved one”.  Some of the upcoming Family Education classes/events include,

  • The Basics: A Family Orientation
  • Enhancing Dementia Care: Engagement in Late-Middle to Late Stage Care
  • Compassionate Communication: The Do’s & Don’ts. Connecting with a person with memory loss
  •  Understanding and Responding to Dementia Related Behavior

A complete schedule of Family Education classes can be found at:

https://www.alz.org/oc/documents/CALENDAR_-_Family_Education_Calendar_9.2.15.pdf

As stated earlier there are also classes for professional care providers. Information on these can be found at: https://www.alz.org/oc/in_my_community_professionals.asp.

The Alzheimer’s Association Orange County Chapter provides an invaluable service to our community.  I encourage anyone seeking information or help, to call them or go to their website for more information. And pass the word to anyone you know who might benefit.

 

Alzheimer’s Association

Orange County Chapter

2515 McCabe Way, Suite 200 Alz logo
Irvine, CA 92614

24/7 Helpline: 800.272.3900

https://www.alz.org/oc/

Contact: Kari Walker

Title: Education Director

949-757-3724

kari.walker@alz.org

 

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