The Alzheimer’s Association San Diego Chapter and the Grossmont Healthcare District have partnered to bring East County residents a three-part education series to answer questions about dementia, the latest on Alzheimer’s and dementia research, learn how to communicate with loved ones experiencing memory loss, and preparing for the future. The three in-person series begins on June 1 at the Grossmont Healthcare District Conference Center at 9001 Wakarusa St. in La Mesa.
This comes after the Alzheimer’s Association 2023 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report that revealed:
Dementia caregivers report higher rates of chronic conditions, including stroke, heart disease, diabetes, and cancer compared to caregivers of people without dementia or non-caregivers. In California, 61% of caregivers reported at least one chronic condition.
More than 60,000 people in San Diego and Imperial counties are currently living with Alzheimer’s disease, and more than 160,000 family and friends are providing care.
Alzheimer’s disease is a leading cause of death in the United States. In California, there are more than 690,000 people living with Alzheimer’s.
Alzheimer’s Association San Diego Chapter Director of Programs Ana Gonzalez Seda, MPH, said this is possible with funding from the GHD for East County residents.
“This is the first time we have done a series in collaboration with the Grossmont Healthcare District, and we are excited to provide this caregiver series to support and educate our caregivers,” she said. “As we know more and more people are caregiving for family members with other chronic diseases, specifically with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia, we really want to be there throughout their journey and support their loved ones as well.”
Seda said there are three series and people can participate in all three series, or which ever part of the series helps them in their stage in caregiving.
“We really wanted to introduce Alzheimer’s and give an update on what is happening with research currently. There are a lot of exciting treatments in the market and hopefully read to be approved soon,” she said. “We are excited to share with our caregivers all the information that they need. We really want to be there for them in their time of need. Alzheimer’s disease is a difficult disease to navigate so we want to make sure we are there for all the caregivers.”
“As a caregiver and their loved one progress throughout their journey through the disease we wanted to be there with them and for them every step of the way,” she continued. “So, we do start with an introduction and research update. Then we move more to dementia conversation and how to speak to their loved one and how to redirect any of their behaviors. And senior safety care. We want to touch on the importance of having them at home in a safe environment. And also, a guide on how to start thinking about their finances now and for the future. So, they and their family are well prepared in managing their finances.”
Alzheimer’s and Dementia: What You Need to Know:
Introduction to Alzheimer’s and Research Update-June 1 10 a.m. – noon
Dementia Conversations and Senior Safety-September 12 10 a.m. – noon
Managing Money: A Caregiver’s Guide to Finances-November 9 10 a.m. – noon
Register at alz.org/CRF or call (800) 272-3900 24/7.
For more information about Alzheimer’s Association San Diego Chapter, visit alzsd.org.
