Upcoming Events of the Alzheimer's Association

Article submitted by the Alzheimer's Association.
For more information, they can be reached at 615-292-4938 or 1-866-463-6423 (toll-free), or visit their website: www.alzmidsouth.org.

Empowerment Through Education Symposium, March 30-31, Nashville, TN
The Alzheimer's Association hosts its signature educational conference for family caregivers and healthcare professionals. Topics will include basic hands-on care techniques, intermediate-level dementia education, maintaining caregiver health, appropriate activities for persons with dementia, medical and non-medical interventions for challenging behaviors, cultural issues related to diverse populations needing long term care.

Safe Return Awareness Month and Registration Campaign, April 2005
During this month, the Alzheimer's Association will focus on raising awareness about wandering and increasing participation in Safe Return.
Approximately 70% of people with dementia will wander at some time during their disease process. There is no way to predict when this behavior will occur. Wandering can be particularly dangerous, especially if the person is not found within 24 hours. The Safe Return program is a nationwide registry for people at risk for wandering and becoming lost. The program includes registry in a nationwide database, identification jewelry and materials, and a toll free crisis hotline manned by trained Alzheimer's Association staff. In April, family caregivers can register their loved one in Safe Return at sites across Middle Tennessee.

Family Care Network Support Groups, Monthly Meetings
Caregiver support and education continues to be the focus of the Alzheimer's Association's support groups. Currently 24 support groups meet monthly across Middle Tennessee. Trained volunteers of the Alzheimer's Association facilitate the groups, which often include educational speakers and an opportunity to network with other caregivers.

Memory Walk, Fall 2005
Teams of walkers and other concerned individuals will show their support of the Alzheimer's Association by raising money for Memory Walk in Nashville, Murfreesboro, and Clarksville. Memory Walk is the premier, and only nationwide, fundraiser for the Alzheimer's Association, with proceeds benefiting the local chapter. For information about starting a team or attending a kick-off event, call the association.