Question: My mother has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease. I know so little about this disease and what is coming for our family. Could you offer some assistance and information with this?

Answer: Many families and caregivers reach out for help when told their loved one has Alzheimer’s. Alzheimer’s Disease is a form of dementia that affects how the brain functions. Plaque builds up in the brain and blocks how the brain communicates. This creates difficulties in day to day functioning for the person. The disease is also not a predictable progression. Some days are better than others. Sometimes it affects how an individual behaves. Sometimes it impairs walking and moving. Sometimes it makes speech difficult. Sometimes it does all of that and more.

Alzheimer’s is a disease with stages of disability. I really don’t want to sound like I know a lot about this disease because I don’t. The absolute best resource is the Alzheimer’s Association. This is a national organization that is dedicated to research, education and coping related to this disease. The Local Alzheimer’s Association Chapter is located in Williamsville at 2805 Wehrle Drive, Suite 6 Williamsville, NY 14221. Their phone number is 626-0600 or 1-800-272-3900 for 24-hour support. They are also on the web at www.alz.org/wny.

The Alzheimer’s Association regularly comes to our neck of the woods with programs and trainings. There is a series that STARTS tomorrow at the Jamestown Prendergast Library. The Series will be Tuesday, and Sept. 20 and 27 from 5-6 p.m. The series is called “Tips for Caregivers: Helping You and Your Loved One Live with Dementia.” The Jamestown Prendergast Library is at 509 Cherry St., Jamestown. There will be signs in the Library to direct you to the Alzheimer’s Association Training room. To reserve your spot at these talks please call 1-800-272-3900.

You don’t have to come to all of them, but I feel that you should come to as many as you can attend.

This program will provide an overview of Alzheimer’s Disease and coping with the many changes that could be coming your way. You will be given information about the progression of the disease as well as tips and resources to help you and your family cope with this diagnosis. This series will focus on the middle stage of Alzheimer’s Disease, which is often when family becomes hands-on caregivers. This series will offer helpful strategies to provide safe, effective and comfortable care options for you and your family.

Each individual and family coping with dementia has similar yet different experiences. This is an opportunity to learn from caregivers and professionals about caregiving strategies to help you and your family’s situation.

Your situation today is different than it was a month ago and will be different again in another month. Begin reaching out to resources like the Alzheimer’s Association for many of your answers. This training is a wonderful opportunity to begin this learning process.

I would highly recommend that you try to attend this educational series. These programs are free to anyone who would like to attend. I have been to many of their programs over the years and always walk away feeling like I learned a lot. The reservation number is 1-800-272-3900. I know this series is on my calendar of things to attend. I hope you put it on yours! Don’t forget to make a reservation.

Another local resource you have right here all the time; The Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Groups that meet locally are always available to you. One group meets at the JAMA building at 15 S. Main St., second floor on the second Tuesday of every month at 1 p.m. and has respite available for your loved one during this group. The second group is an evening group that meet at the Fluvanna Community Church at 3363 Fluvanna Ave. Ext., Jamestown, on the third Thursday of each month at 5:30 p.m. The Social Worker who facilitates these groups is Maggie Irwin and she can be reached at 483-5448. These Support Groups meet monthly and can be an ongoing resource and support for you and your family. Please contact 1-800-272-3900 for details and to register.

Dementia social workers through the Alzheimer’s Association are able to meet privately with you to discuss dementia care planning and Chapter resources to assist you and your loved one in Jamestown or Fredonia. To schedule your free session, please call 1-800-272-3900. Our annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s will be on Oct. 1 at Point Gratiot Park in Dunkirk, all our welcome to attend and can either come the day of register ahead of time on the website: www.alz.org/wny.

To contact Janell Sluga, GCMC with insurance questions or concerns, please call 720-9797 or e-mail at janells@lutheran-jamestown.org.