While the on-going coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic still threatens the health of millions in this country and around the world, it continues to create additional challenges for people living with Alzheimer's and all dementia, their families and caregivers, including 150,000 in Georgia and their estimated 540,000 caregivers.

The Alzheimer’s Association, Georgia Chapter are continuing to offer free virtual education programs and online support groups to help all Georgia caregivers and their families. Launched in early April in response to the impact COVID-19 was having on those affected by dementia, the Alzheimer's Association now offers a number of education programs that can help those living with Alzheimer’s and their families understand what to expect so they can be prepared to meet the changes ahead.

“We must be able to provide care and support during this on-going crisis”, said Linda Davidson, Executive Director of the Georgia Chapter. “We serve a vulnerable population and the COVID-19 crisis is altering daily lives, but the needs of Alzheimer’s caregivers cannot put on hold. We know that Georgians who are going through this extremely tough journey need us now more than ever”, added Davidson.  

Special topics highlighted in July include COVID-19 and Caregiving and Dementia-Related Behavior, both of which are even more important in light of the COVID-19 pandemic as caregivers strive to care for individuals living with dementia at home or at a distance.

COVID-19 and Caregiving 

Caring for someone living with dementia during the COVID-19 pandemic adds unique challenges for caregivers. This program provides simple tips caregivers can put in place whether the person living with dementia lives at home, in a residential facility, or care providers are coming into the home.

COVID-19 and Caregiving is offered on July 14 and July 27. 

Understanding and Responding to Dementia-Related Behavior

Behavior is a powerful form of communication and is one of the primary ways for people with dementia to communicate their needs and feelings as the ability to use language is lost. However, some behaviors can present real challenges for caregivers to manage. This program helps decode behavioral messages, identify common behavior triggers, and learn strategies to help intervene with some of the most common behavioral challenges of Alzheimer’s disease.

Understanding and Responding to Dementia-Related Behavior is offered on July 9 and July 23. 

Other programs in July include: Effective Communication Strategies, 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer's, Understanding Alzheimer's and Dementia, Legal & Financial Planning and Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body.

Each virtual education program is approximately one hour and allows the audience to ask questions and engage with others going through the journey online.  

Attendees are invited to join via video/webinar or through a toll-free number. There is no charge to participate, but registration is required. For a complete list of upcoming virtual programs or to register for a class, visit https://alz.org/georgia/helping_you/education_programs or call 800-272-3900. Participants will be sent conferencing details prior to the date of each virtual program.

More than 16 million family and friends, including 540,000 in Georgia, provide unpaid care to people with Alzheimer's or other dementias in the United States. To help family caregivers navigate the current complex and quickly changing environment, the Alzheimer’s Association has also offered additional guidance to families at alz.org/covid19help.

For more information, visit alz.org/georgia or call the 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900. 

Additional Facts and Figures: (http://www.alz.org/facts/)

• Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States.
• More than five million Americans are living with the disease, including 150,000 Georgia residents — a number estimated to grow to as many as 190,000 by year 2025.
• More than 16 million family and friends, including 540,000 in Georgia, provide unpaid care to people with Alzheimer's or other dementias in the United States.
• In 2019, friends and family of those with Alzheimer’s in Georgia provided an estimated 615 million hours of unpaid care, a contribution valued over $8 billion.