Community Corner
Local events provide support to Alzheimer's caregivers
Alzheimer's Association provides local resources to more than 619,000 dementia caregivers in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia
The November observance of National Family Caregivers and National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month underlines the needs of a substantial population in the District, Maryland, and Virginia: More than 619,000 family caregivers provide direct care to people living with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias.
The Alzheimer’s Association has a long-standing commitment to supporting caregivers through local events and resources. On November 15, the Association will provide free dementia care resources at the African American Caregiver Conference. Held at Morgan State University in Baltimore, attendees can join the event in person or virtually, but registration is required.
The results of the recent U.S. POINTER study, which suggests that healthy lifestyle choices may lower the risk of dementia, will be a topic of discussion at the conference. "It is one of many offerings that will encourage attendees to take steps to improve health outcomes for themselves and their loved ones,” says Marlyn Massey, diversity and inclusion program manager at the Alzheimer’s Association. “We want people to be inspired and empowered to put what they’ve learned into action.”
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In addition, on November 18, the Association will host the virtual session Managing Caregiving Through the Holidays: Live Q&A with Alzheimer’s Caregivers. Led by former caregivers, the event will provide practical advice to help caregivers and families balance holiday traditions, self-care, and the needs of the person living with dementia.
Ashley Scott, program manager at the Alzheimer’s Association says “The holidays can be a joyful time filled with togetherness, celebrating family traditions, and creating memories. However, it can also bring stress, sadness and isolation for those caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's or another form of dementia as they try to manage their normal caregiving activities, personal lives and holiday traditions.”
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Association Chapters serving Maryland, Virginia, and the Washington, D.C. area offer a variety of resources to support caregivers. These include free educational programs that include The Empowered Caregiver and virtual and in-person support groups. In addition, Chapters partner with local organizations to host community events. On November 17 the virtual session Healthy Living for the Brain and Body will be held in collaboration with the Area Agency on Aging in Montgomery County, Maryland.
The Alzheimer's Association also offers year-round support through its free, 24/7 Helpline (800.272.3900). Staffed by master's-level care consultants, the Helpline provides confidential guidance on decision-making, crisis management, and everyday caregiving challenges. Caregivers can find local chapters at alz.org/findus and explore extensive online resources at alz.org/care.
Whether through a telephone call, a conference, or a simple message of thanks, the Alzheimer's Association is committed to supporting caregivers — in November and every day of the year.
About the Alzheimer's Association
The Alzheimer's Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer's care, support and research. Our mission is to lead the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer's and all other dementia®. Visit alz.org or call 800.272.3900.
