ST. GEORGE – The Alzheimer’s and Dementia Society is offering a 10-week class to registered participants which will benefit those with early stage memory loss or dementia diagnosis and their care partners. The class, which begins Jan. 28, from 10 a.m. to noon at the St. George Senior Center, will help attendees with interventions that promote brain health and help plan for the future as they face the challenge of a memory loss illness.

Professionals in the community present on matters of importance to the group and provide connections to available resources. The classes include presentations on legal and financial preparation, pharmaceutical and alternative remedies, and brain health and nutrition. Within the second hour of the class, the participants will attend either a cognitive training group or a care partner training and support group.

“There are seven stages of dementia,” LuAnn Lundquist, Alzheimer’s and Dementia Society executive director, said. “The first one is where the disease process is evident in brain pathology, but few symptoms are evident. Stages two through four are very important stages to recognize and be active in maintaining brain health as well as making preparations and decisions for the future. After stage 4 many of those opportunities are limited.”

Symptoms of memory loss can be caused by reversible conditions and it is important to quickly see a doctor to rule out those conditions, Lundquist said. If the diagnosis is an illness, such as Alzheimer’s disease, there are things that can be done in the early stages to help the person function better and function longer. There are also proactive decisions that give voice to the person with memory loss in the future. It is important to face this life event early. Being in denial during the early stages can make a family miss the opportunity to improve the situation, she said.

“We have seen a lot of success with those who attend this course,” Lundquist said. “Alzheimer’s and dementia can seem overwhelming, but with this course, our clients walk away feeling better prepared and empowered to face the future.”

Event details and contact information

• Preregistration is required to attend this class that will start on Tuesday, Jan. 28, from 10 a.m. to noon at the St. George Senior Center located at 245 North 200 West, St. George.
• To register contact the Alzheimer’s & Dementia Society at 1490 E. Foremaster Dr., Bldg B, St. George | Telephone:  435.319-0407 | Email: [email protected].

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