Those with early stages of dementia and their caregivers getting free help with memory loss course

In this file photo, those with Alzheimer's and dementia attend a memory class at Memory Matters' headquarters, St. George, Utah, Jan. 21, 2020. | Photo by Chris Reed, St. George News

ST. GEORGE — With its elderly population, Southern Utah sees its share of people dealing with memory loss. And when someone is faced with dementia, Alzheimer’s or any other memory loss – or family has someone close diagnosed with such an ailment – they may be at a loss at what to do next.

Instructors conduct a memory class at Memory Matters’ new headquarters in St. George, Utah on Tuesday, January 21, 2020. | Photo by Chris Reed, St. George News

But a local nonprofit that helps those afflicted with Alzheimer’s and dementia as well as those who care for them is aiming to fill in the gaps with a free education program over the next eight weeks. 

Memory Matters Utah,  which provides support and education for those afflicted with dementia and their families, is offering for free an eight-week course on early-stage memory loss course starting Thursday at the St. George Library. 

“Alzheimer’s and dementia can seem overwhelming, but with this course our clients walk away feeling better prepared and empowered to face the future,” Memory Matters Director LuAnn Lundquist said in an email. “Clients that are proactive in their health are the ones that usually sign up for this intervention.”

Lundquist says it is important in the early stages of dementia to actively maintain brain health and make preparations and decisions for the future. She adds after those early stages, “many of those opportunities are limited.”

During a two-hour session each week, the person with memory loss and/or their primary care partner will be presented with information on legal and financial preparation, as well as information on pharmaceutical and alternative remedies and nutrition. There will also be brain training and caregiver workshops. 

Preregistration is required to attend this course that begins Thursday from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at the library at 88 W. 100 South in St. George. To pre-register, or for more information, go to this link or call 435-319-0407.

Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2023, all rights reserved.

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