IN-PERSON: The Elderwise classroom, 2275 Platt Road
It was mentioned only in a whisper, if at all. In past times, “Alzheimer’s” or “Dementia” was not something one discussed out loud. That was then. It’s different now. Today we know that the memory and other cognitive difficulties that we call “dementia” are NOT just a part of getting old. They stem from diseases and disorders in the brain. They are terrible but not shameful, and a rapidly increasing number of us are dealing with dementia in one way or another, or quite possibly will do so in the coming years. This class will give you information, insight, tools, techniques, and resources to deal effectively and respectfully with dementia and with persons living with dementia. We will discuss the several diseases that cause dementia and some of the early potential signs of dementia. We will talk about risk factors and ways to lessen a person’s dementia risk. We will discuss the difficulties persons with dementia experience when they are out in the community, dining, shopping, or worshipping. We will discuss easy ways to make their experiences less difficult and more enjoyable, that is, how to help foster the growing “Dementia Friendly Community” movement in Washtenaw County. And we will discuss dementia caregiving, for those who already are caregivers, and those who may be in the foreseeable future. Jim Mangi, PhD is in his third career. The first, as a scientist and Federal government consultant, was irrelevant to his second, and much more important career, as caregiver for his wife on her 17-year dementia journey. That one led to his current career as a dementia awareness activist and leader of the non-profit Dementia Friendly Services.
