The seven Alzheimer’s Association New York State chapters are coming together to launch a series of virtual programs focused on caregiving, brain health and other topics related to dementia.
Each 90-minute program will feature a special presentation by an expert in the field, as well as a question and answer period to address concerns around diagnosis, caregiving challenges, research and treatment, and support services.
“There was such an enthusiastic response from our first statewide series this past Spring that we knew we wanted to close the year out with new topics and experts,” said Christopher Smith, New York State regional leader for the Alzheimer’s Association. “Dementia caregiving is tough, but we are here for New York caregivers.
The program topics are ones families have requested we dive deeper into time and time again and we’re looking forward to going on that education journey with them.”
In New York, 1 in 5 unpaid caregivers are providing care to a loved one with Alzheimer’s or another dementia, according to data from the 2019 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System.
More than two-thirds of dementia caregivers have been providing care for at least two years, and more than 1 in 3 dementia caregivers provide 20 or more hours of care per week. The impact of caregiving is real – the data shows that 30.3% of New York caregivers mentioned a history of depression and 22.4% noted frequent poor mental health.
Schedule of programs:
Oct. 5, 2-3:30 p.m.: Self-Care for Caregivers: Incorporating Age-Old Wisdom and Current Research into Your Lifestyle, featuring Dr. Francis L. Battisti of Battisti Management Affiliates
Oct. 7, 6-7:30 p.m.: Oral Health and Alzheimer’s Disease, featuring Dr. Albert Cantos from the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine
Oct. 19, 4-5:30 p.m.: Medicaid Changes: What You Need to Know & Legal and Financial Planning, featuring Elder Law Attorneys Britt Burner of Burner Law Group and Miles Zatkowsky of Dutcher & Zatkowsky
Nov. 9, 6-7:30 p.m.: Communication and Intimacy, featuring E. Louise Choroser, Dementia Care Manger at Syracuse VA Medical Center
Nov. 17, 12-1:30 p.m.: Helpful Holiday Hints for Dementia Caregivers During COVID-19, featuring Gregory Drapkin, Care and Support Program Manager with the Alzheimer’s Association, New York City Chapter
Dec. 2, 4-5:30 p.m.: Practical Strategies to Support Personal Care and Dementia-Related Behaviors, featuring Debi Buzanowski, Executive Director of Alzheimer’s Services at St. Peter’s Health Partners
Dec. 9, 4-5:30 p.m.: Partnering with Your Doctor: Understanding the Warning Signs and Diagnostic Process, featuring Jason A. Cohen from The Saul R. Korey Department of Neurology at Albert Einstein College of Medicine
More than 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease, including 410,000 New Yorkers. To register for these programs, call 800.272.3900 or visit alz.org/newyork.
