Town class on four types of dementia set for Aug. 2
A one-hour presentation on the four types of dementia, its symptoms and how families can cope — open to the public and free of charge — begins at 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 2, in Board Room of Farragut Town Hall.
“I think if someone is wanting to know a little bit more about what dementia is, or is finding themselves or thinking they may find themselves soon in that type of a care-partnering situation in their family, this type of presentation would be helpful,” said Elaine Wilson, director of Outreach for Choices in Senior Care in Knoxville who will lead the presentation.
“… As we talk about some of the areas that are affected with dementia, as well as some of the common forms of dementia, those pieces around symptoms or behaviors that may be seen will come out as part of that discussion.
“There are many different diseases that result in the condition of dementia,” Wilson said. “We’re going to talk about some of the more common forms, Alz-heimer’s disease; we’re going to talk a bit about frontotemporal dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies and vascular dementia.
“… We’re also going to talk a little bit about family members finding themselves in that caregiving role or transitioning into a caregiving role, which can be unexpected,” she added. “We’re also going to discuss about strategies for coping for folks who are caregiving or care-partnering with someone with dementia.
“… We’re also going to touch some on some of those coping strategies for those who are in early stages living with dementia, sort of looking at handling those daily challenges.”
Questions from the audience would be encouraged, Wilson said. “Each presentation can be different, so we certainly want to know what the things are that people would like to hear about.”
Though Wilson said she is not trained in physical treatments of dementia, she added, “Certainly we can give information that there is ongoing research and how people can find out where those resources are.”
While the class is free, those planning to attend must register at www.townoffarragut.org by Monday, Aug. 1. For more information, call 865-218-3375.
Melanie Cahill, Cognitive Stimulation coordinator with Choices in Senior Care, is scheduled to assist Wilson.
Wilson said Choices in Senior Care “has provided presentations in Town Hall in the past. And we do provide educational talks and presentations, in various parts of the community, on a variety of topics that are of interest to older adults and their families.”
