Dementia Dialogues®

Dementia Dialogues® - Course dates: May 20th, June 3rd, June 10th, June 17th and June 24th.

An estimated 44 million people worldwide have Alzheimer’s disease, including approximately 5 million in the United States. The number of people with the disease doubles every 5 years. The Alzheimer’s Disease Registry reports that an estimated 60,000 new cases will occur between 2012 and 2017.

Although much research has been conducted on the cause and cure of Alzheimer’s disease, little information is available about hands-on care. Dementia Dialogues provides the most current and practical information in the care of people with dementia. OSA’s (Office for the Study of Aging) extensive research supports this training program.

Dementia Dialogues is a 5-session training course designed to educate the community and individuals who care for persons who exhibit signs and symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias. Over 22,000 individuals have been trained and over 11,000 have completed the course.

Session topics include:

• “The Basic Facts” – An overview of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.
• “Keeping the Dialogue Going” – Strategies for effective communication.
• “It’s a Different World” – Understanding the impact of the environment and ways to promote independence in activities of daily living.
• “It’s Nothing Personal” – Addresses challenging behaviors.
• “Now What Do I Do” – Creative problem solving.

Each participant receives a certificate of participation for each session and a Dementia Specialist Certificate upon completing all five sessions.

A total of 7.5 continuing education hours are also available upon completion of the Dementia Dialogues series for nurses and social workers.

Recommended Participants Include:

• Caregivers

• Social Workers

• Certified Nursing Assistants

• Personal Care Assistants

• Public Health Professionals

• Counselors

• Nurses

• Medical Professionals

• Clergy

• Families

• Activity Directors

• Anyone who is interested

Dementia Dialogues is provided at no cost to participants through support from the Office for the Study of Aging at the Arnold School of Public Health and through funding from the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.

Arnold School of Public Health

Office for the Study of Aging

730 Devine Street, Suite 111

Columbia, SC 29208

803-777-5334