Dementia Dialogues®

Gain an understanding of dementia as well as skills and strategies to cope with its effects.

The Area Agency on Aging invites community members to Dementia Dialogues, 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.

The Senior population of Southern Utah is quickly growing, as are the issues that affect them. 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. 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.

“Well-being is at the forefront of what we’re working together towards. Our programs and activities are designed to be a catalyst that helps seniors in our community reach their goals and fulfill their potential,” said Kristina Raner of the Area Agency on Aging, “We present each Dementia Dialogues participants with a certificate of participation, which we believe empowers them as a caregiver.”

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, and “Now What Do I Do” – Creative problem solving.

The Area Agency on Aging-Five County Association of Governments has been providing services to frail elderly and disabled adults for over 20 years. We have an experienced staff with extensive skills and knowledge of community resources who can access these services to meet the needs of the aging population across five counties - Beaver, Garfield, Iron, Kane, and Washington - in Southern Utah.

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