Alzheimer’s Association Michigan Chapter offers new HIV and dementia programs

The Alzheimer’s Association Michigan Chapter will offer a number of education programs, support groups and social engagement programs in February to help provide much-needed information about memory loss and dementia and help persons with dementia and their care partners find ways to remain socially active.

In addition to programs such as the 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s, Effective Communication Strategies and more, the Michigan Chapter will launch a new HIV and dementia program this month as well.

“We’re committed to supporting all of our Michigan residents who find themselves on a dementia journey,” said Kate Pierce, Alzheimer’s Association program director. “Our new HIV program, which is done in partnership with the Michigan Alzheimer’s Disease Center (MADC),  aims to raise awareness about the increased risk of cognitive changes in people living with HIV, who by age 60 have a 50 percent chance of being diagnosed with dementia, as well as educate clinicians on how to better diagnose and support those living with HIV and cognitive changes.

She added, “Of course, we offer many other helpful support groups and education programs. We also partner on social engagement programs with entities such as the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Detroit Historical Museum, the Detroit Zoo, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and The Henry Ford.”

February offerings are listed below. Registration is required by calling the Helpline at 800.272.3900, clicking the registration links below or visiting alz.org/gmc/virtual.

 Education Programs

 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s

Tuesday, Feb. 16, 3-4 p.m. | Register

Tuesday, Feb. 23, 11 a.m.-noon | Call Helpline

Thursday, Feb. 25, 12:30-2 p.m. | Register

Dementia Conversations: Driving Doctor Visits Legal & Financial Planning

Thursday, Feb. 18, 2-3 p.m. | Register

Thursday, Feb. 25, 6-7 p.m. | Register

Effective Communication Strategies

Wednesday, Feb. 17, 6-7 p.m. | Register

Monday, Feb. 22, 11 a.m.-noon with Balfour Ann Arbor | Register

Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body: Tips from the Latest Research

Friday, Feb. 12, 11 a.m.-noon | Call Helpline

Tuesday, Feb. 16, 10-11 a.m. | Register

Wednesday, Feb. 24, 3-4 p.m. | Register

Legal & Financial Planning

Thursday, Feb. 18, 10 a.m.-noon | Register

Living with Alzheimer’s: For Caregivers (Early-Stage) | 3-Part Series

Part 3: Thursday, Feb. 11, 1-2:30 p.m. | Register

Living with Alzheimer’s: For Caregivers (Middle-Stage) | 3-Part Series

Part 1: Tuesday, Feb. 23, 10-11:30 a.m. | Register

Part 2: Wednesday, Feb. 24, 10-11:30 a.m. | Register

Part 3: Thursday, Feb. 25, 10-11:30 a.m. | Register

Living with Alzheimer’s: For Caregivers (Late-Stage) | 2-Part Series

Part 1: Tuesday, Feb. 16, 6-7:30 p.m. | Register

Part 2: Thursday, Feb. 18, 6-7:30 p.m. | Register

Protecting Your Brain While Living with HIV

Tuesday, Feb. 16, 6-7 p.m.  | Register

Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia

Tuesday, Feb. 23, 6-7 p.m. | Register

Understanding and Responding to Dementia-Related Behaviors

Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2-3:30 p.m. | Register

Support Groups

The Alzheimer’s Association Michigan Chapter offers statewide virtual support groups in English and Spanish as well as area-specific caregiver support groups and early-stage support groups. For more information and to register, visit alz.org/gmc/helping_you/support_groups.

Social Engagement Programs

Bruce H. and Rosalie N. Rosen Community Connect Program

Detroit Symphony Orchestra

Monday, Feb. 22, 1-2 p.m. | Register

Early-Stage Social Club (pre-registration required)

Wednesday, Feb. 17, 1 p.m. | Call Helpline

Wednesday, Feb. 24, 1 p.m. | Call Helpline

The Henry Ford: Valentine’s Day

Thursday, Feb. 11, 2-3 p.m. | Register

Additional programs

Early-Stage Social Group: Grazing at the GRAM (West Michigan)

Friday, Feb. 19, 9:30-10:30 a.m.  | Pre-registration required. Email salambaria@alz.org or call 616-459-7467.