The Southeast Tennessee Area Agency on Aging and Disability is launching a free virtual education series on understanding dementia. The series, entitled "Dementia Dialogue: A Virtual Conversation," will offer information about the different types of dementia, risk factors and resources available throughout the community to support individuals living with dementia and their caregivers.
"Over 120,000 older Tennesseans (65+) have dementia and it is projected that over 140,000 older Tennesseans will have dementia by 2025 according to a report from the Tennessee Commission on Aging and Disability," officials said.
“We hope to help formal and informal caregivers, as well as the general public, navigate the complex medical, social and emotional issues associated with a dementia diagnosis” said Pam Evans, senior health coordinator with SETAAAD.
“There is a quote by Jamie Calandriello that states: ‘The disease might hide the person underneath, but there’s still a person in there who needs your love and attention.’ We want to provide information and tools to help people support the persons living with dementia.”
Dr. Berneet Kaur, neurologist and director of Memory and Aging Services with Erlanger Health Systems, will lead the first session on May 6 at noon. Dr. Kaur will discuss the types of dementia, early signs/symptoms, steps to obtaining a diagnosis and treatment options.
The series is open to anyone who has an interest in learning how to support those in our community who are living with dementia. The sessions are free and will be conducted monthly through the end of the year. For more information or to register, contact Pam Evans at 423-424-4254 or pevans@sedev.org.