The Georgia Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association and University of Georgia (UGA) Institute of Gerontology are partnering together for the first time to offer free Alzheimer’s and dementia education program starting on Friday, November 1, 2019 at UGA Gerontology’s CARE Center.  

For the three-part program, the education focus will be on planning after an Alzheimer’s or related dementia diagnosis, including tips on how to build a care team and discuss available local resources for planning for the future.  Current research and treatments will also be discussed.

“This is a real opportunity for those getting an Alzheimer’s diagnosis to help them understand the disease and to help them and their families maneuver the various stages of Alzheimer’s”, added Kris Bakowski, Athens resident and person living with Alzheimer’s. “Although everyone’s experience is unique, there are many things to learn about living a healthy and productive life while dealing with this devastating disease.  Caregivers will get an idea of what they can do to help make their loved one’s lives more comfortable”, she added.

The Alzheimer's Association and UGA Institute of Gerontology plan to follow this series with more educational opportunities as well as a support group for persons in the early stage and their care partners. Official announcements of those programs will come early 2020.

"The Institute of Gerontology and UGA CARE Center could not be more thrilled to partner with the Georgia Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association to bring education and support to our community”, added Dr. Lisa M. Renzi-Hammond, Assistant Professor, UGA, College of Public Health. We could not have asked for better partners in the Alzheimer's Association -- together, we are excited about improving the lives of persons living with dementias and their care partners", she added.