Caregivers and family members of people with dementia can attend a free educational conference put on by the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America in Jackson Feb. 19.
Experts in the fields of brain health, Alzheimer’s disease, caregiving and legal and long-term planning will speak to participants from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Hilton Jackson Hotel.
Mississippi has one of the highest rates of the disease in the nation and the highest death rate from the disease.
Dr. Kim Tarver, associate professor of medicine and director of the division of geriatrics at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, will speak about the disease itself and warning signs and symptoms in addition to the resources available at the MIND Center. She will also discuss common risk factors and current diagnostic and treatment methods.
“I think many people know about heart health, because we have had data on heart disease long before emerging data on brain disease,” Tarver said. “But we are learning that the risk factors for Alzheimer’s and related dementias are very similar and some need to be recognized early in life and treated because there are absolutely things we can do to prevent or delay the onset of these diseases.”
For one, early and aggressive treatment of hypertension, often referred to as a “silent killer,” could make a big difference later in life, she said.
She said making sure the caregivers of her patients have the resources to take care of themselves is a big part of her work.
“Having a caregiver in the home who is mentally strong and well is of utmost importance” to the health of the patient, Tarver said.
Cynthia Armstrong of Jackson knows the importance of taking care of herself and having a support system. Armstrong’s mother, Cora, was diagnosed with dementia in 2017.
She relies on the social worker-led caregiver support group at UMMC to help her cope with the challenges that come with being a caregiver. She and her brother share some of the responsibilities with their mother, which also helps, she said.
She wished she’d known more about the disease and how it presents before the diagnosis.
“I knew nothing, nothing,” she said. “… I wish I’d known the common signals, because I think I missed some triggers on some things.”
The conference will also feature board-certified elder law attorney Richard Courtney, who will speak about the importance of estate planning and legal planning to help pay for long-term care.
For more information or to register for the conference, visit the Alzheimer’s Foundation website. Those who cannot participate can connect with licensed social workers seven days a week through the foundation’s toll-free helpline at 866-232-8484 or texting 646-586-5283.
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