This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Health & Fitness

Teens Can Learn About Alzheimer's / Memory Loss – March 29

A “Family Learning Day” on Saturday, March 29th, will be a great opportunity for teens to learn with their parents about how to cope with memory loss in the family.  From 8:30 to noon, the Alzheimer’s Association’s Family Learning Day will feature speakers and discussion groups to help every member of the family become better equipped for the challenges of memory loss.

Memory loss, whether caused by Alzheimer’s disease or a number of other medical conditions, may be diagnosed in an individual, but it affects all those around them, including family and friends. 

Families that attend will learn about key research developments for new treatments and the search for a cure for Alzheimer's disease.  Attendees will also be able to learn from memory loss care givers, family members, and professionals in the field. Kids 12 and over will also have some discussion groups to be able discuss their feelings and experiences and learn from each other.

According to Director of Education and Outreach Melanie Adams, "We want to ensure that everyone affected by the ravages of memory loss will be able to be better equipped to handle all of the challenges it brings. This Family Learning Day is designed to help family members and also friends affected by Memory Loss."

There is a $20 registration fee to cover breakfast and materials for the Family Learning Day, with a family discount. To register, residents can call the local office of the Alzheimer's Association at (815) 744-0804 or go online to https://www.alzheimers-illinois.org/comm_education/conferences/2014/bolingbrook/payment.asp

One speaker at the Family Learning Day is Tom Oestreicher, a high school teacher who is coping with the early stages of Alzheimer's disease.  Attendees will be able to hear firsthand what it is like to live with Memory Loss.  

Hadi Pagonis of the Alzheimer's Association is quick to point out that Memory Loss affects many more people than just those with Alzheimer's disease, although Alzheimer's is the number one cause of memory loss. She explains, "Whether it is caused by Parkinson's, vascular disease, Frontotemporal lobe issues or anything else, memory loss devastates not only the person with the disease but their entire family and even their friends."

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?