Staff Report

Behavior is a primary way for people with dementia to communicate their needs and feelings when they have lost the ability to speak, but some behaviors can present real challenges for caregivers to manage.

To address this issue, the Alzheimer’s Association will provide a free educational workshop from 9-11 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 19, at the Lompoc Valley Medical Center, 1515 E. Ocean Ave. Call 800-272-3900 to register in advance. Seating is limited.

Participants will learn how to decode behavioral messages, identify common behavior triggers, and learn strategies to help intervene with some of the most common behavioral challenges of Alzheimer’s disease.

Through its national network of chapters, the Alzheimer’s Association offers a range of programs and services for people with the disease, their families and caregivers and represents their interests on Alzheimer’s-related issues before federal, state and local government and with health and long term-care providers.

As the disease progresses, new caregiving skills may be necessary. The Alzheimer’s Association offers programs to help caregivers better understand and cope with the behaviors and personality changes that often accompany Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.

To find out about other dates and locations for classes, call the Alzheimer’s Association at 805-636-6432.