Chamber of Commerce of the MOV Lunch & Learn with Alzheimer’s Association

Chamber of Commerce of the MOV Lunch & Learn with Alzheimer’s Association

PARKERSBURG, W.Va . (WTAP) – As a part of the Chamber of Commerce of the Mid-Ohio Valley’s monthly Lunch & Learn program, the Alzheimer’s Association held a presentation focused on communication with people who have dementia.

Kelli Lewis, the manger with the Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Williamstown, said the disease doesn’t just affect memory, but also communication skills.

“When we have loved ones who maybe they’ve walked into a room and they’ve just stopped, they’re not sure where to go or what to do next,” Lewis said. “If you are yelling at them, or telling them from a foot behind them, it isn’t going to do anything. With their hearing, there’s some auditory issues that happen as well. And This presentation is just kind of to help show folks that there are so many other things besides memory.”

Some of the devices used to simulate having dementia included previlliale vison glasses, headphones that play a variety of different noises, and gloves to simulate neuropathy.

Lewis said Alzheimer’s is a disease that affects everyone involved and hopes the resources provided can help caretakers in some way.

“Alzheimer’s literally affects every single aspect of a person’s life,” Lewis explained. “If you’re a caregiver, chances are you’ve had to go into work late, you had to leave early, or you’ve had to miss work. ”Some people had to leave the workforce completely. There are some resources, and some education out there. We hope that in itself will at least help alleviate a little bit of the strain for a caretaker.

Source: Google News