The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) of Burlington County, sponsored in part by Burlington County College (BCC), is hosting a free two-part lecture series about Alzheimer’s disease with an expert from the Alzheimer’s Association, Delaware Valley Chapter.
The lectures will focus on early detection, steps to take after a diagnosis, behaviors associated with the disease and tips for communicating with people who have Alzheimer’s.
“Individuals and families battling Alzheimer’s disease are not alone,” said Burlington County Freeholder Director Mary Ann O’Brien, who recently announced a healthy lifestyle initiative. “Burlington County offers a number of resources and programs to support families and I encourage anyone confronting Alzheimer’s disease in their family to take advantage of this free and worthwhile lecture series.”
Each lecture will run from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the County Library auditorium at 5 Pioneer Boulevard in Westampton, on Fridays, Jan. 30 and Feb. 6.
“I applaud RSVP for helping families to meet the challenges of Alzheimer’s disease in our communities,” BCC Interim President Dr. David Spang said. “These seminars will help prepare people for an illness that affects far too many families.”
The first lecture on Jan. 30 will include information about the disease, understanding the warning signs, the causes and risk factors, and dealing with a diagnosis.
The second lecture on Feb. 6, “Understanding Communication and Behaviors,” includes information about behaviors common to Alzheimer’s, behavioral triggers, and communication challenges.
“According to statistics, one in nine Americans ages 65 and older currently has Alzheimer’s disease and the number of those who with the devastating disease is rising,” said Karen Bennett, director of the RSVP of Burlington County. “Although a diagnosis can be hard for families, it is important to equip yourself with as much information as you can so you can better understand the disease and develop strategies to help you cope.”
These events are open to the general public. Individuals are welcome to attend one or both lectures.
For more information or to reserve your spot, please contact RSVP of Burlington County at (609) 894–9311, ext. 1487 or email rsvpoff@bcc.edu.
