Education, Information, and Support Opportunities

for Individuals, Families and Caregivers

Caregiver Education

After the Diagnosis Series

A joint program offered by Mayo Clinic Alzheimer's Disease Research Center & the Alzheimer's Association Minnesota/North Dakota.

This 6-session series provides helpful and candid information that includes: understanding the disease and what to expect, the emotional impact and difficult decision caregivers often face, as well as current information on research and research participation opportunities.

Recommended Audience: Family members who are currently supporting a loved one diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia.

For more information including dates, time, and location contact: Angela Lunde at 507-284-4059 or Gerise Thompson at 507-289-3950.

Meeting Schedule

Supportive Meetings and Programs

Memory Club

This 12-session program is designed for individuals diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment or who are in the early stages of a dementia such as Alzheimer's disease. In addition, care partners are included in a separate group. This unique opportunity provides a caring and confidential setting for gathering information, discussing important topics and sharing ideas and concerns. Topics discussed may include social and family relationships, coping with memory related changes, exploring individual strengths, and living fully.

Informational sessions and a brief screening are required for persons considering participation in the series, as well as for their care partner. For more information contact Angela Lunde at 507-284-4059 or Gerise Thompson at 507-289-3950.

Supportive Meetings for Care Partners

Supportive Meetings are designed for anyone caring for a person with a progressive memory disorder such as Alzheimer's disease. Having a loved one with Alzheimer's disease or a related disorder can be especially difficult because personality and behavioral changes are often a part of their disease. Supportive meetings provide a unique environment for men and women with similar concerns to gather and share. Often, the best thing you can do for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease or a related disorder is to hear from other care partners, share ideas and concerns, and receive support.

The Mayo Alzheimer's Disease Center partners with the Alzheimer's Association Minnesota/North Dakota to offer Supportive Meetings the first and third Thursday of each month. For more information including meeting time and location contact Angela Lunde at 507-284-4059 or Gerise Thompson at 507-289-3950.

Meeting Schedule

Annual Conference

A Meeting of the Minds: The Dementia Conference 2008
Co-sponsored by the Alzheimer's Association
Minnesota-North Dakota and Mayo Clinic
March 29, 2008
RiverCentre Convention Center
St. Paul, Minnesota

Highlights:

• Early Stage track for persons with early stage dementia and their families
• Advanced practice track for physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants
• Professional track for those who care for persons with dementia
• Family track for those affected by dementia

Keynotes:

Lisa Genova, Ph.D., neuroscientist and author of "Still Alice"

Dr. Ronald Petersen, neurologist and author presenting "Research Updates"

Registration begins online in January 2008.
Register early since the conference filled to capacity last year!
http://www.alzmndak.org/

Information

In the News

Current news releases announcing research findings on Alzheimer's disease and related topics from the National Institute on Aging (NIA):
http://www.nia.nih.gov/Alzheimers/ResearchInformation/NewsReleases/

Alzheimer's Disease Information and Resources

A web-site offering current & comprehensive Alzheimer's disease (AD) information and resources from the National Institute on Aging (NIA):
http://www.nia.nih.gov/alzheimers

Clinical Trials

Here you can search a database of clinical trials on Alzheimer's disease and dementia currently in progress at sites throughout the U.S.:
http://www.nia.nih.gov/Alzheimers/ResearchInformation/ClinicalTrials/