The Alzheimer’s Association Michigan Chapter will offer a number of education programs, support groups and social engagement programs in February to help provide much-needed information about memory loss and dementia and help persons with dementia and their care partners find ways to remain socially active.

In addition to programs such as the 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s, Effective Communication Strategies and more, the Michigan Chapter will launch a new HIV and dementia program in February as well.

“We’re committed to supporting all of our Michigan residents who find themselves on a dementia journey,” said Kate Pierce, Alzheimer’s Association program director. “Our new HIV program, which is done in partnership with the Michigan Alzheimer’s Disease Center (MADC), aims to raise awareness about the increased risk of cognitive changes in people living with HIV, who by age 60 have a 50% chance of being diagnosed with dementia, as well as educate clinicians on how to better diagnose and support those living with HIV and cognitive changes.

She added, “Of course, we offer many other helpful support groups and education programs. We also partner on social engagement programs with entities such as the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Detroit Historical Museum, the Detroit Zoo, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and The Henry Ford.”

All February offerings are linked to from alz.org/gmc/virtual/. Registration is required by calling the Helpline at 1-800-272-3900, emailing helplinegmc@alz.org or registering online. Programs offered are listed below.

Education Programs

¯ 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s

¯ COVID-19 and Caregiving

¯ Dementia Conversations: Driving, Doctor Visits, Legal and Financial Planning

¯ Effective Communication Strategies

¯ Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body: Tips from the Latest Research

¯ Legal and Financial Planning

¯ Living with Alzheimer’s: For Caregivers (Early-Stage) — 3-Part Series

¯ Living with Alzheimer’s: For Caregivers (Middle-Stage) — 3-Part Series

¯ Living with Alzheimer’s: For Caregivers (Late-Stage) — 2-Part Series

¯ Protecting Your Brain While Living with HIV

¯ Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia

¯ Understanding and Responding to Dementia-Related Behaviors

Support Groups

The Alzheimer’s Association Michigan Chapter offers statewide virtual support groups in English and Spanish as well as area-specific caregiver support groups and early-stage support groups. For more information and to register, visit alz.org/gmc/helping_you/support_groups.

Social Engagement

Programs

¯ Bruce H. and Rosalie N. Rosen Community Connect Program

¯ Detroit Historical Museum: The Negro Motorist Green Book

¯ Detroit Institute of Arts: Minds on Art

¯ Detroit Symphony Orchestra

¯ Detroit Zoo: Minds in the Wild, Falkland Islands Penguins

¯ Early-Stage Social Club (pre-registration required)

¯ The Henry Ford: Valentine’s Day

Additional programs

¯ Early-Stage Social Group: First Friday Coffee Chat (West Michigan)

¯ Early-Stage Social Group: Grazing at the GRAM (West Michigan).