Education and Support Opportunities

2011 Programs & Information for Persons & Families impacted by

• Mild Cognitive Impairment
• Alzheimer’s Disease
• Lewy Body Dementia
• Frontotemporal Dementia
• Primary Progressive Aphasia
• Corticobasal Degeneration
• Progressive Supranuclear Palsy

Introduction to Mild Cognitive Impairment and Dementia

Individuals who receive a diagnosis of Mild Cognitive Impairment or Early Stage Dementia often have questions, seek resources and support, and want to be an active participant in managing their condition. Programs such as HABIT or Memory Club are designed to offer just that.

A diagnosis such as Alzheimer’s disease, Lewy Body dementia, or Frontotemporal dementia affects more than just the person who has been diagnosed. In most cases, it also impacts family members and friends who become caregivers and advocates. Supportive meetings and programs such as the Education Series and the Dementia Education Seminars can help families and caregivers prepare, manage, and cope with this unanticipated role. It has been shown that participants in these types of programs tend to feel healthier and find caregiving more rewarding than those who do not.

A diagnosis such as Alzheimer’s disease, Lewy Body dementia, or Frontotemporal dementia affects more than just the person who has been diagnosed. In most cases, it also impacts family members and friends who become caregivers and advocates. Supportive meetings and programs such as the Education Series and the Dementia Education Seminars can help families and caregivers prepare, manage, and cope with this unanticipated role. It has been shown that participants in these types of programs tend to feel healthier and find caregiving more rewarding than those who do not.

See a list of definitions and symptoms

Programs and services through Rochester Mayo Clinic for individuals and families impacted by early memory loss or dementia, and those who support them:

Mild Cognitive Impairment and Early Stage Dementia Programs

• Healthy Actions to Benefit Independence and Thinking (HABIT)
  A 10-day integrative wellness and memory training program for persons recently diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment.
• Memory Club
  A 10-session support and education program for persons with early stage dementia (such as Alzheimer’s disease) and their care partner.

Caregiver Meetings and Family Programs

• Supportive Meetings
  Group meetings offered twice a month to those caring for an individual with Alzheimer’s disease, Lewy Body dementia, Frontotemporal dementia or a related disorder.
• Cognitive Neurology Seminars for Families
  A full day comprehensive education seminar on Alzheimer’s disease, Lewy Body dementia, frontotemporal dementia/primary progressive aphasia, and corticobasal degeneration/progressive supranuclear palsy.

Programs and Services for the Community

• The Community Education Partnership Program
  A 90-minute informative presentation offered to local memory care facilities, senior centers and other community groups.
• Dementia Behavior Assessment and Response Team (D-BART)
  A consulting service that provides recommendations to families and professional care staff on issues related to the behavior symptoms caused by dementia.

Annual Conference

• Meeting of the Minds — The Dementia Conference
  An annual conference that brings together national and local experts for a day of education, information, and support.

Other Resources

• 24/7 Information Help-line
  A phone based service offering reliable information and support at any time to those who need assistance.
• Mayo Clinic Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center
  Located in Rochester, MN and Jacksonville, FL, the research center conducts many types of research studies related to dementia, as well as normal or successful aging.