Public is invited to presentation on dementia

By Alice Gerard

Senior Contributing Writer

High levels of stress and feelings of isolation are common among caregivers for family members living with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.

There are currently nearly 7 million Americans living with dementia, which includes Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, such as Pick’s disease; vascular dementia; and Lewy Body dementia, the form of dementia experienced by Robin Williams, who died on Aug. 11, 2014.

If you would like to know more about Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, the Riverside-Salem United Church of Christ is inviting all interested people to a presentation that it is hosting at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Western New York Welcome Center at 1999 Alvin Road.

Both Claire Corwin, a community outreach specialist with the Western New York Alzheimer’s Association, and the Rev. Shirley Chan, a United Church of Christ minister, will be available to answer questions. Corwin will offer a multimedia presentation on Alzheimer’s and dementia, with tips and help for caregivers, P.J. Tenz, a member of Riverside-Salem, explained. “She is going to have some material to hand out. She is open to all questions.”

Corwin “will discuss how the Western New York Alzheimer's Association can help people who are caring for people with dementia or Alzheimer’s,” Tenz added.

Chan “is going to add stories about being a minister to those with Alzheimer’s and dementia,” Tenz said, noting Chan will help with the portion of the discussion that focuses on dementia and spirituality.

All are welcome to attend this presentation.