A special workshop on Alzheimer’s and dementia will be held this weekend and if enough residents attend it could become a regular event.
Laura Owen-Keirstead, a representative from the Alzheimer’s Association, will give a free presentation on the 10 most common warning signs of Alzheimer’s and dementia at 10 a.m. this Saturday at Mountain West Medical Center.
While the presentation may seem geared toward residents concerned about loved ones, Jamie Zwerin, a case manager for Tooele County Aging Services, said she hoped everyone with an interest in memory loss disorders, or care giving, will attend the presentation.
It has been about a year since Tooele County has hosted a class such as this on memory loss, Zwerin said. But aging services hopes to prove there is enough interest in the county to make these presentations, which are part of a series provided by the Alzheimer’s Association, a regular occurrence.
“I feel like there’s a big need in our community for these kinds of services, but we’ve not always had a good turnout,” she said.
Because aging services is trying to bring more educational opportunities to Tooele County, Evelyn VanZanten, another case manager with Tooele County Aging Services, said the agency hopes to have a big enough crowd at Saturday’s event to convince the Alzheimer’s Association to bring the entire series to Tooele.
She said aging services will also use the event to promote a local caregivers support group that meets regularly.
Regardless of Saturday’s turnout, VanZanten said aging services is already planning another, similar educational event in May.
The Alzheimer’s Association presentation will be held in Mountain West Medical Center’s classroom — the same room where Senior Circle meets. Those who aren’t sure of the room’s location are encouraged to inquire at the hospital’s welcome desk for directions.
There is no charge and all are invited to attend. Tooele County Aging Services, Mountain West Medical Center, and the Alzheimer’s Association are hosting the event. There will be a Q-and-A session afterward.