IN-PERSON – The Dementia Brain

Leader: Lora Gerard, MPA

Held at the Aging Resource Center at Colburn Hill

Dementia is often equated with ‘memory problems.’ While this is an important component, there are many other changes that happen to the brain. These changes impact how the person living with dementia experiences the world around them.

We will learn about changes that impact the sensory systems, such as vision and hearing, and strategies to provide support through these changes. This will include modifications to the home environment that may help. We will also discuss how changes to the brain may impact the person in other ways, such as impulse control and the ability to understand speech.

Instructor will stay after the class to practice some of the physical techniques mentioned in the class, for those who want to participate in this practice session. We will explore using the Hand Under Hand technique to provide comfort and connection, as well as to use it to provide supportive assistance with activities of daily living such as eating, dressing, and brushing teeth.