Alzheimer, dementia class starts Thursday

A free series of classes, “Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia,” will be available both on Zoom and at the Butler County University Extension Office in Poplar Bluff.

For those seeking answers, the first session, conducted by John Fuller, human development and family sciences specialist, will be from noon to 1 p.m. Thursday, and will help people understand if there is a difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia.

“Some wonder which comes first, some feel they are not different,” Fuller said. “Come to the class to discover the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia, symptoms, stages, risk factors and more. Many people are confused and ask questions, such as does dementia come first or is it Alzheimer’s, are they the same thing. It can be a very confusing topic and one some people do not want to have, especially as we get older. Others believe dementia is inevitable, but dementia is not a normal part of aging. Yes, you can become at a higher risk as we age.”

Science is learning there are things you can do to help when it comes to dementia, he said.

“The series, which I have scheduled to do a new topic each month at the same time on the second Thursday of each month, is really about answering those questions when it comes to dementia, and it is so beneficial for the caretakers or potential caregivers to gain first-hand knowledge,” he said. “They may already be going through the stages with a loved one. We even talk about in a later class on how to have those difficult discussions with loved ones, or how you may handle certain situations out in public so the person does not feel embarrassed.”

Fuller explained, “Isolation is not good for us and can have a negative impact on our health and quality of life. Not only are people going to learn about the disease. They will walk away with a resource to the Alzheimer’s Association connection.”

Fuller believes, “we really should be a community that is opening up the discussion with each other. At this point, if someone has the disease, it is not going to get better. Be prepared and confident in knowing what you can about the disease by knowing what to look out for, what has shown to help, and have a peace of mind as the disease progresses. Those discussions with your loved ones and medical professionals become easier when we understand the disease and can reduce the emotions of not knowing. It is easy to become emotional when we don’t understand what is going on with our loved ones or comprehend why they may behave in certain way. It all starts with one hour a month.”

A different topic on dementia will be offered on the second Thursday of the month until May. The classes will be held at the same time and venues.

Anyone interested, may register by calling the extension office at 573-686-8064 or email Fuller at fullerjc@missouri.edu.