The LGBT Elder Initiative will team up with the Alzheimer’s Association for a free three-part series to engage and discuss those interested in the disease. The Alzheimer’s Series will begin at 5:30 p.m. Jan. 9 at the Alzheimer’s Association, 399 Market St. The series will continue at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 13 and March 13 at the same location. The first program will cover the topic of warning signs and medication for Alzheimer’s, while the second will focus on memory loss and the medical aspects of cognitive issues as one ages. The third event will center on dialogue and communication with those who suffer from Alzheimer’s and with those who are taking care of someone with the disease. The events will feature discussions led by those who have Alzheimer’s and by caregivers. LGBTEI communications chair Ed Bomba said the series is part of the initiative’s attempt to ensure the LGBT community has access to resources on aging. “Nobody talks to us about the cognitive issues as we age and the possibility of dementia and Alzheimer’s,” he said. “We need to look out for our friends and know what to look for.” Bomba said that, two years ago, the LGBTEI received feedback from the community asking for more information and programs based around cognitive issues. In April, the organization hosted an Aging Minds conversation that motivated the organization to pair with the Alzheimer’s Association to create continued programming. Alzheimer’s Association associate director of diversity Raul Mux said the organization is eager to get its message out to the LGBT community with the assistance of the LGBTEI. “Since last year, we started a collaboration with the Elder Initiative and they’ve been very helpful to work with and have helped us to reach our target community,” he said. “This will be the first opportunity we have to reach out to the LGBT community with this series.” Mux said in the long term, the Alzheimer’s Association is looking to develop a support group for the LGBT community. And this initial series will help fuel conversation about Alzheimer’s disease and other aging issues among the community, he said. “This will increase awareness about warnings signs of Alzheimer’s. As people age, they develop symptoms related to aging of the brain and sometimes those might not necessarily be a disease, it might be just the brain slowing down.” Bomba said empowering the community with resources is vital. “It is so important that we know what to look for and what is available to help us should we need care, medication and/or face issues of memory loss. People need to know about the resources available.” For more information, visit www.lgbtei.org.
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