Caring for a loved one with dementia is a journey that can be very long... sometimes as long as 20 years. The journey which begins with the loss of a few words or memories, becomes a path with many twists and turns that challenge everyone involved. The demands this illness places on the person with dementia and their caregivers are challenging in every way – emotionally, physically, and spiritually. This presentation is a guided tour filled with information to help dementia caregivers better understand and survive one of the toughest journeys. You will also explore finding the positive attractions along the way. The presentation is divided into three parts:

Part 1: “The Mystery Trip”  Understanding Dementia of the Alzheimer’s Type and its Stages

Part 2: “Who Made Me the Driver?”   The Unexpected Role of the Dementia Caregiver

Part 3: “Bumps in the Road”  Caregiver Tips for Preventing, Managing and Coping With Challenging Behaviors