The Alzheimer’s Association will present free community programs on three Saturdays in February at the Aging and Disability Resource Center in Hilo at 1055 Kinoole St. ADVERTISING The Alzheimer’s Association will present free community programs on three Saturdays in February
The Alzheimer’s Association will present free community programs on three Saturdays in February at the Aging and Disability Resource Center in Hilo at 1055 Kinoole St.
The sessions will be Feb. 1, 8 and 15, with a 9 a.m., 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. session each day. The 9 a.m. sessions, respectively, will focus on the topics of “What Is Dementia,” “Legal Affairs in Dementia” and “Challenging Behaviors in Dementia.” The movies, respectively, will be “A Time To Remember,” “Complaints of a Dutiful Daughter” and “The Savages.” Each of the 1 p.m. sessions will focus on “Living With Forgetfulness” and is open to anyone who is forgetful and his or her family. A medical diagnosis is not necessary.
“What Is Dementia” is a workshop which reviews dementia, the symptoms, warning signs, misconceptions and potential treatments. It includes short videos of persons with the disease, family members of persons with dementia and various professionals. “Legal Aspects in Dementia” covers information on advance directives, various legal documents and planning strategies. “Challenging Behaviors in Dementia” covers information on possible causes and types of behaviors that may arise during the course of dementia as well as potential interventions.
“A Time To Remember” is a 2003 made-for-television film focusing on a family reunion at Thanksgiving. The centerpiece of the drama is the character of Maggie (Doris Roberts), who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Maggie’s two daughters, Veletta (Megan Gallagher) and Brit (Dana Delaney), have taken different paths in their personal lives and careers. The family event reunites the two daughters who must come to terms with their mother’s illness and the choices they have made.
“Complaints of a Dutiful Daughter” is the story is one daughter’s experience with her mother’s dementia.
In “The Savages,” Laura Linney and Philip Seymour Hoffman play siblings in a 2007 tragic comedy about adult children caring for their father with dementia. Laura Linney was Oscar-nominated for best actress, and Tamara Jenkins was Oscar-nominated for best original screenplay. Offering a rare combination of humility, dignity and humor, Hoffman was Golden Globe-nominated for best actor for his performance as the neurotic professor who begrudgingly unites with his sister for the sake of their father.
The series will be presented by Alzheimer’s Association Hilo program coordinator Chris Ridley. Seating is limited. For reservations, call Ridley at 443-7360.
