According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 5.8 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's disease, and the number of people diagnosed with dementia is projected to reach nearly 14 million by 2060.
With numbers like these, chances are you know someone affected by a cognitive disorder. Courtney Eppler wants to help. Eppler will present a five-part dementia series at the Milanof-Schock Library, 1184 Anderson Ferry Road, Mount Joy. The series will run from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursdays from April 7 through May 12. There will be no class on April 21.
Eppler, a volunteer with the library, moved to Lancaster County from South Carolina in September. A retired speech pathologist, Eppler is also a Dementia Dialogues specialist, having completed the program created by the University of South Carolina Office for the Study of Aging meant to educate caregivers about dementia. When Kim Beach, operations coordinator for the library, learned about Eppler's background, she thought the community could benefit.
The April 7 session will cover the basic facts of dementia. On April 14, the class will discuss communication skills. The April 28 class will focus on environment safety and helpful hints. On May 5, Eppler will address challenging behaviors, and on May 12, the session will spotlight creative problem solving. The course is meant for caregivers, people with dementia and their family members and interested community members.
"Unfortunately, we are all touched by this subject," Eppler said, noting the prevalence of dementia. "If you ever had questions about dementia or you know anyone diagnosed with it or anyone exhibiting the signs, come to this program."
She emphasized that each session is a stand-alone class. "If you're only interested in certain topics, that's OK," she said. "Pick what is most needed for you."
She said the course will discuss the differences between normal aging and behaviors that could be associated with dementia. It's meant to get the conversation going about the topic.
"It's a comprehensive series to make you feel more comfortable by providing you with information and knowledge about dementia," Eppler noted. "You'll leave feeling better able to discuss it and get help."
For more information or to register for the dementia series, call the library at 717-653-1510. Online registration for each session is also available at https://mslibrary.org.
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