Take Me To Post Comment Form Helping family members accept the diagnosis of dementia, the predictable changes in family roles, and how to support the main caregiver are some of the purposes of the Alzheimer's Association Support Group meetings. The Statesboro First Methodist group is open to anyone in the area with family concerns about this neurological disease that causes gradual memory loss, typically in people over 60 years. The group meets the second Monday of each month at 1:30 in the church library.

The Alzheimer's Association reports that almost 10 million Americans are caring for a person with dementia; approximately one out of three of these caregivers is 60 years old or older themselves. As Alzheimer's disease is a long-term illness, there is a great need for multi generational assistance within the family and the community.

Common concerns expressed during Alzheimer's Association support group meetings throughout the Coastal Empire include: fluctuation in ability levels from day to day, strategies for assisting with activities of daily living, ideas for respite care, caregiver stress and lasck of personal fulfillment, making long term legal and financial plans, changing relationships with parents or spouse, and current information about Alzheimer's research and treatment.

A large libray of videos and books and 24 hour Helpline telephone assistance (1-800-272-3900) is available to caregivers through the regional office at 201 Television Circle in Savannah or you may go to www.alz.org/georgia