Eppson Center Reminds Laramie June is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month

"Communication is more than just talking and listening – it's also about sending and receiving messages through attitude, tone of voice, facial expressions, and body language." 

These words from the Alzheimer's Association website touch on essential facets of communication for anyone–and considering more than 55 million people worldwide live with Alzheimer's or dementia, discussion about the disease and with people suffering from it is important. June is oft-known as PRIDE month, but one of the lesser-remembered themes of the month is Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness. 

The EPPSON Center in Laramie hosts monthly discussions centering on Alzheimer's and dementia. Emma White, Activities Director, says the series "Has been really popular. We try to educate people, what to look for; early signs."

The last session on May 16 was on healthy living for the brain and body to decrease the risk of Alzheimer's. 

The next discussion is June 22 and will be helpful for anyone in the community needing strategies for a loved one. "Effective communication strategies for people with Alzheimer's or dementia." These series are open to the public and are held in the EPPSON Center dining room from 10-11. 

This particular topic is important, as it's necessary for people to connect with a loved one with the disease. White works with Anne Clement in the Wyoming chapter, who shared about this next discussion: 

"As people with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias progress in their journey and the ability to use words is lost, families need new ways to connect. Join us to explore how communication takes place when someone has Alzheimer's, learn to decode the verbal and behavioral messages delivered by someone with dementia, and identify strategies to help you connect and communicate at each stage of the disease."

White emphasized how the discussions are for everyone. "We are the senior center. We aim for people that are 60 and older. But we also are passionate about educating about these issues and getting the information out there." 

Eclipse Salon on 650 N 4th in Laramie is also hosting "Shears of Hope" on Saturday, June 3, benefiting the Alzheimer's Association. In this cuts-to-cure event from 9 a.m.-noon, Eclipse hopes to cut as many heads of hair as possible, donating all proceeds to the cause.

For more information on Alzheimer's disease and Alzheimer's Awareness Month, click here.