IRON MOUNTAIN — The Alzheimer’s Association Michigan Chapter has announced its Dementia Super Saturday Series, a virtual education program series aimed at assisting Michiganders impacted by Alzheimer’s and all other dementia as they face even more unique challenges amid COVID-19.

The first Saturday Series will take place between 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Saturday.

The virtual event — designed for family caregivers and anyone interested in learning more about dementia — aims to provide information about the disease, effective communication strategies, and how to understand and respond to dementia-related behavior.

“Facing Alzheimer’s disease and dementia is challenging for families even under the best of circumstances, but the current COVID-19 crisis is adding new complexities that can feel overwhelming,” said Jean Barnas, Alzheimer’s Association Michigan Chapter programs services director. “This virtual series was designed to help provide much-needed information to those who need it most.”

Participants may choose to attend all three programs or fewer if desired and can register for each program individually using the links at https://www.alz.org/gmc/helping_you/education_programs/community-forums or by calling the Alzheimer’s Association at 800-272-3900.

Schedule:

— 10 to 11 a.m., Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia;

— 11 a.m. to noon, Effective Communication Strategies;

— 1 to 2:30 p.m., Understanding and Responding to Dementia-Related Behavior.

More than 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s, which is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States.

The Alzheimer’s Association 2020 facts and figures report for Michigan revealed the following:

— Number of Michigan residents aged 65 and older living with Alzheimer’s: 190,000;

— Estimated number of Michigan residents living with Alzheimer’s in 2025: 220,000;

— Percentage change: 15.8%;

— Statewide deaths from Alzheimer’s disease (2018): 4,474;

— Number of Michigan residents serving as unpaid family caregivers: 518,000;

— Total hours of unpaid care provided: 590 million;

— Total value of unpaid care: $7.7 billion.