LANSING, Mich. — Alzheimer’s Association Michigan Chapter kicks off new year with free Dementia Super Saturday Series, education programs, support groups and more

The Alzheimer’s Association Michigan Chapter will offer a wide array of free virtual support groups, education programs and social engagement programs in January, including another Dementia Super Saturday Series installment on Saturday, Jan. 30.

Alzheimer’s Association support groups, education programs and social engagement programs offer emotional and social support, provide much-needed information about memory loss and dementia, and help persons with dementia and their care partners find ways to remain socially active.

“We’re pleased to offer support to the 190,000 Michiganders living with dementia and their 518,000 caregivers — especially during the pandemic, which has caused even greater isolation and stress for those impacted by dementia,” said Jean Barnas, Alzheimer’s Association program services director. “Our free support groups and education programs offer emotional and social support, provide much-needed information about memory loss and dementia, and help persons with dementia and their care partners find ways to remain socially active.”

She added, “We also are grateful to partner with cultural powerhouses such as the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Detroit Zoo, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and The Henry Ford to offer some amazing social engagement programs for persons with dementia and their caregivers.”

The Dementia Super Saturday Series schedule on Jan. 30 includes: Effective Communication Strategies, 10 to 11 a.m. Eastern time; TimeSlips Workshop, 11 a.m. to noon.

Participants may register for all of the above programs or fewer if desired at bit.ly/dementiasupersaturdayJan21 or by calling the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900.

Additionally, all January support groups, education programs and social engagement programs are listed below. All times are Eastern time. Registration is required by calling the helpline or going to alz.org/gmc/virtual.

Education programs

— Ten Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s: Tuesday, Jan. 19, 3 to 4 p.m.; Thursday, Jan. 21, 7 to 8 p.m. (Spanish speaking); Wednesday, Jan. 27, 6 to 7 p.m.

— Dementia Conversations: Driving Doctor Visits Legal and Financial Planning: Thursday, 6 to 7 p.m.

— Effective Communication Strategies: Monday, 4 to 5 p.m.; Thursday, Jan. 28, 4 to 5 p.m.; Saturday, Jan. 30, 10 to 11 a.m. (Dementia Super Saturday Series).

— Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body: Tips from the Latest Research: Friday, 3 to 4 p.m; Monday, Jan. 25, 10 to 11 a.m.

— Legal and Financial Planning: Tuesday, Jan. 19, 10 a.m. to noon

— Living with Alzheimer’s: For Caregivers (Early-Stage), a three-part series, 6 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday; Tuesday, Jan. 19, Tuesday, Jan. 26.

— Living with Alzheimer’s: For Caregivers (Middle-Stage), three-part series, 1 to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 26; Wednesday, Jan. 27; Thursday, Jan. 28.

— Living with Alzheimer’s: For Caregivers (Late-Stage), two-part series, 10 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 20, and Thursday, Jan. 21.

— Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia: Friday, Jan. 29, 10 to 11 a.m.

— Understanding and Responding to Dementia-Related Behaviors: Thursday, Jan. 21, 2 to 3:30 p.m.

Support groups

The Alzheimer’s Association Michigan Chapter offers statewide virtual support groups in English and Spanish as well as area-specific caregiver support groups and early-stage support groups. For more information and to register, go to alz.org/gmc/helping_you/support_groups.

Social engagement programs

— Detroit Symphony Orchestra Performance, Monday, 1 p.m.

— Early-Stage Social Club (pre-registration required) at 1 p.m. Wednesday; Wednesday, Jan. 20; Wednesday, Jan. 27.

— Minds on Art with the Detroit Institute of Arts, Monday, Jan. 25, at 1 p.m.

— Minds in the Wild with the Detroit Zoo, Tuesday, Jan. 19, at 1 p.m.

— Wrist Watches with The Henry Ford, Tuesday at 1 p.m.

Additional programs

Early-Stage Social Group: Meijer Gardens: Friday, Jan. 22, 9:30-10:30 a.m. Pre-registration required. Email salambaria@alz.org or call 616-459-7467.

The Alzheimer’s Association leads the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Their vision is a world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia.

For more information, go to www.alz.org or call the 24/7 helpline at 800-272-3900.