About the program

How do you make sense of memory loss? Making Sense of Memory Loss is a five-part training package for professionals interested in educating families and friends of people with memory loss about its causes of and treatments as well as effective ways of coping now and in the future. In light of the growing trend toward earlier diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, Making Sense of Memory Loss is for anyone who cares for someone in the early stages of memory loss, whether or not that the person has received a diagnosis.

Developed by the Alzheimer's Association - Greater Illinois Chapter and Mather LifeWays Institute on Aging, this evidence-based training program covers these topics:

• memory loss and related symptoms

• improving communication

• making decisions

• planning for the future

• coping and caring strategies

Course overview

Class One: Overview of Memory Loss and Related Symptoms
You and other participants will get to know each other. Information is provided about the medical aspects and causes of memory loss, including the need for diagnosis and treatment, and the current state of medical research.

Class Two: Communication Strategies
This class offers an overview of communication changes that are typical in early memory loss. Participants will learn the principles of maintaining communication with a person experiencing memory loss.

In Class Three: Making Decisions
Practical issues in everyday life are addressed such as driving a car, handling health and financial decisions, and managing household tasks.

Class Four: Planning for the Future
This class helps participants prepare for changes that are likely to occur over the course of a progressive memory disorder. Legal and financial planning and accessing community resources are described.

Class Five: Effective Ways of Coping and Caring
This final class emphasizes the involvement of the person with memory loss in a variety of activities. Family members also can learn about ways to take care of themselves.

How to order

Making Sense of Memory Loss consists of five two-hour and 15-minute classes. As a trainer, you will receive everything you need to teach these classes: a 154-page scripted Class Leader's Guide and a CD-ROM that includes 80 PowerPoint slides, evaluation tools, and templates for handouts, marketing, and a Participant's Guide.

A formal evaluation of this program, conducted with more than 300 participants taking part in this program offered through nine chapters of the Alzheimer's Association, demonstrated good outcomes. Participants increased their knowledge and improved their ability to cope with a relative’s memory and thinking problems.

The cost of all these materials for unlimited use is just $249. To purchase Making Sense of Memory Loss, click here or for more information, call 847.492.6753. Major credit cards are accepted.