The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) is holding a free webinar for California veterans and their families on Thursday, Sept. 16 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. to provide them with information about brain health, memory screenings and veterans benefits. Individuals can register for the free “Brain Health Awareness for Veterans” webinar at www.alzfdn.org/veterans.
Veterans may be at a higher risk for dementia based on their military experiences. A traumatic brain injury (TBI), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or being a prisoner of war can all increase the chances of developing dementia, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The risk of dementia also increases as we age. One in seven veterans ages 45 and over report experiencing memory problems, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
According to the state of California, there are nearly 1.6 million veterans living in California, making it the state with the highest number of veterans in the country.
“Teaching veterans and their families about the warning signs of dementia, early detection, steps to reduce their risk and programs available to them is a valuable service to help those who served our country,” said Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr., AFA’s President and CEO. “We invite veterans and their family members to take part in this free webinar on September 16.”
Participants will be able to ask questions during the webinar.
Individuals who have questions or would like more information about brain health, memory screenings, dementia-related illnesses or caregiving can contact the AFA Helpline seven days a week by calling 866-232-8484 or visiting www.alzfdn.org.
Topics and presenters at the webinar include:
• The Importance of Brain Health and Early Detection of Alzheimer’s Disease
Jennifer Reeder, LCSW, Director of Educational and Social Services, Alzheimer’s Foundation of America
• Facts and Figures of Veterans and Alzheimer’s and the Importance of Memory Screening
Donna de Levante Raphael, Director of National Memory Screening, Alzheimer’s Foundation of America
• Services and Support for California Veterans
Viktoriya Samarina, PhD, Clinical Neuropsychologist, Stanford/VA Alzheimer’s Center and National Co-Director, VA Advanced Fellowship Program in Mental Illness Research and Treatment (MIRT)
The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide support, services and education to individuals, families and caregivers affected by Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias nationwide, and fund research for better treatment and a cure. Its services include a National Toll-Free Helpline (866-232-8484) staffed by licensed social workers, the National Memory Screening Program, educational conferences and materials, and “AFA Partners in Care” dementia care training for healthcare professionals. For more information about AFA, call 866-232-8484, visit www.alzfdn.org, follow them on Twitter, or connect with them on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn. AFA has earned Charity Navigator’s top 4-star rating for six consecutive years.
