Conference to help Alzheimer’s caregivers

ROCKFORD — Registration is open for a half-day conference for family caregivers of Alzheimer’s disease patients scheduled for 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 24, in the Wallingford Center at the Clock Tower Resort, 7801 E. State St.

The conference will include a resource fair featuring vendors offering medical, diagnostic and caregiving services.

Scheduled speakers at the conference are Dr. Tom Ala, interim director of the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine’s Center for Alzheimer’s disease and Related Diseases; Dr. Jeff Weishaar, a clinical psychologist specializing in geriatric psychology, and Kathie Nash, a registered nurse with Heartland Home Health Care and Hospice.

Topics will include current research and emerging trends for treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, providing caregivers with a framework for negotiating difficult circumstances, stress relief, maintaining relationships with people with memory loss, and communicating with different personalities to prevent caregiver burnout.

The cost is $25 per person, which includes a continental breakfast and all conference materials.

Registration forms are available at the Alzheimer’s Association Greater Illinois Chapter office, 1111 S. Alpine Road or online at alzheimers-illinois.org. Registration also can be made by fax at 815-484-9286.