Alzheimer’s the Topic of April 8 Forum in Rolla


March 31, 2015 | Campus News ECC Rolla

Alzheimer’s the Topic of April 8 Forum at ECC in Rolla

The number of Americans with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias is expected to escalate rapidly in coming years as the baby boom generation ages.  To help families deal with this issue, East Central College-Rolla will host a free forum on Alzheimer’s Wednesday evening, April 8.

“Best Friends – Caring for our Loved Ones with Dementia” will be the topic at the 5:30 p.m. opening presentation by Judy Crane.  She is regional nurse consultant with Americare Assisted Living.  Crane’s presentation will be followed by several breakout sessions.

All activities will be held at ECC’s main Rolla location at 500 Forum Drive (at Rolla Technical Center).

Stephanie Jost, community relations manager with Alternative Hospice will discuss the various choices in care available to families.  Another breakout session will center on handling the challenges in the care of individuals with dementia and Alzheimer’s presented by Gretchen Rex, manager of New Hope Behavioral Center at Missouri Baptist Hospital in Sullivan.  Tina Gosh and Whitney Pelton with Americare will discuss creating memory boxes.

The April 8 event is the second in a series of free forums on issues affecting families hosted by the psychology and sociology departments at ECC.  Dr. Bill Cunningham, associate professor of sociology, noted that activities will wrap up at approximately 7:30 p.m.

The event is open to the public at no charge through the financial support of the ECC Foundation.  Refreshments will be provided by Dunsford Court Assisted Living of Sullivan.  Individuals with questions can call 636-584-6658 or email:  wendy.pecka@eastcentral.edu.

Cunningham noted that the forum series is designed to let families know about the resources available in the community.  “Every 67 seconds someone in the United States develops Alzheimer’s.  We want to connect people with the experts in the field who can offer support and provide some direction as they struggle with this disease,” he said.