The one-hour virtual program, “10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s,” will take place at 6 p.m. April 29, with educational tips on early detection and the benefits of an early diagnosis. The event is hosted by Peter White Public Library and the Alzheimer’s Association. (Photo courtesy of PWPL)

MARQUETTE — Peter White Public Library and the Alzheimer’s Association will team up to showcase a virtual educational presentation on Alzheimer’s disease and how to detect warning signs in one’s self and in others.

The one-hour program titled “10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s”î will take place at 6 p.m. April 29. It will cover typical age-related changes, common warning signs of Alzheimer’s, how to approach someone about memory concerns, early detection, the benefits of a diagnosis and the diagnostic process and other Alzheimer’s Association resources. Though it will be presented virtually, participation will still be available and people can ask questions and interact with the presenters on the platform called GoToMeeting by using the chat box, PWPL programming coordinator Carolyn McManis said. The primary goal is education, McManis said.

“As we get older, people often start to have memory issues. They may forget where they put their keys or to write a bill. This program will help determine what is normal memory loss due to aging and what falls under the auspices of Alzheimer’s or dementia,”î McManis said. “For some people, this information will be reassuring. For others, it will be a sign that they need to take action, but also reassuring in that early detection is beneficial.î”

The idea of hosting an event on the warning signs of Alzheimer’s came when Sundi Taylor of the Alzheimer’s Association contacted McManis in the winter about doing a program in March. However, PWPL had suspended its programming in response to the pandemic, McManis said. But Taylor reached out to McManis a few weeks ago, suggesting that the program be held virtually and McManis thought it was a great idea, she added.

To ask questions or comment during the virtual program, people can use the chat box where Taylor will be working with another staff member who will read the questions, McManis continued. People can also call in to ask questions or make a comment, and Taylor will take breaks during the program to allow for questions, she noted.

What makes this Alzheimer’s program different from others is that it emphasizes the need for early detection of the disease, what to look for and how to handle a very sensitive issue for some people, she said.

“I hope (people) gain useful information about Alzheimer’s that can help themselves and their loved ones,î” she said. “Even though we are all staying home to stay safe because of the pandemic, life continues on with both joys and challenges. Alzheimer’s can be one of those challenges.î”

To learn more about this event, contact the Alzheimer’s Association at 800-272-3900 or als.org/CRF. The direct registration link is communityresourcefinder.org/ResourceView/Index?id=1835300&_ga=2.78810898.728750791.1586284852-597919799.1563977449.

For more information, visit pwpl.info.

Jackie Jahfetson can be reached at jjahfetson@miningjournal.net.