SAVE-THE-DATE Early Memory Loss Forum An unprecedented one-day symposium created by and for people with early stage memory loss

Who should attend: • people with early memory loss, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), early stage Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias • family members • care partners • those interested in early memory loss

Saturday, October 27, 2007 9:30 AM–3:45 PM Skirball Cultural Center, Los Angeles Call (323) 900-3180, or e-mail earlystageforum@alzlarsb.org

If you, a friend or family member was recently diagnosed, this project may be for you. Project offers a combination of education and emotional support from professionals and peers who find themselves in a similar situation.

What we offer:

Family Consultations
Whether you have received a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia or are in need of an evaluation we are here to help by providing information and support. Office visits are encouraged, although consultations can take place over the phone.

The goals of an early stage consultation include:
Helping individuals with a dementia and their care partner(s) to create a personalized care plan, which may include participation in the Memory Club

• Answering questions about early stage & early onset dementia
• Providing referrals to services and other supportive programs and information locally, nationally and via the internet
• Providing relevant education materials and event information
• Providing information about clinical trials, research and medication updates

The Memory Club
Many times when families are faced with a diagnosis of AD or a related dementia the implications of this diagnosis become overwhelming. Such questions as, "Where can I turn? Where can I go for help?" are common and need to be answered. But there are four words that can make all the difference in the world: You are not alone! The Memory Club can shed light on the many important issues and challenges with which you are now being confronted. We offer resources and support that will allow you to meet and share the challenges you are facing within a community of your peers.

The mission of the Memory Club is to support and empower individuals and families as they deal with Early Stage Alzheimer's disease and related memory loss, and to shed light on important issues and challenges as they arise. Together we learn more about the disease and its emotional impact on individuals, care partners and families. Ultimately, our aim is to create an atmosphere that nurtures new friendships and peer support during and beyond the group experience.

Now offered in two locations:

Northridge
California State University at Northridge
Call: Jill Brink, PhD
(818) 677-4404

West Los Angeles
The Irmas Educational Campus of Wilshire Boulevard Temple
Call: Sharon Lineker
(323) 930-6242

The Graduation Club
As mentioned in the previous section, the Memory Club is a time-limited group. Graduates from the Memory Club who meet criteria for early stage participation may choose to continue in the "Graduation Club." This Club meets regularly with a short break at the end of each quarter to allow for the introduction of new members and to celebrate and honor those who are moving on to other programs. Regular Family Consultations are encouraged to assist members in evaluating and adapting their care plans. The Graduation Club maintains the same objectives as the Memory Club and utilizes the input of current members to guide programming and topic decisions.