Understanding Alzheimer’s in People with Intellectual Disabilities

Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities are aging more successfully and experiencing many age related issues.  These include an increased risk for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.  Adults with Down syndrome are at greater risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease in later life.  This introductory presentation will focus on the impacts of Alzheimer’s disease on people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  The warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease, the disease progression and treatments will be discussed.  This workshop is for anyone who has not attended a program about Alzheimer’s disease and people with intellectual and developmental disabilities previously.

YOUR INSTRUCTOR

Marsha Berry is the Professional Education Manager for the Alzheimer’s Association Minnesota-North Dakota. Marsha has a Master’s degree in Education from Eastern Michigan University. She began her career teaching students with special needs in public schools. She then managed professional education programs for the Multiple Sclerosis Society, Minnesota Chapter. Most recently she offered training to master’s level consultants in Ceridian’s LifeWorks Services employee assistance program. That training focused on family issues including support of older family members and elder care services. Marsha is certified by the Alzheimer’s Association to offer Foundations of Dementia Care and Activities Based Alzheimer’s Care to health care professionals. She is a Certified Alzheimer Educator (National Certification Board for Alzheimer Care).