VNA Community Services is launching Dementia Friendly Galesburg, making it the 53rd city in Illinois to join the national Dementia Friendly America program. The goal: To become more inclusive, offer education and demonstrations, and foster overall tolerance for people living with dementia and Alzheimer's.
Dementia Friendly Galesburg will launch with a special kickoff event, Lighting the Way: Galesburg’s Dementia Friendly Future, taking place from 5-8 p.m. Friday, May 2 at The Kensington Ballroom in Galesburg. This initiative, in partnership with Dementia Friendly America, is dedicated to making Galesburg a more understanding, inclusive, and supportive community for individuals living with dementia and their caregivers.
Michael Bennett, executive director of VNA Community Services and initiator of the program, and Lauren P. Brown, founder and CEO of The Alzheimer’s Experience, joined WGIL's Jay Redfern and Tyler Gumm on Galesburg's Morning News to preview the initiative.
In the interview, Lauren Brown discusses:
- Clarification of dementia and Alzheimer's
- Early signs of dementia, including memory and triggers, causes and risk factors
- Advice for caregivers
