The non-profit organization Alzheimer’s New Jersey provides community based care for those with Alzheimer’s and support for their families, and also works with hospitals to run seminars in local communities. On Wednesday, Oct. 5, the organization will team up with medical professionals from HackensackUMC Palisades for a free seminar at the North Bergen Public Library.
The seminar will focus on the symptoms and treatments for the disease. Medical professionals will also discuss normal memory loss due to aging compared to memory loss that disrupts everyday life. Abnormal changes in memory may be a warning sign of Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia.
The group’s president and CEO, Ken Zaentz, said, “We are an independent non-profit focused 100 percent on New Jersey.” They have separated from the national organization called Alzheimer’s Association, The Greater New Jersey Chapter.
“There’s a difference between natural forgetfulness and Alzheimer’s.” — Ken Zaentz.
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Some scholarships available
Some help for caregivers comes in the form of scholarships that give them the opportunity to learn more about the disease through communities.
“We provide support groups for families and caregivers so not to feel isolated, and to feel connected with each other,” Zaentz said. “If someone has a family member with the disease, we should be the first call for the guidance if feeling frightened or lost. We are that organization that can help when they have to deal with the disease.”
Events for support, seminars
The free seminar at the North Bergen Public Library on Oct. 5 is one of many weekly educational seminars that Alzheimer’s NJ holds throughout the year. They’ve worked with hospitals and libraries throughout NJ, and are continuing to reach more, according to Zaentz.
“Families and caregivers are hungry for information about the disease and memory loss,” Zaentz said. “There’s a difference between natural forgetfulness, and Alzheimer’s. Abnormal memory loss is not a normal part of the aging process.”
Walk in Jersey City this weekend
Another event to raise awareness for Alzheimer’s is the 10th Liberty State Park Regional Walk in Jersey City coming on Saturday, Oct. 1.
“This walk helps raise needed funds for support groups, and for the community to come together,” Zaentz said. “Some who participate are those who understand the challenge and devastation of having someone with Alzheimer’s.”