df-usa
Blog

Building dementia-friendly communities

Published Date:

Creating a community that better understands Alzheimer's and dementia fosters a better environment for all. One where shop owners understand unusual behavior, where waiters can provide more patience with a confused customer, and one where caregivers have allies and neighbors who better comprehend their situation.

The Dementia Friends initiative is about turning your new understanding of dementia into practical actions, helping others in your community. An estimated 250,000+ people are living with dementia in Illinois. Every action counts.

Led by Debbie Kuhns, program director at the Smith Alzheimer’s Center at SIU Medicine, each 90-minute session provides a better understanding of dementia, how to effectively communicate, simple actions you can do to provide support, and more. As we add more Dementia Friends to our community, we change how we can think, act and talk about dementia.

Presentations will be available at the upcoming dates:

Williamsville Public Library & Museum - REGISTER HERE
217 Elm St.
October 24, 10-11:30am

Chatham Area Public Library - REGISTER HERE
600 E. Spruce St.
November 14, 2-3:30pm

For more information or to register, contact Debbie Kuhns at 217.545.5698 or email dkuhns76@siumed.edu

Previous presentations were available at:

NAACP
801 S. 11th St.
August 23, 2-3:30pm

Lincoln Library
326 S. 7th St.
September 17, 5:30-7pm

Chatham United Methodist Church
104 W. Chestnut St.
October 7, 5:30-7pm

Salvation Army Clearlake Corps
1600 E. Clear Lake Ave.
October 16, 2-4pm

More from SIU Blog

woman breathing

Do you whistle when you breathe? You may have subglottic stenosis.

Subglottic stenosis (SGS) is a narrowing of the trachea, or windpipe, just below the vocal cords. This narrowing can cause shortness of breath, a whistling noise when breathing, cough, and increased mucus production.
colon model

Know your risks for colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths among American men and women. Here are some tips, risks factors and symptoms to know.
pregnant on exercise ball

Why a strong pelvic floor matters in pregnancy

While most pregnant women focus on prenatal vitamins, balanced diets and avoiding alcohol, many overlook a critical part of their health: their pelvic floor.