MONTEREY COUNTY — The Alzheimer’s Association is expanding its outreach in South Monterey County with a focus on helping residents protect their cognitive health and supporting families caring for loved ones with dementia.
This fall, the Association in partnership with the Health Projects Center/Del Mar Caregiver Resource Center will launch a new in-person caregiver support group while continuing to promote its Better Brain Health initiative throughout the region.
The Better Brain Health initiative is designed to educate people about steps they can take to support brain health and reduce the risk of cognitive decline. While age remains the greatest risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease, growing research suggests that healthy lifestyle choices may help lower the risk of developing dementia.
The initiative encourages habits that support brain health, including regular physical activity, healthy eating, quality sleep, social engagement, lifelong learning and managing chronic conditions, such as high blood pressure and diabetes.
“For many years, people believed there was little they could do to influence brain health,” said Philip M. Geiger, regional director, Alzheimer’s Association. “Research now shows that healthy lifestyle choices may help reduce the risk of cognitive decline while improving overall well-being.”
The message comes at a critical time. More than 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease, and millions of family members provide unpaid care to loved ones affected by dementia. As the population ages, communities across California are seeing an increased need for education, resources and caregiver support.
To help address that need locally, the Alzheimer’s Association and the Health Projects Center/Del Mar Caregiver Resource Center will begin offering a new in-person caregiver support group in King City this fall. The group will serve residents living in South Monterey County.
The support group will provide a safe and welcoming environment where caregivers can share experiences, discuss challenges, learn practical caregiving strategies, and connect with others facing similar situations. Participants may be caring for a spouse, parent, family member or friend living with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia.
Caregiving can be rewarding, but it often comes with emotional, physical and financial challenges. Support groups help caregivers reduce feelings of isolation, gain valuable information and build connections with others who understand the realities of caring for someone with dementia.
The new group fills an important gap in local services. Many support resources have traditionally been centered in Salinas and the Monterey Peninsula, making it difficult for rural families to participate. By bringing meetings directly to King City, the Alzheimer’s Association and the Health Projects Center/Del Mar Caregiver Resource Center hopes to make support more accessible to South Monterey County residents.
In addition to the support group, the Alzheimer’s Association will continue offering educational programs on topics including understanding Alzheimer’s disease, recognizing early warning signs, communication strategies, caregiving skills, and legal and financial planning. These programs are available to caregivers, individuals concerned about memory changes, healthcare professionals, and community members interested in learning more about brain health.
Local leaders, like Dr. Steven Harrison, believe the combination of prevention-focused education and caregiver support will strengthen the community’s response to Alzheimer’s disease.
“Nobody should face Alzheimer’s alone,” Geiger said. “Through education, resources and support, we can help families navigate the challenges of dementia while improving quality of life for those affected.”
South Monterey County residents interested in learning more about the Better Brain Health initiative and caregiver support services can visit alz.org/norcal or contact the Alzheimer’s Association’s 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900.
To learn more about and register for the new Dementia Caregiver Support Group, contact the Health Projects Center/Del Mar Caregiver Resource Center at 831-356-0473, ext. 5895.
