November 5, 2014 THE VILLADOM TIMES II • Page 11 Village hosts Alzheimer’s Awareness Week Ridgewood’s Alzheimer’s Awareness Week will provide crucial information for caregivers of people with demen- tia. An estimated 5.2 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease, the most common type of dementia. The devastating condition doesn’t just take a toll on its sufferers. Some 15.5 million family and friends take on the challenging role of caregiver to those with Alzheimer’s in the United States. This November, Ridgewood’s Alzheimer’s Awareness Week will provide critical information and advice to care- givers through four programs sponsored by the Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce along with Van Dyk Health Care, Unicity Eldercare, the Valley Hospital, and Dementia Care Specialist Vivian Green Korner. Most events will take place from Nov. 9 to 13. “Is it Dementia or Normal Aging?” will be held on Sunday, Nov. 9 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Ridgewood Public Library, 125 North Maple Avenue. While age is the biggest risk factor for dementia, it is not a “normal” part of aging. Learn about the warning signs of dementia and the myths and realities of aging. The workshop will be led by Sheila Brogan, LSW, ACSW, geriatric social worker, elder care services, Children’s Aid and Family Services and Mari- anne Terry, LSW, C-ASWCM, director of social work, Unicity Eldercare. On Nov. 3, 10, and 17, caregivers may learn about living through the middle stages of Alzheimer’s. Through this three-part program, caregivers will learn more about symptoms and care needs, techniques for managing behaviors and managing safety, and relationship changes and supportive services available to help with care-giving responsibilities. These programs will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the library, and will be led by Michelle Foster- Carter of the Alzheimer’s Association. A program about the legal and financial considerations for the caregivers of loved ones with Alzheimer’s will be held Tuesday, Nov. 11 from 6 to 8 p.m. James T. Parks, CFP, president and wealth adviser, Parks Wealth Manage- ment and Brian Keane, Esq., Hartman & Winnicki, P.C. will discuss advanced planning that may relieve some of the burden as caregivers of dementia patients confront difficult legal and financial decisions. This program will (continued on page 14)