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Alzheimer's and Dementia Caregiver Support Group

Caring for someone with memory loss can be a stressful, often isolating experience, but talking with others who are going through the same thing can help. If you face this challenge, we invite you to join the UMMC MIND Center's Alzheimer's and Dementia Caregiver Support Group. The informal group meets monthly at The MIND Center on the first floor of the Translational Research Center in Jackson to discuss current caregiving issues and share experiences. We all learn from each other. An option to attend virtually by Zoom is available for those unable to attend in person.

Who leads the groups?

Our group is co-led by a physician or nurse practitioner and a social worker from The MIND Center and UMMC Geriatrics. All of our leaders have extensive experience working with patients and family members living with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. A physician, nurse practitioner or guest speaker will typically provide a brief presentation to share their expertise and answer questions from the attendees. Although members gain knowledge from these health care professionals, the most valuable insight comes from group members themselves sharing stories and support.

What does the group discuss? 

Topics vary according to the needs of the group. Speakers may include UMMC experts as well as attorneys, therapists, and others who have useful information to share. We discuss updates on diagnosies, medication, treatment, interventions, home care, stress management, research and other areas of interest. No problem is too great or too small to talk about.

When and where are meetings held?  

The support group meets from 5:30-7:00 p.m. on the third Monday of each month, February through November. The January meeting is held on an alternate Monday due to the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday and there is no meeting in December. The group meets in The MIND Center's Collaboratory Conference Room on the first floor of the Translational Research Center on the UMMC campus.

To learn more about the support group, register to receive the meeting invitations or join the group, contact The MIND Center at mindcenter@umc.edu or 601-815-4237.