Conference On Alzheimer’s Disease

WATERBURY –– In 1985, President Ronald Reagan designated November as “National Alzheimer’s Disease Month” to enhance public awareness about the degenerative brain disorder that affects one in ten adults over age 65. Nine years later, Mr Reagan announced he was among the four million Americans diagnosed with the condition. Although there is no cure, much can be done to maintain quality of life for sufferers, as well as their caregivers.

In recognition of National Alzheimer’s Disease Month, Naugatuck Valley Community College is presenting a free conference on Wednesday, November 5, from 8:30 am to 1 pm, in the college’s Mainstage auditorium.

The program, “Alzheimer’s: New Directions in Treatment, Prevention, and Caregiving,” is sponsored by the college’s Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences, with support from the NVCC Tech-Prep office. A continental breakfast will precede the conference.

Featured speakers include Charles Mate-Kole, PhD, a professor of psychology at Central Connecticut State University, who will address neuropsychological perspectives on Alzheimer’s; Patrick Coll, MD, medical director of the Center on Aging at the University of Connecticut Health Center, who will discuss effective management of Alzheimer’s; Susan Miller, MS, author of the books, Unplanned Journey Home and No Man’s Land –– A Caregiver’s Survival Guide, who will discuss living with Alzheimer’s; and Carole Levitt, MS, regional program coordinator for the South Central Region Alzheimer’s Association, Connecticut chapter, who will address caregiver issues.

For more information about the conference, call Sandra Valente, assistant professor of psychology, at 203- 596-8655.