“Is It Alzheimer’s Or Old Age?”

LONGMEADOW — In recognition of Alzheimer’s Disease Month, JGS Institute will present a comprehensive program on the subject titled, Is it Alzheimer’s or Old Age: Memory Problems and Alzheimer’s Disease, to be held on Tuesday, Nov. 12 from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Julian J. Leavitt Family Jewish Nursing Home.

The speaker for the program will be Benjamin Liptzin, M.D., chairman of the Department of Psychiatry at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, and professor of Psychiatry at Tufts University Medical Center in Boston.

Targeted to adult children of older parents, elders themselves, and others with a need for information about Alzheimer’s disease, Liptzin’s presentation will be a comprehensive overview of the disease, including its definition, symptoms, stages, treatment and planning, along with advice and counsel on securing resources in the community. Joining him to answer questions from the audience will be panelists representing the entities of Jewish Geriatric Services that offer programs and services for people with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers.

The program will also serve as a kick-off for Jewish Geriatric Services’ new community support group for caregivers and families of people with Alzheimer’s disease, which will begin in December. It will also kick off JGS’ new Memory and Depression Screening Program, a proactive effort for family members coping with a loved one’s possibility of Alzheimer’s disease, and individuals who themselves may be facing the issue.

The free program is part of JGS Institute, the community and professional education arm of Jewish Geriatric Services.

To RSVP or for more information about the program, or for more information about the Alzheimer’s support group and Memory/Depression Screening Program, call (413) 567-3949.