Cafe Purple offers support and education to caregivers

Posted: Sun, Jun 24, 2018 10:31 AM

Café Purple is hosting several educational speakers in the coming months for caregivers of people with dementia.

Café Purple is a group for caregivers of people with dementia to come together and share information and support. The group is facilitated by two local volunteers, Brecka Putnam and Debra Masek. When asked why Putnam wanted to start this group, she said, "No family should have to navigate Alzheimer's alone. Café Purple is here to make all of us stronger by providing a space to share with and learn from others who are facing the same thing."

The first speaker on Tuesday, June 26th will be Bridget White from the Dementia Care Program at the Winneshiek Medical Center. She will discuss local hospital resources, benefits of getting medical help involved, and what to do if you suspect a loved one has dementia.

The number of Americans living with Alzheimer's disease is growing—and growing fast. An estimated 5.5 million Americans of all ages are living with Alzheimer's dementia in 2017 including 64,000 Iowans. Of the 5.5 million Americans living with Alzheimer's dementia, an estimated 5.3 million people are age 65 and older and approximately 200,000 individuals are under the age of 65 with early-onset Alzheimer's.

Support groups help educate and inform participants about dementia, help participants develop methods and skills to solve problems, and improve their lives.

Visit alz.org or call 800.272.3900 for more information.