Become a Dementia Friend! Information Session Planned in Decorah on February 19

It's your town. Your lives. Your stories. Make sure someone's telling them—donate to Decorah News now. DECORAH — Community members can learn more about dementia and effective ways to communicate with individuals living with the disease during a free Dementia Friends session Thursday, Feb. 19. The session will be held from 11 a.m. to noon in the meeting room at the Decorah Public Library, 202 Winnebago St. The event is jointly hosted by WinnMed, Northeast Iowa Community College and the Decorah Public Library. Bridget White, a certified occupational therapy assistant at WinnMed, will lead the session. White has 27 years of experience working with patients and families affected by dementia. "Small things can make a big difference for people living with dementia and their caregivers," White said. "By offering this outreach, I hope to increase empathy in our community." Dementia Friends is a global initiative designed to change how people think, act and talk about dementia. The program was developed by the Alzheimer's Society in the United Kingdom and has expanded across the United States, including Iowa. Registration is requested and can be completed through NICC's website at nicc.edu/solutions/105588. Participants will leave with a better understanding of dementia and practical actions they can take to support individuals living with the condition. Attendees will also be recognized as Dementia Friends. For more information, contact White at WinnMed Rehab and Sports Medicine at 563-387-3031. Stay connected and informed! Join the free newsletter for curated news, trending topics, and insider perspectives you won't find anywhere else.