‘Memories Do Matter’ speaker series kicks off April 20

Memory Matters, the nonprofit agency that provides services for those with dementia and their families, has announced a fourpart speaker series that addresses overall brain health but also important information for caregivers who are taking care of a loved one diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or related dementia.

“This is a series that we hope can reach and help as many people in the community as possible, whether they are a caregiver, interested in Alzheimer’s and dementia, or want to learn more about what they can do to better their own brain health,” said Jill Horner, Memory Matters executive director.

The first session will be a presentation from Dr. Paul Mazzeo of Coastal Neurology. He will be addressing “Memory & Aging,” covering the spectrum from normal to dementia.

This will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. April 20 at Encompass Health, 107 Seagrass Station Road in Bluffton.

On May 20, Dr. Jill Trumble from St.

Joseph’s Candler Neurology will be available for “Ask the Neurologist” from 10 a.m. to noon at the Memory Matters building, 117 William Hilton Pkwy. on Hilton Head. She will answer questions, address concerns, and provide a wide range of information to caregivers who need it. Safety concerns and falls are always a worry of caregivers. This is the topic for the third session, from 10 a.m. to noon June 7 at St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church, 38 St. Gregory the Great Drive in Bluffton. This program will be a panel discussion from various experts in the field of providing care for those living with Alzheimer’s and related dementia. Scheduled are professionals from Lowcountry Council of Governments and from Bluffton Fire Department, a geriatric care manager, and an elder law attorney.

The last session, June 21 from 10 a.m. to noon, will be a cooking demonstration from Chef Kim Baretta. She will discuss “Simple Suppers – Eating Healthy for Two.”

It can be difficult to make healthy meals for just two people, especially when you are caring for a loved one. Chef Kim will provide recipes and tastings of great, easy meals that your loved one can make with you.

This session will be held at First Presbyterian Church on Hilton Head Island, 540 William Hilton Pkwy.

To attend all four sessions, the cost is $40, or $20 each for individual sessions.

A June 21 concert, featuring the Evolution

Big Band, will complete the series. For more information and to register, visit mymemorymatters.org.

Founded in 1997 on Hilton Head Island, Memory Matters is a nationally recognized nonprofit organization that provides compassionate memory care and optimizes brain wellness through education, programs and support for individuals, caregivers and our community.