Alzheimer's talk at New Bedford library

NEW BEDFORD - According to the national Alzheimer's Association, the number of Americans living with Alzheimer's disease is growing - and growing fast.

An estimated 5.4 million Americans of all ages have Alzheimer's disease in 2016. As memory fragments and slips away with the progression of Alzheimer's and other dementia diseases, the individuals afflicted, and those who care for them, struggle with maintaining meaningful communication and the ability to stay engaged with the world around them. It is a difficult day in day out challenge both for the patient and the caregiver.

On March 3 at 9 a.m. at the New Bedford Free Public Library, caregivers of people with Alzheimer's and other dementias are invited to join keynote speaker Michael James and panelists Dr. Anna Dempsey and Allison Cywin of UMass Dartmouth along with Dee Brenner of the I'm Still Here Foundation. They will lead an exploration of the impact of the illness on the person with dementia and the people who care for them and the role art can play in their lives.

The program for caregivers was inspired by the artist Judith James who died last year of younger onset Alzheimer's. An exhibition of Judith's work can be seen at New Bedford Art Museum/ArtWorks! The program is intended to offer new perspectives and strategies for those who care for people with dementia. It is a program for caregivers, both professionals and family, which will discuss some of the challenges faced by individuals afflicted with dementia and the people who care for them. The audience will explore how art may be a means of communication both for patient and care giver.

Following the panel discussion, participants are invited to a networking reception from 11 a.m. to noon at the Museum and to view the exhibition of Judith's work. The Museum is directly across the street from the Library.

This program is offered free to the community through the generous support of Mass Humanities and the Community Nurses. Advance registration at www.newbedfordart.org is requested. The New Bedford Free Public Library is located at 613 Pleasant St.New Bedford Art Museum. ArtWorks! is located at 608 Pleasant St.

For more information, contact the museum at 508-961-3072 or visit www.NewBedfordArt.org.

Winter gallery hours are Wednesday through Sunday, from noon to 5 p.m.; open every Thursday until 9 p.m. The museum's offices are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.