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Jersey Alzheimer's Organization Focuses On 'Frontline Support' In Lodi

LODI, N.J. — Alzheimer's 101, hosted in Lodi later this month, shows how it takes more than physician care to help a person who can't necessarily get through the day's mundane tasks without assistance. 

Alzheimer NJ's walk at Bergen Community College last year.

Alzheimer NJ's walk at Bergen Community College last year.

Photo Credit: Photo courtesy of Terese Kelly Greer
Left to right: Associate Director of Alzheimer’s NJ’s Northern Regional Office Elaine Winter, VP of Development and communications Julie Schuldner, CBS 2 News Morning Weatherman John Elliott, CEO Ken Zaentz, President and Board Chair Russell Rothman.

Left to right: Associate Director of Alzheimer’s NJ’s Northern Regional Office Elaine Winter, VP of Development and communications Julie Schuldner, CBS 2 News Morning Weatherman John Elliott, CEO Ken Zaentz, President and Board Chair Russell Rothman.

Photo Credit: Photo courtesy of Terese Kelly Greer

The program is organized by Alzheimer's NJ and focuses on an integral part of care that's occasionally overlooked: the caregivers.

"It’s the family caregiver who’s the frontline support," Alzheimer's NJ CEO Ken Zaentz said.

The non-profit operates all over Bergen and Passaic county and uniquely draws attention to the importance of giving caregivers a break.

"Even if it’s an hour or two where they can recharge and socialize with their own friends or run errands... That really does help them come back and continue what is not an easy responsibility," Zaentz said.

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Many of the services needed to care for a person with Alzheimer's are not necessarily covered by medical insurance. A significant responsibility can be placed on the primary caregiver which can have isolating results.

"When your friends start to not know what to say anymore, they stop saying anything. Your social network starts to disappear because people don’t know what to say," Zaentz said.

Alzheimer's NJ has a series of programs and events that address different issues of Alzheimer's. 

More information about the organization's events can be found through their website. Alzheimer's 101 will take place Feb. 23, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. at Lodi Memorial Library. The event is open to the public and signups are encouraged

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