Duke Dementia Family Support Program
Caregiver Collective Wisdom
Check out our new addition to the website, Caregiver Collective Wisdom! We asked e-news readers and support group attendees to tell us, “What do you wish someone had told you?”. On this page, you can read through the wisdom and compassion of the responses, with a range of practical caregiving advice and honest reflections on caring for a loved one with dementia.
Upcoming Support Group Dates
If you have not previously participated in a support group, but are interested in joining now, please contact the appropriate staff member.
African American Dementia Care Partner Support Group: Every third Tuesday at 7 p.m., contact Tiffany for info, 919-660-7508.
Long-Term Care Community Support Group: Every third Tuesday at noon, contact Natalie for information, 919-660-7542.
Duke Dementia Morning Care Partners: Every second Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. and fourth Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. (in-person), contact Tiffany for info, 919-660-7509.
Younger-Onset: Every second and fourth Tuesday at 7 p.m., contact Janeli if joining for the first time, 919-660-7565.
Daughters Concerned For Aging Relatives: Every first and third Wednesday at noon, contact
Natalie for info, 919-660-7542.
Duke Dementia Evening Care Partners: Every second and fourth Thursday at 6:30 p.m, contact Natalie for info, 919-660-7542.
PLWD Group: Every third Monday at 11:00 a.m. contact Janeli for info, 919-660-7565.
Caregiver Connections
Lecanemab for Treatment of Early Alzheimer’s Disease
Monday, April 15th at 2:00 PM EST
This presentation will cover the current state of clinical trial results and FDA approval of Lecanemab for the potential treatment of Early Alzheimer’s Disease. Dr. Parker will discuss how Lecanemab works, who is eligible, the risks and benefits, and its costs and Medicare coverage.
Dr. Daniel Parker, MD, Duke Geriatrician
Dr. Parker is a geriatrician, memory disorders specialist, and physician at Duke. Dr. Parker diagnoses and manages cognitive impairment at the inter-professional Duke Memory Disorders Clinic.
His research interests center on understanding how diet and exercise improve brain health and reduce the risk of developing dementia.
Click here for the flyer information!
Upcoming Programs Events and Engagement Opportunities
Event Opportunities
Alzheimer’s Association NC Chapter Education Programs
The North Carolina Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association has a variety of webinars and in-person programs over the next few weeks.
See Eastern NC Events here
See Western NC Events here
Dementia Basics, What Can We Expect?
Every Tuesday, April 9 – 30, 10:30 a.m. (in-person)
Chapel Hill Public Library, 100 Library Dr., Chapel Hill
To register email or call 919-968-2087. View the flyer here.
Four-part educational series to provide basic information about dementia for individuals with memory concerns, caregivers, and other interested community members. Hosted by Orange County Department on Aging.
Triangle Walk to De-feet Dementia
Sunday, April 21, 1 – 4 p.m.
Fred Fletcher Park, Raleigh
For more information and to register click here.
Join the Dementia Alliance of NC in walking to defeat dementia and support caregivers in North Carolina.
4th Annual Alzheimer’s & Related Dementias Community Summit
Saturday, April 27, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. (lunch included)
St. Matthew Baptist Church, 5410 Louisburg Rd., Raleigh
View this flyer for more information and click this link to register.
Powerful Tools for Caregivers Class
Every Monday for six consecutive sessions
April 8 – May 13, 1:30 – 3 p.m.
Northern Wake Senior Center, 235 E. Holding Avenue
View flyer for more information and click here to register.
The curriculum, Powerful Tools for Caregivers, is an educational program that provides caregivers with tools and strategies to better cope with their unique challenges. Hosted by The Center for Volunteer Caregiving and Resources for Seniors.
What’s Next: A Middle-Stage Program
Every Monday, April 15 – May 6, 10 – 11:30 a.m.
Limited respite slots available
Passmore Senior Center, Hillsborough
To learn more email or call 919-660-7510. View the flyer here.
Are you facing the unique challenges of caring for a family member with middle-stage dementia? We’re here to support you. Join our four-week workshop designed specifically for caregivers navigating the transition from care partner to care giver. Led by experienced professionals, this workshop offers practical strategies and emotional support to help you cope with the complexities of dementia care. Hosted by Duke Dementia Family Support Program.
Aging and Thriving Conference
Tuesday, April 30 – Friday, May 3, 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. (free virtual event)
Follow this link for more information and to register.
Come learn from expert speakers on topics related to thriving as we age. This virtual speaker series is for older adults and their families. Hosted by Jewish for Good.
Engagement Opportunities
Memory Café Hosted by Jewish for Good, Durham
Thursday, April 25, 2 – 3:30 p.m.
Register by emailing or calling Jordana Brown at 919-354-4924.
Creative Impressions with the North Carolina Museum of Art
Monday, April 22, 10:30 a.m. – noon
Chatham Community Library, 197 NC Hwy 87 N, Pittsboro
View the Chatham County flyer here.
Wednesday, March 27, 10:30 a.m. – noon
Chapel Hill Public Library, 100 Library Drive, Chapel Hill
To sign up email Sarah Wagner.
Individuals with memory loss and their care partners are invited to join the North Carolina Art Museum staff for mindful art observation and art making. All materials are provided, just bring your sense of adventure and curiosity!
Memory Café at R Place
Saturday, April 27, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Passmore Center, 103 Meadowlands Dr., Hillsborough
Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with others, enjoy live music, therapy animals, games, and lunch at the Passmore Center. For individuals with memory impairment and caregivers. Registration is required contact Alison Smith, at 919-245-4251 to RSVP.
Banner Health: Back to Baseball – A Reminiscence Series
Every third Wednesday of the month from Feb. – May (virtual)
Caregivers and individuals living with dementia can relive the best of America’s pastime sport of baseball through trivia, reminiscence, and social activities. To learn more and register click here.
**Please note registration is in Mountain Standard Time and Eastern Standard Time for the event starts at 1 p.m.
Memory Café of Cary
Every second Tuesday of the month, 4:30 – 6 p.m.
Cary Senior Center, 120 Maury Odell Place, Cary
For more info and to RSVP click here.
ESUMC’s Evening of Dinner and Entertainment
Every third Wednesday of the month, 4 – 6 p.m.
Edenton Street United Methodist Church, Raleigh
Dinner is $10 per person. Open to individuals living with dementia and care partners.
Register by emailing or calling Lisa Pace at 919-306-1553.
Millbrook Enrichment Center – Socialization Program
Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
1712 E. Millbrook Rd., Raleigh
$40 per day, with a reduction for the third day if you sign up for three days. Program for individuals with early to moderate-stage dementia or other mild disabilities. For more information click here or contact Shelly Gross at 919-277-8628.
Teepa Snow’s Positive Approach to Care Engagement Events
Free virtual and in-person engagement opportunities for individuals living with dementia such as the Brain Connection Café and Bingo with Creativity. For more information and to register, see the Events page on their website.
Wake County Public Libraries – Memory Care Kits
Memory kit includes books and activities designed to spark memories, initiate conversation, and provide positive interaction between caregiver and individual with memory loss. A Wake County library card is required to reserve the kits, but some of the digital resources in the online guide are accessible to all and may be available at your local library! Click here for more information.
Staying Engaged
Need ideas on how to engage your loved one with dementia at home? Check out the DDFSP’s Engagement page or like our Facebook page for weekly ideas, tips, or activities!
