Making Sense of Memory Loss Online

By Jon Woodall

Developed by Mather LifeWays Institute on Aging and the Alzheimer's Association, Making Sense of Memory Loss Online is an evidence-based course that helps family members who care for someone in the early or late stages of memory loss, whether or not that individual has received a diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease or related dementia. These convenient classes can be accessed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

With the completion of the online course, participants will:

increase their knowledge about the causes of memory loss and promote a case for medical evaluation
assist in adjusting attitudes and behaviors in relation to the person with memory loss
bolster their self-efficacy with respect to present and future care tasks

In addition to the online course, Making Sense of Memory Loss is available in a comprehensive toolkit accessible to professionals who are interested in educating families and friends of people with memory loss about its causes and treatments, as well as effective ways of coping now and in the future. This evidence-based training program covers the following topics:

memory loss and related symptoms
improving communication
making decisions
planning for the future
coping and caring strategies

The Making Sense of Memory Loss Toolkit consists of five 2-hour and 15-minute classes. As a trainer, you will receive everything you need to teach these sessions, including a 154-page scripted Class Leader's Guide, Participant's Guide, and a CD that includes 80 PowerPoint slides, evaluation tools, and templates for handouts and marketing communications.

A formal evaluation of the Making Sense of Memory Loss program, conducted with more than 300 participants throughout nine chapters of the Alzheimer's Association, demonstrated positive outcomes. Participants increased their knowledge and improved their ability to cope with a relative’s memory and thinking problems.

If you're interested in bringing this innovative, evidence-based, online program to your workplace, or registering as an individual student—or if you are a professional interested in educating others about coping with memory loss, please visit our website at www.matherlifeways.com/msml.

For more information, you can also contact Jon Woodall at (847) 492.6753 or jwoodall@matherlifeways.com

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