BUFFALO – Memory loss is not a normal part of aging, and it could be an indication of something more serious such as disease that is causing dementia symptoms. The Alzheimer’s Association® Western New York Chapter offers a number of free education programs that cover the basics about Alzheimer’s disease and dementia and communication strategies, and two of them will be presented in Westfield in May.

Chapter educators will be leading a presentation about Effective Communication Strategies on Monday, May 6. The program covers verbal and non-verbal strategies for caregivers to more effectively understand and communicate with a person living with dementia. It is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. at Absolut Care of Westfield, which is located at 26 Cass St.

Know the 10 Warning Signs is another free education program of the Alzheimer’s Association. It will be presented at 6 p.m. on Thursday, May 16 in Patterson Library at 40 S. Portage St. in Westfield.

Questions about the programs and to register for either or both classes, call the Chapter office at 626-0600 extension 313 during traditional business hours or 800-272-3900 24-hours a day, seven-days a week.

Additionally, the Chapter oversees monthly caregiver support group meetings in six locations across the county which allow caregivers to connect with others facing similar challenges and hear advice for overcoming them.

Second and fourth Friday (May 10 and 24) at 10 a.m. – St. John’s United Church of Christ, 733 Central Ave. – Dunkirk

Fourth Thursday (May 23) at 4:30 p.m. – Fredonia Place, 50 Howard Street, Fredonia

Second Tuesday (May 14) at 1 p.m. – Jamestown Area Medical Associates, 15 S. Main St., Jamestown (respite services are available by calling 800-272-3900)

Third Thursday (May 16) at 5:30 p.m. – Fluvanna Community Church at 3363 Fluvanna Ave. in Jamestown

Third Wednesday (May 15) at 10 a.m. – Mayville Library, 92 S. Erie St.

Second Tuesday (May 14) at 9:30 a.m. – North County Dine-N-Dish: Restaurant location changes monthly. Call Jennifer Ellman at the Chautauqua County Office for the Aging at 753-4781 for updated information.

A community social program, or respite, is also available every month in Westfield. This free program provides relief to those who care for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia and offers them some time to refresh and re-charge, while their loved one is engaged in social activities in a safe environment. Westfield United Methodist Church at 101 East Main Street has launched a new respite service on this Wednesday. For more information, call Gail Boardway at 232-4310.

While these programs are all free to attend, pre-registration is strongly encouraged to ensure there are enough materials and to relay any changes to the schedules. To reserve a seat and learn more about other Alzheimer’s Association programs and services, contact the WNY Chapter office at 1-800-272-3900.