Pierce County Aging and Disability Resources will host a new series of its “Oh My Gosh – Now What?” seminar for individuals with Alzheimer’s or another dementia, plus families, caregivers, and others focusing on the initial journey of memory loss. 

The six-part series will cover warning signs and symptoms, managing behaviors, the progress of the disease, legal concerns, financial issues, and local resources. All sessions, which are free, will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Pierce County Sound View Building (3602 Pacific Ave., suite 200) in Tacoma on the following schedule and topics:

• Feb. 4, “What is dementia? What are the warning signs?”

• Feb. 11, “How does the disease progress? What should I expect?”

• Feb. 25, “How do I start the conversation? How do I cope with the shock?”

• March 3, “What are the typical moods and behaviors? How do I manage them?”

• March 10, “How do I pay for care? What are the legal things I should do?”

• March 17, “Where can I turn for help? What are the resources I can rely on?”

The sessions will be led by case managers with Aging and Disability Resources who specialize in helping individuals and families coping with memory loss. 

Additional information is available at 253-798-4600. 

“We all value our memories,” said Aaron Van Valkenburg, manager of Aging and Disability Resources, a program of Pierce County government. “In fact, 82 percent of seniors say it’s important to have their thinking or memory checked. But only 16 percent say they receive regular cognitive assessments. That puts an enormous burden on spouses, families and friends to watch for the tell-tail signs of confusion or memory loss.”