Jonesboro, AR – (JonesboroRightNow.com) – Aug. 14, 2025 – The St. Bernards Senior Health Clinic will be holding a special program this month focused on bringing awareness to dementia and Alzheimer’s and how people can help those battling either disease.
Operations manager Sydney Hilton said events like these are needed as cases of Alzheimer’s are becoming more common, adding it is “the next epidemic for sure.” The program, called the Mind and Memory Boot Camp, is free and open to anyone interested.
Attendees will participate in several activities, including a session where they can learn practical strategies to help with understanding and connecting to those who may have issues with being able to recall memories or communicate.
Physician Christina Rosca said that because the way the mind works is complex, combating issues created by diseases like dementia and Alzheimer’s is even more so. She emphasized family support and easing stress are important when dealing with a loved one.
“Anxiety is a major factor when it comes to finding activities that are calming and pleasant and make them smile rather than cry,” Rosca said.
There will also be a 30-minute seated exercise class, in which participants will go through gentle movements to improve brain function and mobility. Rosca explained that exercise makes a big difference in patients.
“Exercises do improve their memory, their ability to focus. It challenges them. It maintains their vocabulary, among others,” Rosca said.
The event will also feature a dementia walk-through experience, where attendees will get a hands-on understanding of how the disease affects perception and daily life.
“It gives you the ability to put on goggles and a pair of gloves, and you can kind of see what it’s like to have mom, dad, grandma, grandpa, whoever, what they might deal with,” Hilton said.
The Mind and Memory Boot Camp will be held from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Aug. 26. It will be held in the meeting room of the St. Bernards Imaging Center at 1144 E. Matthews Ave.
To learn more information about dementia or Alzheimer’s or if you cannot make it to the event, can contact Hilton at sspeck@sbrmc.org or call 870-207-7555. You can also visit the St. Bernards Senior Health Clinic’s website by clicking here.
