JACKSONVILLE, Fla., April 5, 2021 – Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth has proven to be a useful tool for maintaining health and wellness. On April 16, the Alzheimer’s Association will host a free, virtual program on the additional benefits of telehealth for those living with dementia and their loved ones.
Featuring guest speaker Prerna Poojary, Ph.D., “Telehealth: A Gateway to Healthy Living” will also include a “Healthy Living for the Brain and Body” presentation from Alzheimer’s Community Educator Amanda Tatum, to be followed by a Q&A session with the speakers.
“Telehealth and telerehabilitation makes access to health care easier,” Poojary said, “leading to improved care of chronic conditions and improved overall wellness.”
A clinical assistant professor in the University of Florida College of Public Health and Health Professions Occupational Therapy Department, Poojary completed her Ph.D. in rehabilitation sciences and technology from the University of Pittsburgh in 2016. Her clinical work focuses on aging in place, community reintegration, mental health and wounds associated with lymphedema patients.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, more than 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease, and more than 11 million loved ones are providing them with daily, unpaid care. In Florida alone, there are 580,000 people battling the disease.
“Florida has the second-highest prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease in the nation,” noted Audrey Coachman, program manager for the Alzheimer’s Association. “As the health and safety of our constituents are always our top priorities, we at the Alzheimer’s Association feel it is vital that we continue to explore ways in which we can improve health care through innovation and technology to ensure the best quality of care.”
Sponsored in part by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs and the Pasco-Pinellas Area Agency on Aging, the free program will begin at 1 p.m. EDT on April 16. To register, visit http://bit.ly/AlzTelehealth or contact the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline at (800) 272-3900.
Alzheimer’s Association®
The Alzheimer’s Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Our mission is to lead the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia – by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia. Visit alz.org or call (800) 272-3900.
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