I’ve seen what Alzheimer’s can do to a family. The constant monitoring, the sadness and frustration over forgotten memories, the danger of self-harm – it weighs on caregivers in a way that is sometimes hard to express. The emotional and physical toll can be overwhelming. Local experts on dementia and Alzheimer’s are hoping to provide emotional support and practical advice to caregivers in need of a safe space to talk.Ricardo Molina, a registered nurse and staff development coordinator at the Life Care Center of the San Juans in Friday Harbor, is interested in starting a support group. Molina has received extensive training on the topic of Alzheimers and wants to share his knowledge with others. For more information, call the center at 378-2117. The Orcas Senior Center is sponsoring a group facilitated by Larry Hughes, an aging and family case coordinator. Caregivers will have the opportunity to meet with others who are currently caring for loved ones with the disease. Supervision will be available for care receivers during the meeting. The group will first meet on Wednesday, Feb. 24 from noon to 1:30 p.m. Lunch will be available for a $5 donation per person. Pre-registration is required by calling 376-2677 or by e-mailing orcasheartsandhands@gmail.com.According to the Alzheimer’s Association, dementia is a general term for a serious decline in mental ability that is caused by physical changes in the brain. It is not a “normal” part of aging. Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia, accounting for 60 to 80 percent of dementia cases.While symptoms of dementia can vary greatly, at least two of the following core functions will be impaired: • Memory• Communication and language• Ability to focus and pay attention• Reasoning and judgment• Visual perceptionThe most common early symptom of Alzheimer’s is difficulty remembering newly learned information.The Alzheimer’s Association has a 24/7 Helpline at 1-800-272-3900. You can also visit www.alz.org for more information.Dementia caregivers frequently report high levels of stress and can exhibit these symptoms: denial about the disease, anger at the person with the disease, social withdrawal from friends and activities, anxiety, depression, exhaustion, sleeplessness, irritability and lack of concentration. If you feel alone and exhausted or simply have questions about what the future may hold, reach out and ask for help. Support groups are a wonderful way to share experiences and heal.