May 6, 2021 May 6, 2021 CHARLESTON â The West Virginia Alzheimerâs Association is offering dementia training for the stateâs first responders to help in their interactions with the elderly. The free series of educational programs will deal with effective communication strategies and dementia behaviors. Sharon M. Covert, executive director of the Alzheimerâs Association West Virginia Chapter, said dementia training for West Virginiaâs first responders is essential to developing a dementia-friendly workforce. âHaving effective communication strategies and techniques is a valuable skill to have when interacting with members of the community, even more so when you are dealing with the elder population who may be struggling with cognitive impairment issues, such as dementia or Alzheimer's,â Covert said.