The Alzheimer's Association of Colorado suggests many ways your gift giving this year can make a difference for the more than 64,000 Coloradoans and their families living with Alzheimer's disease.

Donations and items purchased from our e-store support education classes, support groups, counseling, the Safe Return Program, the 24 hour Helpline and research to find better treatments and eventually a cure.

Consider making a contribution to the Alzheimer's Association in memory or in honor of a loved one.

Purchase an item from the e-store online at www.alz.org : a warm purple fleece scarf, a Champion mug, a Champion T-shirt or Forget-me-not Crocs™ Charms.

Enroll the person with Alzheimer's in the MedicAlert® + Alzheimer's Association Safe Return® program; peace of mind for caregivers of those at risk for wandering.

Purchase greeting cards from eInvite.com (enter Alzheimer's into the search) with a portion of the proceeds going to the Alzheimer's Association.

For caregivers it may simply be a gift of your time; offer to stay with the person who has the disease so the caregiver can have a break, do the laundry or the grocery shopping, rake the leaves or make a meal or two. Gift certificates for a night out at the movies or a cleaning or household chore service can be a big help especially if in home or day care is proving to be a financial burden.

For more information about caring for someone with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia, go to www.alz.org/co or call the 24 hour Helpline at 800-272-3900.