COEUR d'ALENE - People in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease will have the opportunity to reach out to others through the Alzheimer's Association Early-Stage Social Engagement Program, which begins Thursday, Jan. 16.

"This is something where we're going to go out and have fun," said P.J. Christo, RN, MS and outreach coordinator for the Alzheimer's Association National Organization Inland Northwest Chapter.

The program is intended to help early-stage AD patients and their families stay connected with the community and create connections with one another. It is not a closed program, so anyone new to AD is welcome.

"Once families are diagnosed with this devastating disease, they often become isolated as friends begin to 'fall away,'" Christo told The Press. "This program is a way to continue to stay connected and even find new friends and support."

Trials of the program have taken place in select markets across the country. It is aimed at helping prevent isolation by bringing people together for coffee, movies, pizza and a variety of other social activities.

"Sometimes, just simple things are enough," Christo said.

Participants of the Early-Stage Social Engagement Program will be meeting at 9:30 a.m. in Mulligan's Bar and Grille on Jan. 16. To attend or learn more about the program, contact Christo at 666-2996.