LEWISTON — The Maine Savvy Caregiver Project will offer a free 12-hour training program for family caregivers of people with dementia.

It will help caregivers develop a sense of mastery in the caregiving role and how to care for themselves; how to effectively interact with a loved one and manage challenging behaviors; and learn what dementia is and how it affects personality and behavior.

Participation includes a research project to evaluate the program by completing pre- and post-surveys.

Classes will be held at St. Mary’s d’Youville Pavilion, 102 Campus Ave., from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesdays, Aug. 9, 16, 23, 30 and Sept. 13 and 20.

They will also be conducted at the SeniorsPlus Education Center, 8 Falcon Road,  ?from 2 to 4 p.m. Mondays, Aug. 15, 22, 29 and Sept. 12, 19 and 26.

Preregistration is required. Contact Cindy Beck, Alzheimer’s Association, Maine Chapter at 772-0115 or (800) 272-3900 for more information or to register. ??