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MARQUETTE -- According to the Alzheimer's Association, 5.3 million Americans have Alzheimer's disease.  It's the sixth leading cause of death in the country.

The growing prevalence of the disease is why Brookridge Heights Assisted Living and Memory Care wanted to host "Sensitivity Training" sessions, to help spread awareness.

"There's a lot more prevalence to the disease process and people are talking about it more, people are needing more information," says Victoria Tiebor, Sensitivity Training Instructor.

But participants in Monday's Sensitivity Training didn't just learn about the disease, they experienced what it's like to have it.

"This is a different kind of training; it's very interactive.  It's not a training where you go and listen to a speaker.  You take physical part in learning about some of the challenges that people with the disease go through on a daily basis," Tiebor says.

They put goggles on to impair their vision and gloves with the fingers taped together to hinder their sense of touch.  They were then asked to do a series of tasks in the dark, such as writing a letter and buttoning a shirt. It was an experience which, participants say, was eye opening.

"It was amazing.  It really put us into their perspective, Alzheimer's and dementia patients." says Chris Main, a participant.

"It was heartbreaking, to know how hard it is and frustrating to button up a shirt, tie a tie, and to write a letter," says Jessica Van Overlo.

There are more Sensitivity Training sessions Tuesday.  To sign up, please call (906) 225-4488.