Forum to discuss Alzheimer’s

The Valley community is invited to attend a public forum to discuss Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias on Feb. 20 in El Centro.

The forum will provide an opportunity for people of all ages to ask questions about the disease, share their personal experiences and needs, learn about available resources and discover volunteer opportunities to support families affected by the disease.

The forum is being hosted by the Imperial County Area Agency on Aging in partnership with Alzheimer’s Association San Diego-Imperial chapter.

The goal of AAA is to have people age in their homes for as long as possible and to determine what additional resources and services are needed to serve the community, a county press release stated.

The public’s input is sought to also determine whether there is a need to provide more services at community centers, establish more assisted-living facilities, memory care centers, and/or skilled nursing facilities, as well as how public officials can help advocate to make them more affordable, the press release stated.

The Alzheimer’s Association has expressed concerns that no individual or family should navigate the challenges of Alzheimer’s disease alone and therefore hosts such forums to open conversation in an effort to bolster resources, programs and services to support families.

Community volunteers are essential in helping the Alzheimer’s Association best serve the needs of families affected by the disease, in driving awareness and in mobilizing people in Imperial County in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease, the press release stated.

The forum is at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 20, El Centro Community Center rooms A and B, 375 S. First St.

To RSVP, call (442) 265-7033 or by visiting bit. ly/2ReOrI7

A light dinner will be provided, and Spanish interpretation will be available.