Alzheimer’s Association Cleveland Area Chapter hosts programs

Columbia Station to present program

The Alzheimer’s Association Cleveland Area Chapter is hosting a variety of upcoming programs that provide information about Alzheimer’s prevention and early diagnosis and support caregivers and care partners, according to a news release.

The free programs are: • Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., July 19, at Lorain Public Library System Columbia Branch, 13824 W. River Road in Columbia Station; 5-5:30 p.m., July 15, at Grande Pointe Healthcare Community, 3 Merit Drive in Richmond Heights; and 2-3 p.m., July 21, at The Sanctuary of Geneva, 200 Commerce Place in Geneva.

• 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s, 1-2 p.m., July 11, at Mother Teresa Commons, 25031 Columbus Road in Bedford Heights; 10:1510:45 a.m., July 12, at Lakewood Senior Center, 14300 Detroit Ave. in Lakewood; and 10:30-11:30 a.m., July 26, at Jefferson Community Center, 11 E. Jefferson St. in Jefferson.

• Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body, 2-3 p.m., July 13, at Judson Park, 2181 Ambleside Drive in Cleveland; 4-5 p.m., July 20, at Judson Manor, 1890 E. 107th St. in Cleveland.

Pre-registration is required. To register, call the Alzheimer’s Association’s 24/7 Helpline at 800-2723900.

“We offer programs that cover a wide range of dementia-related topics, ranging from ways to prevent or slow the disease, early signs of dementia, and ways families can address and respond to challenging dementia-related behaviors,” said Mary Ertle, program director for the Alzheimer’s Association Cleveland Area and Greater East Ohio Chapters, in the release. “We host these programs at a variety of times and locations to reach as many families as possible.”

The 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s program will teach participants how to recognize common signs of the disease, how to approach someone about memory concerns, the importance of early detection and benefits of a diagnosis, and possible tests and assessments for the diagnostic process, according to the release.

Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body teaches attendees about sciencebacked lifestyle choices that may help keep the brain and body healthy as someone ages, the release said.

Join to learn about research in the areas of diet and nutrition, exercise, cognitive activity and social engagement, and learn about hands-on tools to create a plan for healthy aging, the release said.

Join Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia to learn about the impact of Alzheimer’s, the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia, stages and risk factors, and current research and treatments available for some symptoms.

Participants will learn to decode behavioral messages, identify common behavior triggers, and learn strategies to help intervene with some of the most common behavioral challenges of Alzheimer’s disease, the release said.

There are 493,000 people caring for 220,000 Ohioans aged 65 and older living with Alzheimer’s disease, according to the Alzheimer’s Association “2023 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures.”

Those concerned about themselves or a loved one can contact the Alzheimer’s Association Cleveland Area Chapter at 216-342-5556 to schedule a care consultation and be connected to local resources.