Alzheimer's Association Northwest Ohio hosting Loudonville education program

The Alzheimer's Association Northwest Ohio Chapter will host a brief education program in Loudonville.
The Alzheimer's Association Northwest Ohio Chapter will host a brief education program in Loudonville.

The Alzheimer's Association Northwest Ohio Chapter will host a brief education program on the warning signs of Alzheimer's, followed by a community forum and listening session in Loudonville, according to a news release from the organization.

The program, 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer's, is being offered free to the community and will begin at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, May 18 at the Loudonville Library Golden Center, located at 122 E. Main St. in Loudonville. The educational program will be followed by a community forum, which will run until noon. Residents of Ashland County and the surrounding area are invited to attend and share ways the Alzheimer's Association can serve and assist their community.

“After we share the 10 warning signs of Alzheimer's, we'll open up the floor for questions and discussion through our community forum process,” said Pam Myers, Alzheimer's Association Northwest Ohio Chapter program director, in the release. “We really want to hear from the community about what they need from the Alzheimer's Association.”

Alzheimer's and other dementias cause memory, thinking and behavior problems that interfere with daily living. Participants of this event will learn about common signs of the disease, including memory loss, issues with problem solving, difficulty completing familiar tasks, withdrawal from social activities and more. The session also will cover how to approach someone about memory concerns, the importance of early detection and the benefits of a diagnosis, and resources offered by the Alzheimer's Association.

“It's so important to be able to recognize early signs of Alzheimer's disease and dementia. This program will help you familiarize yourself with those signs,” Myers said in the release. “Bring a friend or family member and stop by to let us know how the Alzheimer's Association can better serve you.”

According to the Alzheimer's Association 2022 Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures, there were 220,000 Ohioans age 65 and older living with Alzheimer's disease in 2021 and that number is expected to increase to 250,000 by 2025.

Those who are concerned about themselves or a loved one can contact the Alzheimer's Association Northwest Ohio Chapter at 419-537-1999 to schedule a care consultation and be connected with local resources that can help.

This article originally appeared on Ashland Times Gazette: Alzheimer's program in Loudonville on May 18