The Alzheimer’s Association National Capital Area Chapter is partnering with the Cedar Heights Community Center to host an educational program on Alzheimer’s awareness April 23 at 11 a.m.
“We are interested in educating our constituents about Alzheimer’s and dementia because it is affecting all of us, either directly or indirectly,” said Michelle Stroman, a volunteer who helped schedule the presentation. “Some of us have family members and friends who have displayed symptoms of what we think is Alzheimer’s and dementia. We would like to know what we should look for, what we can do to help, and when we should back off.”
Nearly 7 million Americans 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s, including 127,000 in Maryland. Data released at the 2023 Alzheimer’s Association International Conference showed Prince George’s County ranks fourth among the nation’s 3,142 counties for prevalence of Alzheimer’s in adults 65 and older.
The program will provide an overview of Alzheimer’s and dementia, discuss warning signs, explain the difference between normal aging and concerning memory loss, and emphasize the importance of early diagnosis. Participants will learn about community resources and support offered by the Alzheimer’s Association for patients, families and caregivers.
“It’s critical to educate our community about the importance of having baseline cognitive testing and to learn about all of the free resources the Alzheimer’s Association has,” said Laura Byer, program manager with the Alzheimer’s Association National Capital Area chapter.
Michael Smith, an Alzheimer’s Association volunteer who cared for his wife after her younger-onset Alzheimer’s diagnosis, will present the program. Since his wife’s death, Smith has dedicated himself to fundraising for the Alzheimer’s Association while serving as a community educator and support group facilitator for families affected by Alzheimer’s and dementia in the Veterans Administration.
“I am passionate about volunteering for the Alzheimer’s Association to honor my late wife Bernita and to ensure that families and caregivers are supported and guided during the challenging journey of caregiving,” Smith said.
The free program is open to the community with no registration required. For more information, call 800-272-3900 or go to alz.org/nca.