Warning signs of Alzheimer’s subject of free community program at YMCA Bucyrus-Tiffin

Bucyrus Telegraph-Forum
·2 min read

The Alzheimer's Association Northwest Ohio Chapter scheduled a free community program on the 10 warning signs of Alzheimer’s to be held 11 a.m.-noon April 29 at the YMCA of Bucyrus-Tiffin, 1655 E. Southern Ave., Bucyrus.

Pre-registration is recommended. To register, call the Alzheimer's Association's 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900.

The program shares with attendees the difference between the symptoms of normal aging and dementia; how to approach someone about memory concerns; the importance of early detection and benefits of a diagnosis; possible tests and assessments for the diagnostic process, and free resources available from the Alzheimer's Association.

Alzheimer's is the most common type of dementia. Dementia is a general term for loss of memory, language, problem-solving and other thinking abilities that are severe enough to interfere with daily life, while memory changes that occur during aging most likely do not.

“Research has shown that cognitive changes in the brain can start 20 years or more before dementia symptoms occur,” said Pam Myers, senior program director of the Alzheimer's Association Northwest Ohio and Central Ohio Chapters.

The warning signs of Alzheimer’s is the subject of free community program at the YMCA Bucyrus-Tiffin on April 29.
The warning signs of Alzheimer’s is the subject of free community program at the YMCA Bucyrus-Tiffin on April 29.

“If you or someone you know is experiencing memory difficulties or other changes in thinking skills, don't ignore them,” Myers continued. “See a doctor soon to determine the cause. Early diagnosis allows a person to get the maximum benefit from available treatments and provides an opportunity to volunteer for clinical trials or studies. It also provides time to plan for the future.”

There are 236,200 Ohioans 65 and older living with Alzheimer's disease according to the Alzheimer’s Association 2024 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures. A total of 414,000 Ohio caregivers provide 624 million hours of unpaid care each year, valued at $11.4 billion.

Those 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 to free local resources.

To learn more about Alzheimer’s or other related dementia, or to access free tools and resources, visit alz.org or call the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900.

This article originally appeared on Bucyrus Telegraph-Forum: Free community program April 29 on 10 warnings signs of Alzheimer's