The city of Glendale will lead a free, informational event to help tackle the growing rate of dementia in Arizona and arm Glendale residents with the tools and support they need to offer compassionate assistance to loved ones impacted by this disease.

The third annual Dementia Friendly Glendale awareness event, where city staff members, healthcare organizations, memory care businesses and non-profit organizations will share information and resources and provide free brain health assessments. It is from 3 to 6 p.m. Oct. 18 in Glendale Main Library, 5959 W. Brown St.

Books about dementia will be available for residents to read and check out. There will also be crafts activities for children and carnival-style games for participants.

Along with Glendale’s Community Services Department, service providers will be there, including Banner Alzheimer’s Institute, Foundation for Senior Living, Inspira Arrowhead by Cogir and Forever Carolina.

Arizona has the nation’s fastest-growing rate of people with Alzheimer's disease, the most common cause of dementia, a loss of cognitive functioning that interferes with daily lives and activities. Glendale is dedicated to building a dementia-friendly community and formed a cross-sector team of city employees, as well as external stakeholders, to support people with dementia and their caregivers.