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An event commemorating Dementia Awareness Day takes place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 13 at the Glendale Main Library, 5959 W. Brown St.
The gathering will provide educational information and resources and to generate awareness about dementia, including early detection and intervention. It’s also aimed at improving the quality of life for individuals and caregivers who are impacted by the disease now.
The city of Glendale became a nationally recognized Dementia Friendly City in 2021; a designation bestowed by the Dementia Friendly America Network.
“As a city, we have established five core values that we live by both personally and professionally,” Michelle Yates, Glendale’s community engagement program manager, shared in a statement. “One of those core values is community. We are driven to improve the community experience, and that is what we’re trying to accomplish by bringing awareness to this disease.”
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, more than 150,000 people in Arizona over the age of 65 live with dementia, impacting more than 257,000 family members and caregivers. This number is expected to increase 33% by 2025.
The city’s Community Services department worked to gather community leaders and experts in this area to better understand dementia and its implications. This team also evaluated the current strengths and weaknesses in the city to help improve outreach to those living with the disease.
Along with this effort, the city trained more than 500 employees to better understand all the aspects of dementia.
Organized by the Dementia Friendly Glendale coalition, the Aug. 13 event will include a welcome and proclamation from Glendale Mayor Jerry P. Weiers, presentations by Banner Alzheimer’s Institute and free brain health checks (preregistration is recommended).