ST. CLAIRSVILLE — In an effort to help educate the public about Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, The Workforce Development and Community Education Department at Belmont College in partnership with The Alzheimer’s Association Greater East Ohio Area Chapter will be offering “Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia” sessions.

During the sessions, experts on the disease will explain the basics of Alzheimer’s and dementia, risk factors, stages of the disease and FDA-approved treatments for certain symptoms. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, in Ohio alone, more than 220,000 individuals are living with Alzheimer’s and 600,000 are serving as their unpaid caregivers. The disease is a global crisis that impacts numerous families right here in our community. However, no one has to face this disease alone or without information.

The free two-hour Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia program will:

∫ Explore the relationship between Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

∫ Examine what happens in a brain affected by Alzheimer’s.

∫ Detail the risk factors for and three general stages of the disease.

The Alzheimer’s Association has created an education program covering the basics of Alzheimer’s and dementia to provide a general overview for people who are facing a diagnosis as well as those who wish to be informed.

Interested participants have the option of two free sessions to be held 1-3 and 5:30-7:30 p.m. Oct. 21 at Belmont College’s Main Campus, 68094 Hammond Road, St. Clairsville.

Register by contacting the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900 or contacting geoachl@alz.org. Additional resources are available at alz.org/eastohio.