Alzheimer's Association hosting free programs

FINDLAY — The Alzheimer's Association Northwest Ohio Chapter is offering three free classes in September. "Healthy Living for your Brain and Body" will be held at 11:30 a.m. Sept. 17 at the Findlay Family YMCA, Downtown Branch, 300 E. Lincoln St. Attendees will learn about research in the areas of nutrition, exercise, cognitive activity and social engagement, and use hands-on tools to help incorporate these recommendations into a plan for healthy aging. Register at the Y's front desk or email asertell@findlayymca.com The class will be repeated at 5 p.m. Sept. 23 at the Pandora branch of the Putnam County District Library, 118 E. Main St. Call 419-523-3747, ext. 214 to register. The Leipsic Community Center, 120 E. Main St., will host an "Introduction to Alzheimer's" program at 5 p.m. Sept. 24. The discussion will include information about 10 healthy habits people can start today to keep their brain healthy as they age and the warning signs to monitor in themselves and others. Call 800-272-3900 to register. "These programs offer valuable information both about Alzheimer's disease in general and the behaviors caused by dementia," said Pam Myers, senior director, programs for the Alzheimer's Association Central Ohio and Northwest Ohio chapters. "Whether your family is just facing an Alzheimer's diagnosis or you've been living with the disease for years, it can be challenging to know where to turn when you have questions. We can help." For the first time, the number of people living with Alzheimer's disease in the United States is more than 7 million. That includes 236,200 in Ohio, according to the 2025 Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures. Deaths due to Alzheimer's more than doubled — 142% — between 2000-22, while deaths from heart disease, the leading cause of mortality, decreased by 2.1%. To learn more about Alzheimer's or other dementia and to access free local support and resources, visit alz.org/nwohio or call the Northwest Ohio Chapter at 419-537-1999 or the 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900.