Alzheimer's Association, OC Mobilizes Community to End Alzheimer's with Free Education Events

IRVINE, Calif. - June 4, 2015 - PRLog -- In Orange County alone, more than 84,000 individuals are suffering from Alzheimer’s disease – and the number continues to climb. To shine a light on the thousands of Orange County residents living with the disease, Alzheimer’s Association, Orange County (http://www.alz.org/oc)(AAOC)is offering several no-cost community education events across the county, in addition to a host of important initiatives throughout June, which is Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month (http://www.alz.org/stl/in_my_community_59856.asp).

The national initiative, which is receiving growing support from Congress, urges individuals to hold global conversations about the brain, Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. The local events encourage community members to become aware and educated about healthy habits and healthy aging.

“With more than five million Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease, it is our responsibility locally to educate this community about ways to fight the epidemic,” said Jim McAleer, president and CEO of AAOC. “Beyond our events in Orange County, this larger, global movement reminds us that healthy brains start with healthy people and encourages everyone to become aware of critical tools to optimize brain health during Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month – and always.”

The brain health events will teach attendees how to keep their brains healthy by incorporating tips on diet and nutrition, exercise, cognitive activity and social engagement into their daily lives. The workshops are intended to help attendees identify Alzheimer’s disease risk factors and learn how to reduce them.

Four events will be held at three convenient Orange County locations throughout the month:

· Saturday, June 6, 10 a.m. to noon – AAOC, 2515 McCabe Way, Irvine
· Wednesday, June 10, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. – St. Timothy’s Catholic Church, 29102 Crown Valley Parkway, Laguna Niguel
· Wednesday, June 10, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. – St. Timothy’s Catholic Church
· Thursday, June 25, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. – Center for Successful Aging at California State University Fullerton, Kinesiology & Health Science Building, 800 N. State College Blvd.

The no-cost educational events will be led by AAOC staff and local medical professionals. They are for community leaders, caregivers and anyone interested in learning more about Alzheimer’s and available programs and services.

Reservations are required for all events. For information, or to RSVP, call 1-800-272-3900 or visit www.alz.org/oc.Parking is free at the Alzheimer’s Association and St. Timothy’s Catholic Church locations. $8 parking is required at CSUF.

AAOC also asks the community to come together and help fight Alzheimer’s disease during Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month by doing the following:

· Take the Purple Pledge at alz.org
· Wear purple on June 21, and send photos of yourself, family, friends and co-workers wearing purple via Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, etc. with the hashtags #ENDALZ and #GoPurple
· Participate in The Longest Day, a sunrise-to-sunset event to honor those facing Alzheimer’s disease with strength, passion and endurance. Visit alz.org/oc (http://www.alz.org/oc) for local events

About Alzheimer’s Association, Orange County Chapter

The Alzheimer's Association is the world’s leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Its mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s through the advancement of research, to provide and enhance care and support for all affected, and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Since 1982, Alzheimer’s Association, Orange County Chapter has been providing programs and services, free of charge, to Orange County residents with Alzheimer’s and related disorders, their families, caregivers, and the community. Alzheimer’s is a neurodegenerative illness that weakens the memory and other cognitive and emotional functions. For more information, call the 24/7 Helpline at 1-800-272-3900, or visit www.alz.org/oc. Connect with us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/ALZOC) and Twitter (https://twitter.com/OCAlzheimers).