The city joined the Dementia Friendly Network of Communities last year
To commemorate Glendale’s anniversary as a Dementia Friendly City, the public is invited to attend Dementia Awareness Day on Saturday, August 13, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Glendale Main Library, located at 5959 W. Brown St.
The goal of the event is to provide educational information and resources to members of the public and to generate awareness about dementia, including early detection and intervention. It is also aimed at improving the quality of life for individuals and caregivers who are impacted by the disease now.
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.
To proactively address public education and improve resource connections, the city of Glendale became a nationally recognized Dementia Friendly City in 2021; a designation bestowed on the city by the Dementia Friendly America Network.
Since launching this initiative, 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 over 500 employees to better understand all the aspects of dementia.
“As a city, we have established five core values that we live by both personally and professionally,” said Michelle Yates, Glendale’s community engagement program manager. “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.”
Organized by the Dementia Friendly Glendale coalition, the 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). To register online, visit: https://www.jotform.com/form/221737095828061
Schedule of Events:
- 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. – Community Resource Fair
- 10:00 a.m. – Welcome, Proclamation from Mayor Jerry P. Weiers and a Dementia Information Session with Janice Greeno from Dementia Friendly Arizona
- 11:00 a.m. – Informative Talks from doctors on Brain Health Strategies, Cognitive Neurology and information from Banner Sun Health Research Institute
- 12:00 p.m. – “My Journey as an Alzie” by Sharon Masciale, with a Q&A to follow
“I walk the journey every day with those who suffer from some form of dementia, along with that person’s family, loved one, friend or caregiver,” said Jeannie Grates, community outreach manager at Inspira Arrowhead. “We are committed to helping remove the stigma surrounding dementia through information and to connect those in every socio-economic group in Glendale with the resources and information they need.”
For more information about Glendale’s initiative and to connect to resources, visit: glendaleaz.com/DementiaFriendlyGlendale or Dementia Friendly America at dfaamerica.org. You can also download a flyer.