A free lecture, “Memory Loss, Dementia, and Alzheimer’s Disease: The Basics,” will take place Wednesday, Jan. 18, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. at the Santa Clarita Valley Senior Center, 22900 Market Street, Newhall. Presented by the Alzheimer’s Association, the lecture will address aging, memory impairment, and Alzheimer’s disease – a condition that ravages one’s memory, brain function, and behavior. Seen most often in people over the age of 65, Alzheimer’s can also strike persons in their 40s and 50s (referred to as “early onset” Alzheimer’s).

Alzheimer’s, which comprises 50 to 80 percent of dementia cases, produces severe memory loss and impairment of one’s intellectual and physical abilities. It is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. Tremendous strains on families often accompany an Alzheimer’s diagnosis – notably the immense emotional, financial, and physical stresses attached to care-giving for loved ones with the disease. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, nearly 15 million Alzheimer’s and dementia care-givers provide 17 billion hours of unpaid care throughout the year.

This informative talk is part of the Senior Center’s ongoing Health Education and Wellness program, which includes lectures, clinics, public health outreach, caregiver support events, and much more.

Pre-registration for attending the Alzheimer’s lecture is not necessary. For further information about this event or the Senior Center’s Health Education and Wellness program, call Diana Sevanian at 661-255-1588 ext. 128.

Note: The Senior Center’s Annual Caregiver Resource Day is slated for Saturday, March 10, from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. This special event focuses on education, support, self-care, and empowerment for caregivers.