Alzheimer’s Brain Bus Brings Free Support to Panama City and Blountstown - Apr 28 and 29

BAY COUNTY, FL - The Alzheimer’s Association Brain Bus will make two area stops to offer free support services to families facing this disease. The first stop is in Panama City, followed by a visit to Blountstown. On Monday, April 28, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (CT), the Brain Bus will be at the FSU Panama City Campus, located at 4750 Collegiate Drive. The next day, on Tuesday, April 29, from 9 a.m. to noon (CT), the Brain Bus will visit Second Harvest of the Big Bend, held at Calhoun-Liberty Ministry Center, 21754 FL-20, in Blountstown.

Trained staff will be available to help families understand steps to get an accurate diagnosis, recognize warning signs, learn caregiving tips, and connect to local resources. No appointment is needed! Bay County has an estimated 32,300 people, or 10.9 percent, over the age of 65 living with Alzheimer’s. Calhoun County has an estimated 2,700, or 11.7 percent, over the age of 65 living with Alzheimer’s. Alzheimer’s is a type of dementia that affects memory, thinking, and behavior, with symptoms eventually growing severe enough to interfere with daily tasks.

Florida has the second-highest number of people living with Alzheimer’s, with an estimated one in eight seniors affected. “Alzheimer’s impacts the entire family and broader community,” said Rob Harris, Brain Bus program manager. “We are here to support those facing Alzheimer’s and all other dementia today and in the future, to make Florida a better place to age. We hope anyone with questions will stop by.”

Unique to Florida, the Brain Bus program is managed by the Alzheimer’s Association Florida chapters and funded in partnership with the Department of Elder Affairs and Area Agency on Aging for Central North Florida. Two mobile vehicles travel the state, providing dementia education and resources to at-risk and heavily impacted communities. The Alzheimer’s Association Central North Florida Chapter works in 43 counties to provide education and support, advocate for the needs and rights of those facing Alzheimer’s and other dementia, and advance critical research to develop new treatments, prevention, and, ultimately, a cure. For more information, including upcoming programs and support groups, call 800.272.3900 or visit alz.org/cnfl .