BUFFALO — Even though Alzheimer’s disease cannot be prevented or slowed, there are steps to take and recommendations to follow in the areas of diet and nutrition, exercise and cognitive activity that promote healthy aging. Learn more during a free educational program offered by dementia experts at the Alzheimer’s Association Western New York Chapter in Westfield “Healthy Living for your Brain and Body” will be presented at 6 p.m. in Patterson Library at 40 S. Portage St. on Thursday, Sept. 19.

Chapter educators will present “Know the 10 Warning Signs” at 6 p.m. in the James Prendergast Library Association at 509 Cherry St. in Jamestown on Wednesday, Sept. 25. This program is a key tool to promote recognition of common changes that may help with early detection of Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia.

There are no fees to attend either class, but pre-registration is strongly encouraged by calling the chapter office at 626-0600 ext. 313 during traditional business hours or 800-272-3900 24-hours a day, seven-days a week.

Additionally, the chapter oversees monthly caregiver support group meetings in six locations across the county which allow caregivers to connect with others facing similar challenges and hear advice for overcoming them.

¯ Sept. 10 at 9:30 a.m. — North County Dine-N-Dish: Restaurant location changes monthly. Call Jennifer Ellman at the Chautauqua County Office for the Aging at 753-4781 for updated information.

¯ Sept. 10 at 1:30 p.m. – Jamestown Area Medical Associates, 15 S. Main St., Jamestown (respite services are available by calling 800-272-3900)

¯ Sept. 13 at 10 a.m. – St. John’s United Church of Christ, 733 Central Avenue, Dunkirk

¯ Sept. 18 at 10 a.m. – Mayville Library, 92 S. Erie St., Mayville

¯ Sept. 19 at 5:30 p.m. – Fluvanna Community Church at 3363 Fluvanna Avenue in Jamestown

¯ Sept. 26 at 4:30 p.m. – Fredonia Place, 50 Howard Street, Fredonia

A community social program, or respite, is also available every month in Westfield. This free program provides relief to those who care for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia and offers them some time to refresh and re-charge, while their loved one is engaged in social activities in a safe environment. Westfield United Methodist Church at 101 E. Main St. has launched a new respite service on the second Wednesday (Sept. 11) of every month. For more information, call Gail Boardway at 232-4310.

While these programs are all free to attend, pre-registration is strongly encouraged to ensure there are enough materials and to relay any changes to the schedules. To reserve a seat and learn more about other Alzheimer’s Association programs and services, contact the WNY Chapter office at 800-272-3900. You can also access dementia and caregiver resources through the Chautauqua County Office for the Aging at 753-4582.