Pictured is a display at the Seymour Library in Cassadaga and Stockton regarding Alzheimer’s disease.

Alzheimer’s disease affects more than 7 million Americans — approximately 1 in nine adults age 65 and older — a figure expected to grow and one that does not yet account for those experiencing younger-onset dementia. In response, the Seymour Library has partnered with the Alzheimer’s Association to provide resources and programming for individuals living with Alzheimer’s, their caregivers, and those seeking to support brain health.

From April through August, both the Stockton and Cassadaga branches of the Seymour Library will collaborate with the Alzheimer’s Association on a series of caregiver workshops, complemented by additional library-hosted events.

These include Memory Activity Kits. With support from an Outreach Grant through the Chautauqua-Cattaraugus Library System, the Seymour Library has developed memory activity kits designed for individuals experiencing cognitive loss, their caregivers, and their broader circle of support. Most of these kits will be available for checkout only to Seymour patrons until the end of August, when they will become available to the entire system.

Some kits and games will be for in-library use only. The grant also allowed the Seymour Library to expand the library’s existing books on Alzheimer’s and dementia and activity collections as part of our commitment to becoming a dementia-inclusive library.

One component of these kits is personalized scrapbooks. Community members are invited to help assemble them on Wednesday, April 29 at 2 p.m. at the Cassadaga location. Please call 716-595-3822 to register, we’d love to see you!

Donations are also being accepted to expand this program. There are so many great resources available and there is such a need in our county. The Alzheimer’s Association has already donated an electronic cat and sensory blankets made by a local woman. Please consider making a contribution to the Seymour soon.

Alzheimer’s Association Caregiver Workshops also have been scheduled. They include:

— Friday at 2 p.m., Building Foundations of Caregiving — Cassadaga.

— Thursday, May 14 at 2 p.m. — Supporting Independence — Stockton.

— Friday, June 12 at 2 p.m. — Communicating Effectively — Cassadaga.

— Thursday, July 9 at 2 p.m.. — Responding to Dementia-Related Behavior — Stockton.

— Friday, July 14 at 2 p.m. — Exploring Care and Supportive Services — Cassadaga.

The Seymour Library will also offer monthly programming for individuals with Alzheimer’s, caregivers, and support staff. These include April 22 at 4:30 p.m. featuring Chair Yoga with Isiss Pratt in Cassadaga. Additional events also will be announced for May to August.

Follow us on Facebook (Stockton & Cassadaga Libraries), Instagram, or visit www.stocktonlibraries.org for updates.