TOWSON, MD—The Baltimore County Department of Aging will next week launch Dementia Friendly Baltimore County (DBFC), a new community-based, cross-sector initiative aimed to create a more inclusive and accessible Baltimore County.

Dementia Friendly Baltimore County will officially kick-off at a virtual event on Wednesday, December 8 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Participants can register online here.

“Baltimore County is committed to doing all we can to ensure that all our residents, regardless of dementia-related challenges, can access the resources they need in order to help create the life they choose and experience a sense of belonging, purpose, and well-being,” said Baltimore County Department of Aging Director Laura Riley. “We’re excited to launch this latest program for our seniors to ensure we continue to provide supports for those most in need.”

At the virtual launch, attendees will learn about the dementia friendly program, create a vision for what it means to make Baltimore County dementia-friendly, and identify steps to move towards fulfilling that vision. Dr. Peter Rabins, a renowned dementia expert and author, will serve as the keynote speaker.

Dementia refers to a wide range of medical conditions that cause a decline in cognitive abilities, including Alzheimer’s disease. Over 6.2 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s, and 11 million caregivers support them. In Maryland, more than 110,000 persons live with dementia and 238,000 care partners support them.

The Dementia Friendly Baltimore County initiative aims to bring community members together to support the increasing numbers of individuals and households affected by dementia, grow awareness about the signs and symptoms of dementia, and make Baltimore County more accessible and inclusive so that those living with dementia, and their care partners, can remain in the community, feeling welcomed and valued.

The initiative will engage a diverse group of community members including persons living with dementia, care partners, medical professionals, business leaders, faith leaders, and others.

Participants in next week’s virtual session should register online here.

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