Latest news with #DaynaRitchey
Yahoo
03-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Alzheimer's Association offers social programs for early dementia
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) – Two social engagement programs for people with early-stage dementia and their care partners will be available this April. The Miami Valley Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association is running these programs. Englewood Memory Café Thursday, April 17, from noon to 1 p.m. Marion's Piazza at 404 W. National Rd., Englewood. Call (800) 272-3900 to register. Springfield Memory Café Tuesday, April 29, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. COhatch 101 S. Fountain Ave., Springfield. Call (937) 525-3074 to RSVP. Save a life: Donate blood at local drives this April The program director for the Alzheimer's Association Miami Valley and Greater Cincinnati Chapters, Dayna Ritchey, encouraged people facing Alzheimer's to continue to enjoy life. 'A diagnosis of Alzheimer's or a related dementia is likely not the life path one envisions,' said Ritchey. 'The best way to face this disease is to continue to enjoy life. Early-stage social engagement programs offer a fun, meaningful and comfortable way for people in the early stage of the disease to connect with like individuals and care partners.' Social engagement events are believed to support brain health and may reduce the risk of depression. Activities at these events include games and music. How does winter weather affect people with Alzheimer's? 'Our social engagement programs provide a welcoming place for people with Alzheimer's or dementia and their care partners,' continued Ritchey. 'Connecting with people who understand what those with dementia are going through may provide the support, encouragement and inspiration necessary to move beyond a diagnosis.' According to the association's 2024 Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures, over 414,000 caregivers in Ohio provide 624 million hours of unpaid care annually. The total value of this remarkable care is $11.4 billion. To access education materials and free support resources, visit here. For phone-based help, call Miami Valley Chapter at (937) 291-3332 or the 24/7 Helpline at (800) 272-3900. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
05-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Local law enforcement learn how to better serve adults with Alzheimer's
Local police officers went through a special training to help them better interact with people who have dementia. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Police officers interact with a lot of people on the job, and it may be difficult for them to identify someone with an illness. 'A lot of times our first responders don't know what they're dealing with or working with,' Dayna Ritchey, program director with the Alzheimer's Association said. In 2022 Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed a law requiring training all across the Buckeye State. TRENDING STORIES: Driver who caused deadly school bus crash wants conviction thrown out, says trial wasn't fair Dozens of faculty, staff positions at University of Dayton eliminated Oregon District restaurant announces closure Ritchey said nearly 2,000 people in Ohio are living with Alzheimer's and 60 percent of them will wander. 'They could become aggressive or violent, unfortunately,' Ritchey said. 'They might transport a person with dementia to jail, which can actually just escalate things more.' She said when officers search for someone with Alzheimer's, to search smart, not loud. A loud voice could scare someone away. She said the training gave officers new ways to safely look for someone with Alzheimer's, sometimes using a dog to track the scent. 'Their procedures are to record a more common voice for the person of the closest family member, calling them and using that to help find their loved one,' Ritchey said. More information about the Alzheimer's Association can be found here. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
