Latrobe Lions Club cancels dementia presentation

Editor’s note: Because of the coronavirus pandemic, the Latrobe Lions Club has announced that a presentation on dementia it was co-sponsoring with the Latrobe Area Historical Society has been cancelled.

Alzheimer’s disease, the most common cause of dementia among older adults, is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States, according to the Alzheimer’s Association.

A leading Alzheimer’s researcher will fill in area residents about the latest findings on dementia during a presentation on March 17 at the Latrobe Area Historical Society headquarters, 416 Weldon St., Latrobe.

The talk by Dr. Oscar L. Lopez, a professor of neurology and psychiatry and director of the University of Pittsburgh’s Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, will begin at 6 p.m. It’s the latest in a series of health-related programs presented by the historical society in partnership with the Latrobe Lions Club.

According to its website, the research center funds one-year pilot projects to promote new research relevant to Alzheimer’s disease. It also oversees clinical assessments and care and trains health professionals in dementia including Alzheimer’s disease.

The center notes that scientists don’t yet fully understand what causes the irreversible disease in most people. The causes likely include a combination of genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors.

People with memory and thinking concerns are advised to talk to their doctor to find out whether their symptoms may be due to Alzheimer’s or to another cause — such as a stroke, a tumor, Parkinson’s disease, sleep disturbances, side effects of medication, an infection or a non-Alzheimer’s dementia. Some of those conditions may be treatable and possibly reversible.

Admission to the March 17 program is free, but donations will be accepted. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

Those attending are welcome to bring old eyeglasses for donation to the Lions Club’s Recycle For Sight Program.