Alzheimer’s disease affects more than six million Americans and the number is expected to double by 2050, according to a press release from Home Instead, an international home healthcare company.

As the number of those living with the disease continues to rise, Home Instead is urging community members to reduce their risk, recognize the signs and reimagine what living with Alzheimer’s can look like.

Kicking off during World Alzheimer’s Month (September) and through October, Home Instead offices throughout the Valley are hosting events that will help drive understanding of Alzheimer’s and other dementias and offer actions people can take against the disease.

The Fountain Hills program is set for Thursday, Oct. 5, at 11 a.m. at the Community Center, 13001 N. LaMontana Drive.

Other offerings are Tuesday, Oct. 3, at 10 a.m. at the Surprise Home Instead location, 15003 W. Bell Rd. Suite 150; Wednesday, Oct. 4, at 10:30 a.m. at the Mesa Home Instead location, 3850 E. Baseline Rd., Suite 128; and Tuesday, Oct. 10, at 11 a.m. at the North Phoenix Home Instead, 4150 W. Peoria Ave., Suite 222.

The Fountain Hills event is the second in a four-part series of Dementia educational events. Snacks, refreshments and educational resources are provided.

These events are important for those caring for loved ones with Alzheimer’s as the strain of caregiving could put them at greater risk of developing dementia themselves, the press release said.

For more information, visit Homeinstead.com or call 480-616-2966.