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In recognition of Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month, the Eastern Tennessee Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association has organized education events in the community. The programs are provided to help individuals and families learn more about the disease and how to protect loved ones.

Programs include:

-- "The Alzheimer's Project" HBO Documentary Screening: View and discuss a portion of this pioneering documentary series focusing on the groundbreaking discoveries made by the country's leading scientists as well as the effects of this debilitating disease both on those with Alzheimer's and on their families. It will be shown from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the Blount County Library.

-- Free Safe Return Sign-up: The Alzheimer's Association is waiving the $55 fee for seniors as well as the $25 fee for caregivers for this service and the necessary bracelet. MedicAlert + Alzheimer's Association Safe Return is a 24-hour nationwide emergency response service for individuals with Alzheimer's or related dementia who wander or who have a medical emergency. If an individual with Alzheimer's or a related dementia wanders and becomes lost, caregivers call the emergency response hotline to report it. Law enforcement agencies are notified, as well as a local support network. Of those reported missing, 99 percent wearing the ID bracelet or necklace are found within 24 hours. Currently there are 160,000 enrollees in the program and there have been more than 13,000 successful reunions.

The program will be presented from 3 to 6 p.m. Nov. 24 at Sterling House of Maryville, 511 Pearson Springs Road, Maryville. For more information, call 681-1300.

For more information visit www.alz.org/tn.