The Oregon and Southwest Washington Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association will hold a community forum this Thursday at the Hood River Valley Adult Center.  The forum provides an opportunity for people to ask questions about Alzheimer’s and other dementias, share personal experiences, learn about available resources, and discover volunteer opportunities to support families affected by the disease.  Chapter program manager Heidi Rowell says the Mid-Columbia Gorge region including Hood River and The Dalles recently became the first officially recognized dementia friendly community in Oregon, and it stems from volunteers working to create awareness and an inclusive community where everyone understands what dementia is, understand how to direct families to resources, and how to be involved and supportive to families going through it.  The forum will be Thursday from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Hood River Valley Adult Center.  Register in advance by going online to bit.ly/HoodRiverForum.