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Americans ‘Walk to End Alzheimer’s’ in 600 communities

The Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s is an event celebrated in more than 600 communities nationwide to raise awareness and funds for finding a cure for the disease.

More than five million people in the United States have Alzheimer’s, and it is the only major disease in the country that cannot be treated. It cannot be prevented or slowed down either. The funds go for local Alzheimer’s programs involving care and support for those who suffer the disease. Money raised during the walks is also assigned to research to create a cure for this type of dementia finally.

“This morning, we once again had the privilege to work with the Alzheimer’s Association in the Walk To End Alzheimer’s,” said the Zeta Pi chapter of Sigma Nu Fraternity at Texas Tech University on Saturday.

The Walk had to be postponed in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida due weather conditions. In Albemarle County, Virginia, supporters walked despite the rain. More than 800 people walked to end Alzheimer’s Saturday to raise awareness of the disease and tried to collect $220,000 to support people with the condition.

70 percent of the local budget to help people with the disease in the Albemarle community comes from money raised in the walks. The fundraiser will continue until November 30 in Albemarle. The Alzheimer’s Association provides free tools and staff to help each community to accomplish their fundraising goal.

There is no fee to be part of the walk, and if you want to participate in the next events and show your support, you just have to find a Walk in your community and register. Once you have done that, you have the green light to star fundraising and raising awareness about Alzheimer’s in your town.

Supporters can register as a team captain, team member or individual. People from all ages come together to spread the word and remember those loved ones that left this world due to Alzheimer’s.

800 people at Youngstown State University Watson and Tressel Training Site, Illinois, gathered Sunday morning to participate in their community’s Walk to End Alzheimers. Their fundraising goal this year is $71,000, according to the community development director, Helen Paes. She explained that the money would go to programs for Alzheimer’s patients, and families that are caregivers.

Getting to know Alzheimer’s disease and its consequences

In the U.S. only, there are more than 15.9 million caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. The disease causes problems with memory, thinking, and behavior, and eventually affects daily tasks. Thus, patients need caregivers.

In 2015, those 15.9 million caregivers helped Alzheimer’s patients an estimated of 18.1 billion hours of unpaid care at $221.3 billion. It is expected that by 2016, Alzheimer’s will cost the country $236 billion. By 2050, the numbers are expected to reach over $1 trillion, according to the The Alzheimer’s Association.

Statistics say that one out of three senior citizens dies with Alzheimer’s or another dementia, and almost two-thirds of Americans with the condition are women. It is the sixth cause of death in the U.S., and it does not have a cure, nor a way to slow downs its effects on those who suffer it.

Source: The Alzheimer’s Association 

Categories: Health
Daniel Contreras:
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