Walk to End Alzheimer's

Details: Created on Friday, 14 November 2014 15:05; Written by Nick Aresco

AROUND THE NEK - Alzheimer's is a disease that affects your memory, thinking, and behavior. If you know someone who is suffering from this disease, you know that it is one of the hardest things to watch.

The month of November serves as Alzheimer's awareness month. Since there is no way of preventing someone from being diagnosed, and there has yet to be a cure for this deadly disease, spreading the word about Alzheimer's is crucial.

Members of the Alzheimer's Association emphasize how important it is to raise awareness to the disease. Throughout the year, various events are organized to raise awareness in and around the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont.

Patrick McKeon, Director of Leadership Development with Sunrise Senior Living in St. Johnsbury, says that in Vermont alone, fundraising for Alzheimer's has been growing. There has been a 250% increase, not only in event attendance, but also in raising money for a cure.

"Alzheimer's is the only major disease were there is not a cure, but also no treatment. So, if someone receives a diagnosis of Alzheimer's, they suffer, and their family suffers with it. That is why it is so important to get the word out there into the public and raise money for a cure," McKeon says.

Over five million Americans are living with the disease, and approximately 500,000 people die each year because of it. In 2025, the Alzheimer's Association predicts that the number of people aged 65 and older with Alzheimer's will increase by 6,000 people.

Lisa Carlson, who is part of the planning committee for Alzheimer's fundraising events, knows a loved one who is living with the disease. Carlson knows what it's like to have to take care of an Alzheirmer's patient. "There's such a huge load on them to take care of the person, because they're not ready for a nursing home, but they still need that twenty-four hour care."

The Alzheimer's Association hosts workshops to show support for those who deal with loved one diagnosed with Alzheimer's. If you want more information on this disease that is impacting millions, Vermont has an Alzheimer's Associations website where you can find information on where the next closest fundraising event is going on around you. The website also offers a 24/7 helpline for those in need.