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Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States and the fifth-leading cause of death for individuals age 65 and older. This devastating and debilitating disease is the ultimate thief — of memories, independence, control, time, and, ultimately, life. And the disease is often dealt with in silence. Those facing the disease feel a stigma surrounding their diagnosis and often don’t seek the support they need.
At the Alzheimer’s Association, we hear from individuals daily that they “feel alone.” Family and friends stop visiting because of “abnormal” behavior — a symptom of the disease — and caregivers become more and more isolated.
We want patients and their families to know that there is hope, and there is help, through the Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Pennsylvania.
There are more than 5 million Americans currently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia and more than 15 million caregivers. In Pennsylvania alone, there are more than 400,000 individuals diagnosed.
We are here to provide education and support to the millions who face dementia every day, while advancing critical research toward methods of treatment and prevention, ultimately to end Alzheimer’s disease.
We have offices locally and support groups throughout the region for those facing this disease to meet with others in similar situations.
We also host the Walk to End Alzheimer’s. This is the association’s largest annual awareness and fundraising event, which occurs during the fall. This year the Walk to End Alzheimer’s continues, but instead of hosting a large gathering, the Alzheimer’s Association is encouraging participants to walk as individuals or in small groups on sidewalks, tracks, and trails across the state.
Time-honored components of the Walk to End Alzheimer’s are being replicated. On walk day, an opening ceremony will feature local speakers and a presentation of Promise Flowers to honor the personal reasons participants join together to fight Alzheimer’s and all other dementias, all delivered to participants’ smartphones, tablets, and computers.
A small group of Alzheimer’s Association staff and volunteers will create the iconic Promise Garden in a “view only” format on walk day to honor all those impacted by Alzheimer’s.
To enhance the participant experience leading up to the event and on walk day, new features are being added to the Walk to End Alzheimer’s mobile app to create an opportunity for the community to connect.
Participants can use the app and new “Walk Mainstage” to track their steps and distance, follow a virtual walk path, manage their Facebook fundraisers, and access information and resources from the association and walk sponsors to help individuals and families affected by the disease.
A new audio track is available to encourage participants along the way and to congratulate them upon completion of their walk.
The money raised allows our chapter to contribute to research to find a cure. These funds also help support programs and services that advance accurate and timely diagnosis of people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias.
In addition, money raised ensures significant increases to affordable, high-quality care and support for people with the disease and their caretakers.
Help us break the silence and start the conversation. Join us, along with thousands of others in your community, at the Walk to End Alzheimer’s.
Register today at www.alz.org/walk or call our Helpline, available 24 hours, seven days a week, at (800) 272-3900.
Local walks include:
Saturday, Sept. 26
Lancaster
Opening and Promise Garden ceremony 10 a.m.
Saturday, Oct. 10
Harrisburg
Opening and Promise Garden ceremony 10:30 a.m.
Saturday, Oct. 24
York
Opening and Promise Garden ceremony 10 a.m.