Alzheimer’s Walk set Sept. 15

Beverly Rogers, captain of Team Albany, has joined other Big Country residents in the fight to end Alzheimer’s by signing up to participate in the 2018 annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s sponsored by the Alzheimer’s Association. 

The Walk in Abilene will take place on Saturday, Sept. 15 at Rose Park. 

Participants will complete a two-mile walk, learn about Alzheimer’s disease, advocacy opportunities, clinical studies enrollment, support programs and services from the Alzheimer’s Association, and will join in a meaningful tribute ceremony to honor those affected by the disease.

More than five million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease, the sixth-leading cause of death in the U.S. and the only disease among the top 10 causes that cannot be cured, prevented or even slowed, according to Kristin Bishop, the Abilene director of the Alzheimer’s Association - North Central Texas.

She added that more than 15 million family and friends provide care to people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias in the U.S. 

“The Walk to End Alzheimer’s is about bringing our community together,” Bishop said. “There are an estimated 350,000 Texans who have Alzheimer’s disease and we can play a role in helping make a difference by advancing research and extending our help and services to those impacted by Alzheimer’s. In Texas alone, there are approximately 350,000 people living with the disease and over 1.3 million caregivers.” 

The Walk helps raise funds for Alzheimer’s care, support, and research.

“Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health,” Bishop said.

To register for the Walk, or to contribute toward Rogers and Team Albany, go online to alz.org/walk.

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