THE VISION: A WORLD WITHOUT ALZHEIMER’S
Alzheimer’s disease has become one of the costliest medical conditions in America due to the need for long-term care for those stricken, yet the dollars devoted to research for a cure are far short of what is needed. As our population ages and life expectancy reaches new records, more of us are affected by the disease in one way or another, either as a person with dementia, or caregiver, or loved one concerned with the well-being of someone afflicted.
Currently 690,000 Californians aged 65 and over are living with Alzheimer’s, with more than 1.6 million unpaid caregivers providing $24 billion-worth of unpaid care
The Alzheimer’s Association is leading the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia – by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. To help the Association reach its goals, volunteers and donors join the staff to provide support with time and money. Volunteer-led classes and support groups augment those offered by a staff of professionals dedicated to achieving its vision of a world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia.
When Covid-19 changed the way most of the world lived and worked starting in 2020, Alzheimer’s Association in-person classes and support groups shifted to webinars and virtual meetings. The 24/7 Helpline at (800) 272-3900 continued to offer master’s-level clinicians who give confidential support and information to people living with the disease, caregivers, families and the public, all free of charge.
In the past few months, the Association has slowly returned to in-person and hybrid events, reflecting the opening up of society while conscious of the needs for health safety. In April, the Imagination Ball raised hundreds of thousands of dollars at the spectacular Alila Marea Beach Resort in Encinitas that raised funds to benefit the Alzheimer’s Association’s 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.
And now, in the summer of 2022, San Diegans and caring individuals across the country help support the Alzheimer’s Association mission by signing up for their signature event, the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, this year being held September 24 in San Diego North County’s Kit Carson Park, October 8 at NTC Park in Point Loma, and November 19 in El Centro in Imperial County.
Join the thousands of caring individuals and companies who will take part now in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease and all forms of dementia by signing up online at www.alz.org/walk. You can start a team with your friends, relatives or coworkers; or simply join any of the teams walking that day who are listed on the Association website. The morning begins with inspirational stories and the amazing comradery that exists when kindred spirits gather for a cause that touches us all. Then, an easy walk in the park is followed by music, sponsored booths and making memories with a supportive community.
There are countless reasons to join in 2022, but the best reason of all to join the Walk to End Alzheimer’s is to help the Alzheimer’s Association realize its vision: a world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia.
