Winchester Walk to End Alzheimer’s
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Winchester will host its second Walk to End Alzheimer’s Saturday, Sept. 11. The event will be held on the Square in downtown Winchester, Douglas Park from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. No pre-registration required. Walkers are invited to walk around the Winchester Square [and window shop!] or walk on South Main Street and return on Mechanic Street.
Participants will receive a free goody bag. The event is designed to raise awareness of and donations for research by the Alzheimer’s Association.
Alzheimer’s Disease is a form of dementia that causes memory loss. Currently there is no cure and no survivors. Data indicates that 1 of 9 adults age 65+ in the United States has Alzheimer’s, with a total estimate of 6.2 million people living with the disease in the U.S. With the aging “Baby Boomer” generation, the numbers of individuals 65+ with Alzheimer’s is anticipated to increase to 7.2 million in 2025, and by 2060 that number could be 13.8 million- unless a major breakthrough in prevention occurs. A recent pharmaceutical treatment for the earliest stages of Alzheimer’s is the first Alzheimer’s drug to be approved since 2003 – and it isn’t a cure. Illinois just passed a law requiring all healthcare staff working with adults 26 and older undergo 1 hour of training in Alzheimer’s education prior to being licensed. That’s a positive sign for individuals living with Alzheimer’s.
These efforts represent some progress in the care of folks living with Alzheimer’s disease, but it’s a still a very long road to finding a cure. More education and research are needed to slow down the occurrence of the disease.
Donations will be accepted on site the day of the event or you may visit alz.org/walk and donate on-line. Individuals are also encouraged to form their own Walk Team in honor or memory of a loved one with Alzheimer’s by registering on-line. [All local donations are recorded under the Jacksonville, IL Walk.] For more information, please feel free to contact Pam Hembrough, local volunteer Alz support group facilitator, educator and advocate, at 217/473-6427.
