Walk to end Alzheimer

SACRAMENTO — In October 1992, about 50 people walked a mile along the American River and raised $5,000 to fight Alzheimer’s disease. It was pretty small, but it was really the start of something big.

Fast forward to today, plans now are under way for the 2012 Walk to End Alzheimer’s. It’s scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 6, at the State Capitol and the goal this time is 2,650 registered walkers and $311,700 raised.

“We’re happy that the Walk has grown so much over the past two decades, but we also must keep in mind that the challenge posed by Alzheimer’s disease has accelerated, too” says Erin Stone, Special Events Manager.

The statistics bear her out:

• About 5.4 million Americans have Alzheimer’s disease, and that number is expected to rise by a half a million every year. In the Greater Sacramento Area, some 65,500 families are coping with Alzheimer’s.
• Alzheimer’s is the sixth leading cause of death across all ages in the U.S. One in eight people over 65 has Alzheimer’s.
• Death rates from other major causes of death have declined in the past few years, but death rates from Alzheimer’s have increased two-thirds. Why? In great part, because there’s no cure for Alzheimer’s.

That’s why the Sacramento Walk to End Alzheimer’s and other walks across the country, are so important. They raise money to provide services to the families living with Alzheimer’s every day. But they also raise money that goes to the research it will take to bring an end to Alzheimer’s once and for all.

Right now, a large group of volunteers are developing a network of team captains who will recruit their friends and neighbors to fill the ranks of walkers on Oct. 6. They’re also planning a series of pre-walk events, from garage sales to car washes to bake sales to wine tastings…anything that can bring people together to learn about the walk and contribute to it.

By Oct. 6, it will be obvious that Alzheimer’s may be finally beginning to meet its match: A community that cares and is willing to do what it takes to make Alzheimer’s nothing but a bad memory.

The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in 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. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s.

To participate in, or volunteer and fundraise for, the 2012 Sacramento Walk to End Alzheimer’s or to please register online at act.alz.org/Sacramento2012.

For more information visit alz.org, visit its Sacramento office at 530 Bercut Drive, Suite A or call 1-800-272-3900.