The community is preparing to take a step to end Alzheimer's Disease during the Northwest Ohio Chapter's Walk to End Alzheimer's Sept. 24 at Hedges-Boyer Park. Registration is to begin at 9:30 a.m. and the walk follows at 10:30.
During this national effort, millions of people around the country are to help raise funding to stop the disease.
"Each step we take is one step closer to ending this devastating disease that affects over 5.4 million Americans," said Lindsey Bowman, development coordinator, Alzheimer's Association, Northwest Ohio Chapter. "The (walk) is a way to raise awareness while we raise critical funds for research, early detection and treatment."
Alzheimer's statistics:
One in eight older Americans has Alzheimer's disease.
Alzheimer's is the sixth-leading cause of death across all ages in the United States.
It is the fifth-leading cause of death for those age 65 and older.
In 2010, 14.9 million family members and friends provided 17 billion hours of unpaid care to those with Alzheimer's and other dementias -care valued at $202.6 billion.
The Alzheimer's Association, Northwest Ohio Chapter offers services such as caregiver groups, family and professional education programs, a 24-hour helpline, safe return program and two adult day centers. All programs for individuals with Alzheimer's disease and their families are free.
In the 24 counties served by the Northwest Ohio Chapter, more than 32,000 people have Alzheimer's disease
Activities at the walk include snacks, a basket raffle, kid's activities and the Promise Garden.
The walk is a family-friendly and fun event for all ages, according to organizers.
Team captains form teams that raise money for the organization.
This fall, the walks will take place throughout northwest Ohio in nine of the 24 counties served by the Alzheimer's Association, Northwest Ohio Chapter.
To register for Walk to End Alzheimer's or to learn more about being a team captain, individual walker or corporate sponsor, visit www.2011alzheimerswalk.kintera.org/tiffinohio or call toll-free at (800) 272-3900.
