Join ‘Walk to End Alzheimer’s’ on Sept. 12 at Young Park

The number of Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease is growing fast. It is the 6th leading cause of death in the US, with 5.3 million currently afflicted with the disease. Sixteen million are expected to have the disease by 2050. There is no cure, no treatment and no prevention.

Statewide, 36,000 New Mexicans are suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, a number expected to swell to 53,000 by 2025. They are being cared for by 106,000 unpaid caregivers, most of whom are family members. The toll on families is immeasurable, but the financial impact is clear and devastating. It is the single most expensive disease in America. The cost for Alzheimer’s and related dementia care in 2015 is expected to reach $226 billion. By 2050, it is projected to rise to $1.1 trillion The Alzheimer’s Association, New Mexico Chapter is active in the battle to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease by raising money for the advancement of research; providing care and support for all affected; and reducing the risk of dementia through their advocacy and promotion of brain health. As part of that mission, the New Mexico Chapter offers free educational classes all across the state to caregivers and families facing the disease. The Association’s keystone fundraiser is The Walk to End Alzheimer’s.

Saturday, Sept. 12, the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s event will be held at Young Park, 1905 Nevada Avenue. Hundreds of residents from Las Cruces and surrounding communities are expected to participate. Pre-registration is encouraged. Visit www. alz.org to sign up or for more information.

Registration at the event begins at 8 a.m. An opening ceremony will take place at 9 a.m., and the Walk begins at 9:30 a.m. The length of the route is 1K. All citizens in the area are welcome to attend and be a part of the Alzheimer’s Association’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s, the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research programs.

Recently, Governor Susana Martinez proclaimed September as “Walk to End Alzheimer’s Month.” In the proclamation, she cites not only the staggering growth of the disease and its impact on the state but acknowledges the “thousands of New Mexicans who will come together… to raise awareness and funds through a Walk to End Alzheimer’s Event.”

Under the auspices of the Alzheimer’s Association, New Mexico Chapter, seven cities in New Mexico are hosting their own Walks to End Alzheimer’s. They include Las Cruces and Los Alamos on Sept.12; Santa Fe, Farmington and Deming on Sept. 19; Albuquerque on Sept. 26 and Roswell on Oct. 17.

For more information on joining or starting a team, call 1-800-272-3900 or visit www.alz.org.

The mission of the Alzheimer’s Association is to eliminate the disease thorough the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia though the promotion of brain health. Its vision is a world without Alzheimer’s disease. The Alzheimer’s Association, Albuquerque Chapter, was founded in 1981 by Marian Knapp and other family caregivers facing the daily challenges of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease. For more information about Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias or programs and services that the Alzheimer’s Association provides, call 505-266-4473 or visit www.alz.org/nmewmexico.