by Cynthia Germain

On September 14th, Door County will come together for a cause that deeply affects families and friends in our community —the annual Alzheimer’s Walk. Hosted by the Alzheimer’s Association, this event offers a chance for us to support those impacted by Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, while raising funds for critical research and community resources.

Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia, affects over 6 million people in the U.S. alone. It is a progressive disease that robs individuals of their memory and cognitive abilities, often leaving families and caregivers with immense emotional and physical challenges. While there is currently no cure, the Alzheimer’s Association is leading efforts in research, support, and care to improve the quality of life for those affected. The Alzheimer’s Walk serves several key purposes:

• Raising Awareness: The event helps increase public knowledge of Alzheimer’s and the challenges it presents for individuals and families.
• Supporting Local Resources: Funds raised go toward local programs that assist caregivers and those living with Alzheimer’s, providing much-needed educational resources and emotional support.
• Funding Groundbreaking Research: Contributions support vital research to better understand Alzheimer’s, improve treatment options, and work toward a cure.

Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s can feel overwhelming. One vital function that funding helps support is the 24/7 helpline at 800-272-3900. This free and confidential resource provides information about Alzheimer’s and dementia, emotional support for caregivers and families, and most importantly referrals to local resources for care, respite, and counseling. This helpline is a critical lifeline for anyone facing Alzheimer’s, offering guidance and reassurance when it’s most needed.

The Alzheimer’s Association is one of the leading funders of Alzheimer’s research worldwide, advancing our understanding of the disease and the development of potential treatments. Their research initiatives span several areas, including basic science, clinical trials, biomarker research and care models improving quality of life. If you are interested in being part of the solution, you can join the fight against Alzheimer’s by participating in a clinical trial. The Alzheimer’s Association offers TrialMatch, a free, easy-to-use tool that connects individuals with Alzheimer’s, caregivers, healthy volunteers, and doctors to ongoing clinical trials across the country. Participating in a clinical trial provides an opportunity to contribute directly to the research that could lead to breakthroughs in treatment and care.

Whether or not you have a direct connection to Alzheimer’s, the Walk offers an opportunity to support your community and raise awareness. You can register for the Walk at https://act.alz.org/site/TR/Walk2024/WI-Wisconsin?pg=entry&fr_id=18017. You’ll see that they have met their Walk fundraising goal but don’t be fooled. Fundraising is key to the supports and research so every dollar counts. After registering for the Walk, you can set up a fundraising page and share it with all your family, friends and fans. Don’t want to walk? Consider volunteering to help with logistics, registration, and guidance.

By joining us on September 14th, you are contributing to the fight against Alzheimer’s in a powerful way. Whether you’re walking to honor a loved one, support caregivers, or simply make a difference, your presence will help fund vital research, drive awareness, and bring us closer to a world free from Alzheimer’s. Together, we can make this year’s Walk the best yet!