Dementia is an umbrella term describing a group of cognitive issues that includes memory problems, difficulty thinking and speaking, mood swings, irregular emotions, and other behavioral changes. Alzheimer’s disease ranks as the most common form of dementia, accounting for between 60 and 80 percent of all cases. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than seven million Americans 65 and older live with some level of Alzheimer’s, a figure expected to increase to almost 14 million by 2060.
Despite ongoing research, medical professionals are generally unclear on the causes behind Alzheimer’s development, though the general mechanism of the disease involves faulty protein behavior in the brain. Risk factors for Alzheimer’s include age, family history and a personal record of cognitive impairment or head injuries. Women, individuals who drink alcohol, and people exposed to air pollution also have a higher risk for developing the disease, among other risk factors.
Doctors and researchers have struggled to come up with a cure for this degenerative, irreversible disease. In recent years, however, health professionals have made advances in preventive care and treatment options. Important tools for managing cognitive changes caused by Alzheimer’s include cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine. More recently, the Food and Drug Administration has approved several medications that can slow the progression of Alzheimer’s symptoms.
While these advances have improved the lives of individuals living with the disease, organizations such as the Alzheimer’s Association continue to lead the way in care and research, with the goal of developing a cure. Established in 1980 by family caregivers and research advocates, the association has established various programs and initiatives designed to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s research, including the annual Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s.
Over nearly four decades, the Walk to End Alzheimer’s has spread to more than 600 communities throughout the US and represents the largest Alzheimer’s care, support, and research fundraiser in the world. The event brings together millions of participants of all ages and backgrounds under the common cause of funding a permanent cure for the disease. Initially referred to as the Memory Walk, Alzheimer’s Association leaders renamed the event to underscore the focus on finding a cure.
Any person can take part in the Walk at no cost, though organizers strongly encourage participants to raise money to help fund advanced research and Alzheimer’s care services. Interested individuals can find and register for a local Walk by visiting act.alz.org. Walkers can participate as individuals, join an existing team, or start their own team. They should then start raising funds and promoting the Walk throughout their community. Event organizers provide various tips to help participants recruit as many teammates and raise as much money as possible leading up to Walk day.
Local business leaders such as Illinois resident Jeffrey Kallister play a key role. Jeffrey Kallister, who has overseen daily operations at S&K Buick GMC since 2007, has used his position with the Springfield dealership to support various community services and events. Including the Walk to End Alzheimer’s.