September Proclaimed
Alzheimer's Awareness Month

Alzheimer's Services of Marshall County administrative assistant Barbara Wolfe looks on as Mayor Gary Beam signs proclamation designating September as Alzheimer's Awareness Month in Arab. Arab Today photo by Dwight Hayes

September 1, 2010
Arab Mayor Gary Beam has designated the month of September as Alzheimer's Awareness Month in the city. Beam signed the proclamation during a ceremony in his office Wednesday morning as Barbara Wolfe of Alzheimer's Services of Marshall County looked on. Alzheimer's Services of Marshall County (ASMC) is a non-profit, volunteer organization and resource center serving Alzheimer's patients, caregivers, and professionals.

Beam said he hopes the proclamation will bring attention to the devastating disease that impairs memory, reasoning, motor skills, and the ability to take care of one's self. Beam said that Alzheimer's has a major impact on individuals, families, and the healthcare system. He related how he had seen first hand the devastating affects of the disease on several friends. Currently there are no treatments that prevent or reverse the disease.

Beam said he hopes the proclamation will also bring attention to the work of ASMC and the need for contributions to help fund the work of the organization. Wolfe, administrative assistant for Marshall County Alzheimer's Services, said it has been a particularly difficult year for the organization as contributions have dropped off due to the slumping economy. Beam urged all citizens to support in every way possible the efforts and activities of the organization.

Wolfe said that Alzheimer's affects every level of our society and the statistics associated with the disease are sobering. An estimated 5.3 million Americans suffer from Alzheimer's disease. Approximately 91,000 Alabamians currently suffer from the disease. By the year 2025, that number is projected to be 110,000. Every 70 seconds someone in America develops Alzheimer's and that rate is expected to grow to to one every 33 seconds by mid-century if a cure is not found. Total payments for 2010 healthcare and long term care for persons with Alzheimer's disease and other dementia related dies eases are expected to be $172 billion. Wolfe said that an estimated 11 million Americans provide unpaid care for a person with Alzheimer's or dementia, a contribution to the nation valued at almost $144 billion annually.

Symptoms usually begin after age 65, and the risk increases with age. Alzheimer's can affect younger people, although that is much less common. Dementia afflicts both men and women in all racial, religious, and socioeconomic groups. Current treatments focus on medications that may help delay the progression of symptoms. Information and education can help families learn to cope and care for their loved ones.

ASMC will hold it's annual fundraiser at Albertville High School on Thursday, September 23. The event, A Night to Remember High School Band Expo, will feature Marshall County high school bands presenting their half time shows. All bands in the area are invited to participate. Luminaries may be placed in memory of or in honor of a friend or loved one for a $5 donation.

Immediately prior to the band expo, walkers of all ages are invited to participate in the one mile, A Night to Remember Walk. The walk begins at 6:00 p.m. at the Albertville Chamber of Commerce. ASMC is recruiting teams to walk and raise money to support those in Marshall County who are coping with Alzheimer’s or dementia. To learn how you can help, click on the Walk Team Captain’s Kit.

Alzheimer's Services of Marshall County is located in the Marshall County Family Resource Center, located at 18 Grimes Drive, Guntersville, AL 35976. Office hours are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Phone (256) 279-0053. Donations may be mailed to ASMC, P.O. Box 2842, Albertville, AL 35950.

For more information about Alzheimer's disease or services provided by ASMC please visit their web site at www.asomc.org