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The Bainbridge Rotary Club welcomed Alzheimer’s Association Walk Manager, Chrystal Bell, at the regularly scheduled meeting held on July 13. She shared that more than 6 million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer’s, and that Alzheimer’s and dementia deaths have increased 16% during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Bell, over 11 million Americans provide unpaid care, which can result in a cost of $355 billion nationwide; These statistics and others illustrate the need to continue to fight to end Alzheimer’s disease.

The vision of the Alzheimer’s Association is a world without Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Through their efforts, global research has accelerated, risk and early detection has been promoted, and quality care and support has increased.

The Walk to End Alzheimer’s events, that will be held in over 600 communities nationwide, serve to spread awareness and raise funds for Alzheimer’s care, support, and research. Care and support are provided to families and communities with a free 24/7 Helpline (800-272-3900), ALZ Connected network (alzconnected.org), and local support groups. Educational programs and workshops meant to inform and empower individuals facing Alzheimer’s are housed on the website alz.org. The Alzheimer’s Association is the world’s leading nonprofit funder of research, investing over $235 million worldwide. As the leading voice of advocacy at the state and federal level, the Association’s efforts have contributed to a more than seven-fold increase in research funding over the past 10 years.

The Bainbridge Walk to End Alzheimer’s will be held in person on the Square in downtown Bainbridge on October 23, 2021, with a goal to raise $27,000. Since 2017, the Bainbridge Walks have raised $188,000. The Bainbridge Rotary Club has supported the Walk since its inception and has already formed a team for this year’s Walk. Anyone interested in forming a team, joining the planning committee, or just learning more about the Bainbridge Walk may visit act.alz.org/Bainbridge. The local planning committee along with Walk Manager, Chrystal Bell, would be happy to answer any questions or assist in participation. Chrystal may be contacted at (229) 472-3081 or chbell@alz.org.