Gallup to Host “Walk to end Alzheimer’s”

The Alzheimer’s Association, New Mexico Chapter, is pleased to announce that the Northwest Regional Walk to End Alzheimer’s will be held in Gallup, NM, on August 24th.

The Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest event for raising awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support, and research. All citizens and media in Gallup and the surrounding communities are invited to participate in this colorful and touching event. The event starts at 8:30am at Rio West Mall.

To register or for information, call 800-272-3900 or log into www.alz.org/walk. For directions or sponsorship inquiries, call Kelley Stout, Walk Manager, at 505-266-4473 or email her at kjstout@alz.org .

“The Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the Alzheimer’s Association’s flagship fundraiser with events scheduled across the country from summer through fall,” says Stout, “When participating in the walk here in Gallup, you help spread awareness, give hope to the community, and increase funds for research as well as support programs for New Mexican families affected by Alzheimer’s.”

The walk is free of charge, but pre-registration is highly encouraged.

Fundraising and awarenessraising events like the Walk To End Alzheimer’s are increasingly important as the number of Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease is growing— and growing fast. Today, 5.7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease, including an estimated 200,000 under the age of 65. It is the 6th leading cause of death in the U.S. Nearly one in every three seniors who dies each year has Alzheimer’s or another dementia*.

Every 65 seconds, someone in the United States develops Alzheimer’s dementia. By 2050, someone in the United States will develop Alzheimer’s dementia every 33 seconds. By that same year, as many as 14 million will have the disease.

Currently, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s.

Alzheimer’s takes a devastating toll—not just on those with the disease, but on entire families. In our own state, 39,000 New Mexicans are suffering from Alzheimer’s. They are cared for by 107,000 unpaid caregivers, many of whom are members of their own families.

The Alzheimer’s Association is the largest and most impactful nonprofit funder of Alzheimer’s and dementia science in the world. Currently, the association’s active investment in research totals nearly $110 million in 19 countries.

Cognitive Decline is a strong indicator of future dementia, and according to figures released by the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, it is a growing burden in New Mexico. As of 2016, 12.5 percent (or 1 in every 8) New Mexicans, 45 and older, report confusion or memory loss happening more often or getting worse (“subjective cognitive decline”); 33 percent of those with memory problems live alone, and for those with worsening memory problems, 58.2 percent say it has created “functional difficulties”. Nearly 54 percent of those with memory problems have not spoken to their doctor or healthcare professional about it. If you feel like you may be experiencing memory issues, speak with your doctor about it.

If you need help, call us. Our 24/7 Helpline is available any time, day or night, for support or information: 1 (800) 272-3900.

The Alzheimer’s Association, New Mexico Chapter, offers many free services and resources to caregivers and families facing the disease: support groups, care consultations, respite, educational presentations, safety programs, information and referral, and more.

We have five branch offices in the state: Albuquerque (Main Office), Santa Fe (Northeastern New Mexico), Farmington (Northwestern New Mexico), Roswell (Southeastern New Mexico) and Las Cruces (Southwestern New Mexico). All offices may be contacted by calling 1 (800) 272-3900. *Source for all statistics: The 2018 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report at www.alz. org/facts.

About the Alzheimer’s Association®

The Alzheimer’s Association is the world’s leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support, and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research, to provide and enhance care and support for all affected, and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s. Visit www.alz. org or call 1 (800) 272-3900.