GROUP PLANS ALZHEIMER'S WALK
Tuesday, August 9th, 2011 -- 2:06 PM
The Alzheimer?s Association is planning a ?Walk to End Alzheimer?s? for Clark County next month."It's the sixth-leading cause of death right now in the U.S.," notes Andrea Carter, an outreach specialist with the Alzheimer?s Association.
The degenerative disorder attacks brain cells. The exact cause isn't known, but age plays a role.
"Every 59 seconds, someone develops Alzheimer's Disease. Now, with the baby boomers aging, we're needing a lot more help getting information out," Carter continues.
The disease is difficult for the afflicted, but also the caregiver, says Judy Koffarnus, who works at a nursing home in Colby and helps organize the Clark County Walk To End Alzheimer's.
"I know with myself, being an eight-hour person, I can walk away from it, but if you have it in your family, it's there 24-7," she says.
Carter says people that want to learn more can call 1-800-272-3900 or visit [url=http://www.alz.org]www.alz.org[/url].
The Walk To End Alzheimer?s, formerly called the Memory Walk, will be held at the Colby Lions Shelter on Highway 13 and Adams street in Colby on Sunday, September 18th with registration at noon.
Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.