Money raised funds patient care, support, education and research

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

The Alzheimer’s Association Greater East Ohio Area Chapter is inviting residents of Mahoning and Columbiana counties to form teams and register to participate in the Mahoning Valley Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Saturday.

The walk will be at the Watson Tressel Training Site, Youngstown State University, 651 Elm St.

Check-in for the walk, conducted to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer care, support, education and research, is at 8:30 a.m. and opening ceremonies begin at 9:30 a.m.

The Greater East Ohio Area Chapter provides education, guidance, referral information and support for the 60,000 people with Alzheimer’s and 250,000 caregivers in the service area.

The Walk to End Alzheimer’s, an annual event in more than 700 communities, is an inspiring and meaningful experience that calls on participants of all ages to share their collective voice as an advocate, walk in honor of their loved ones and help raise awareness of programs and services available to families affected by Alzheimer’s disease, said Helen Paes, development coordinator.

There will be refreshments, basket drawings, Kids Korner, entertainment and other activities associated with the walk.

Alzheimer’s disease is a growing epidemic and is now the nation’s sixth-leading cause of death.

As baby boomers age, the number of individuals living with Alzheimer’s will rapidly escalate, increasing well beyond today’s estimated 5.4 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s, Paes said.

Those interested in participating in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s may register online at www.alz.org/walk or by calling 330-533-3300, which also is the number to call for general information.

For information on the Alzheimer’s Association, call 800-272-3900 or visit www.alz.org/akroncantonyoungstown.