Every November, the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) takes time to recognize the more than 6.2 million Americans living with the progressive brain disorder. Worldwide there are more than 55 million people living with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. The AFA projects that the number of Americans living with Alzheimer’s is expected to increase to over 16 million by 2060.

Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia, a general term for memory loss and other cognitive abilities serious enough to interfere with daily life, accounting for 60 to 80 percent of dementia cases.

Alzheimer’s is not a normal part of aging and the disease progresses over time. In its early stages, symptoms such as memory loss are mild. With late-stage Alzheimer’s, individuals lose the ability to carry on a conversation and respond to their environment. Alzheimer’s is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States.

Although current treatments cannot stop Alzheimer’s from progressing, they can temporarily slow the worsening of dementia symptoms and improve quality of life for those with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers. Today, there is a worldwide effort under way to find better ways to treat the disease, delay its onset and even prevent it from developing.

Another organization that has brought the fight to end this horrible disease is the Alzheimer’s Association.

As recently reported in the Democrat, local Rotary Clubs from Monticello, Liberty and Livingston Manor participated in various Walks to End Alzheimer’s, organized by the Hudson Valley Chapter, across our region. Throughout the month of October, Rotaries from both Orange and Sullivan County that participated in this year’s walk raised thousands of dollars. Nationally in the month of October, Rotary Clubs have raised at least $291,576.

The Aktion Club of Sullivan County is affiliated with the Arc The Greater Hudson Valley, the Center for Discovery and New Hope Community and sponsored by the Kiwanis Clubs of Monticello and Woodridge. They also raised funds at a walk at the Arc facility in Monticello on October 2. 

Through raising awareness and money for research that can develop new and more effective treatments, we can turn the tide of Alzheimer’s disease. We can improve the lives of those who suffer from this terrible disease as well as for their families who care for them.