Saturday, Oct. 7 is the Alzheimer’s Association’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s Disease in Great Bend. This annual fundraiser in Jack Kilby Square starts with registration at 9 a.m. and the Promise Garden Ceremony at 9:30 a.m. The walk starts walking at 10.
For more information call Missy Zimmer, walk manager, at the Alzheimer’s Association Central & Western Kansas Chapter, mpzimmer@alz.org.
The Great Bend walk has a lot of local support, including sponsors from the University of Kansas Health System - Great Bend Campus and the local Pilot Club. Sherri Williams, who was part of the walk’s fundraising kickoff earlier this year, notes that brain health is one of the major focuses of Pilot International.
More than 6.5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease – 55,000 right here in Kansas. Additionally, more than 89,000 Kansas caregivers are providing unpaid care, valued at more than $1.9 billion, to their loved ones with Alzheimer’s.
With walkers’ and donors’ support last year, the Alzheimer’s Association’s free 24/7 Helpline (800-272-3900) answered nearly 220,000 calls, providing reliable information and support to those needing assistance.
Through this free service, specialists and master’s-level clinicians offer confidential support and information to people living with dementia, caregivers, families and the public.
Contact the Helpline day or night to:
• Speak confidentially with master’s-level care consultants for decision-making support, crisis assistance and education on issues families face every day.
• Learn about the symptoms of Alzheimer’s and other dementias.
• Find out about local programs and services.
• Get general information about legal, financial and care decisions, as well as treatment options.
• Receive help in your preferred language through our bilingual staff or interpreter service, which accommodates more than 200 languages.
A local support group
Many different types of dementia exist, and many conditions cause it. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia, accounting for 60-80% of dementia cases. Dementia is not a normal part of aging.
Locally, there is a Dementia Caregiver Support Group for family members supporting individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. This group provides family members of individuals with a dementia a confidential opportunity for mutual support and collective education. This group meets from 5:30-7 p.m. on the first Tuesday of the month at the Hoisington Public Library, 169 South Walnut St. (The next meeting is Nov. 7). It is hosted by Clara Barton Hospital and Clinics and the KU Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center.
For more information call Macy Ingham, R.N., mingham@cbhks.com or 620-292-0830, or Michelle Niedens, L.S.C.S.W., cniedens2@kumc.edu or 913-945-7310.