Author: Jerrica Valtierra

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Helping You During the Holidays

With the festive time of year, the holidays are often filled with joy and getting together with our loved ones. While it may be a time to celebrate, the Alzheimer’s Association recognizes caregivers and the additional obstacles and stress during the holiday season. We encourage anyone impacted by the disease to read the tips for gift giving, winter weather safety and other facets to consider during the holiday celebrations.

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Five Things We’ve Learned About Alzheimer’s in 2024

2024 brought on a lot of hope through a productive year for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia research, including advancements in diagnosis, treatment, and risk management.

Below are the five significant findings we’ve learned in 2024…

U.S. FDA approves third new drug that slows the course of Alzheimer’s disease

In July 2024, people living with early Alzheimer’s and organizations such as the Alzheimer’s Association celebrated FDA approval of Kisunla, the third approval since 2021 of a treatment that slows progression and changes the underlying course of the disease.

Alzheimer’s Association president and CEO, Dr. Joanne Pike said, “This is real progress. [This FDA] approval allows people more options and greater opportunity to have more time. Having multiple treatment options is the kind of advancement we’ve all been waiting for.”

University of Kentucky School of Medicine #ALZFunded Researchers at 2024 Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) in Philadelphia, PA.

In this new era of treatment, there is an urgent need to better understand how new and future Alzheimer’s therapies work in real-world settings. That way, we can better understand their long-term health and safety outcomes in everyday settings. The Alzheimer’s Network for Treatment and Diagnostics (ALZ-NET) is a first-of-its-kind Alzheimer’s network dedicated to tracking real-world diagnostic and treatment outcomes. ALZ-NET also provides ongoing education and resources for clinicians, patients and families, helping them stay informed about the latest developments in Alzheimer’s research and care.

Blood tests for Alzheimer’s could improve accuracy of diagnosis and speed access to treatment

Highly accurate blood tests for Alzheimer’s are moving closer to broader use in physician’s offices. Research reported this year suggests they may highly improve the accuracy of diagnosis and provide a quicker path to research participation and treatment.

Dementia is often underdiagnosed — and if it is diagnosed by a clinician, many people are unaware or uninformed of their diagnosis. Blood tests for Alzheimer’s are demonstrating in research that they could significantly improve a clinician’s accuracy and confidence, provide greater accessibility and a reason for more communication.

Blood tests that accurately and reliably detect Alzheimer’s-related brain changes signal a shift to simpler, more accurate and earlier detection and diagnosis, potentially superseding current methods that are expensive, invasive and not always accessible.

In one study reported this year, a specific blood test was around 90% accurate in identifying Alzheimer’s in patients with cognitive symptoms seen in primary care and at specialized memory care clinics. Other research suggests that blood tests, once they are validated, could enhance recruitment for Alzheimer’s clinical trials and slash wait times for Alzheimer’s disease assessment. This research was funded in part by the Alzheimer’s Association.

Wildfire smoke raises risk of dementia more than other air pollution

Research has found that exposure to air pollution is associated with increased risk of dementia. But a new study reported at AAIC 2024 suggests that breathing in wildfire smoke increases the risk of being diagnosed with dementia more than other types of air pollution. These results come from a decade-long study of more than 1.2 million people in southern California.

The study says air pollution produced by wildfires now accounts for more than 70% of total particulate exposure on poor air quality days in California, and calls it “a real problem.” The findings were most pronounced among individuals from minoritized groups and in high poverty areas.

Air pollution produced by wildfires might be more hazardous to health because: it is produced at higher temperatures, contains a greater concentration of toxic chemicals and, on average, is smaller in diameter than other sources. More research needs to be done to determine the exact mechanisms.

Scientists define Alzheimer’s by the physical changes in the brain

A group of scientists and clinicians convened by the Alzheimer’s Association published updated criteria for diagnosis and staging of Alzheimer’s based on the physical changes that happen in the brain due to the disease — not solely the well-known outward symptoms, such as memory loss.

Alzheimer’s Association Funded Researchers shared their findings from latest research projects at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC), held annually to update the leaders of the organization on scientific advancements & developments

Defining diseases by the biology has long been standard in many areas of medicine — including cancer, heart disease and diabetes. The new publication defines Alzheimer’s as a biological process that begins with brain changes before people exhibit memory and thinking problems. The authors state that progression and expansion of these changes lead to the later appearance of symptoms, such as memory loss, disorientation, trouble with planning or organizing, and mental confusion.

To learn more about Alzheimer’s disease and dementia research advances, plus available care, information and support resources — and to join the cause or make a donation — visit the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org/kyin. As always, get guidance and answered questions by master-level clinicians; at any time, even holidays. Speak with someone by calling our 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900.

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Jingle Bell Jog ALZ Away

The 17th Annual Jingle Bell Jog ran smoothly in Stanford, Kentucky; a town of nearly 4,000 people had the holiday spirit in the streets.

950 people registered to run in honor of more than 100,000 people, who are currently living with Alzheimer’s disease in Greater Kentucky & Southern Indiana. With each stride, the community cheered on the runners and celebrated the compassion of more the 200,000 unpaid caregivers. Most often, those living with Alzheimer’s disease are taken care of by their family and friends; leading to stress and additional set of challenges.

Check out photos & videos from the event in the gallery below! And, check out more on our Facebook page; Greater Kentucky and Southern Indiana Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association – Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlzKYIN/ – @ALZKYIN on Instagram and X (fka Twitter).

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Because You Walk… We Have Hope

Our chapter hosts 12 Walk to End Alzheimer’s events throughout our service area as our largest fundraiser to accelerate research, offer care and support, and give our community a platform to share their voice on a federal and state level to enact legislative change.

Several families impacted by the disease, decided to share their story to thank the generous community for supporting their mission in the fight to end Alzheimer’s disease.

Don Woehler, 64 recently diagnosed with Early Onset Alzheimer’s, but chose hope.

Joyce and Don Woehler
The Woehlers at the Evansville Walk to End Alzheimer’s

At 64-years old, Don found out he had Early Onset Alzheimer’s. However, the Woehler’s decided to take it in stride, fueled by hope and travel to Indianapolis for treatments. The couple travels north bi-weekly and say, Don’s therapies have shown promising results.

With the support of their community, raised more than $6,500!!! The Woehler’s had dozens on their team; adding up to about 50 people walking behind Don, fighting along with him during his journey with the disease.

Donate to “Don’s Memory Bank” Team

Alzheimer’s impacts healthcare heroes in Owensboro, professionally and personally.

Cedarhurst of Owensboro Team at Walk Event

Caregivers are compassionate and patient; and the Cedarhurst of Owensboro team knows the importance of supporting the families in the community. The staff at the senior living facility has raised more than $1300 for the Owensboro Walk event.

“Walk day is fun for our staff and very meaningful because we care for individuals everyday who are living with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia.” – Team Captain, Cedarhurst of Owensboro. “The Alzheimer’s Association depends on fundraising efforts from teams like us. Until there is a cure, we will continue walking!”

Help Owensboro Walk to End Alzheimer’s Reach for Goal

Clara’s Clan, Fights for Families

Jasper is a small town, but in it lives a big family with the fight to end Alzheimer’s disease.

Clara’s Clan at Jasper Walk to End Alzheimer’s

“Clara’s Clan walks to honor our mom and grandma, Clara Muller. She was a strong, independent woman, mother of 8 and grandmother of many, but Alzheimer’s took us by surprise. It stole her memories and personality, her ability to take care of herself and eventually her life. One thing she taught us was to take action, and with a large, aging family we felt we had to be a part of the solution. So we share our story, give advice to other families and raise funds to support the fight. We walk so other families don’t have to watch their loved ones fade away from them. We walk to END Alzheimer’s.”

Clara’s Clan is the Jasper Walk to End Alzheimer’s top fundraising team of 2024.

Support the Small, but Mighty Jasper Community

Helping Heartbreak with Continuous Care

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Staff at a Bowling Green Assisted Living Facility have chosen to invest in the mission of the Alzheimer’s Association. Fundraising more than $6,000 for the last several years for the Bowling Green Walk to End Alzheimer’s has given insight and inspiration to the Village Manor Walk to End Alzheimer’s Team.

“Many of the people who call Village Manor home are living with Alzheimer’s disease/dementia and a large part of what we do here is care for those individuals. Our team sees firsthand the havoc and heartbreak that Alzheimer’s Disease can cause, both for our residents, their families and for us, because our residents become our family too. It isn’t hard for us at Village Manor to get motivated to fundraise for Walk to End ALZ or to get participants to join our team – our residents and their families are all of the motivation we need to do our part to find a cure!” – Team Captain, Village Manor Team

Support the South-Central Kentucky Walk to End Alzheimer’s

Counting on the Christian County Community

Hosting multiple fundraisers a month, raising more than $5,700 through community partners coming together for end Alzheimer’s disease. Team Co-captain,

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Owensboro Family Credits Fundraising for Hope, Among Hundreds at Walk to End Alzheimer’s Annual Event

Thank you to the local media outlets who covered the Owensboro Walk to End Alzheimer’s event on Sunday, September 29th at Smother’s Park and shared the stories of the community.

Tina Coon, Caregiver of Owensboro tells the Alzheimer’s Association, she’s happy to share her story with the public. She hopes the community continues to support the organization’s mission. Coon says, without it, her father, recently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s wouldn’t be able to go through the infusions to treat Alzheimer’s disease.

She agreed to share her story with the Owensboro Messenger Inquirer. Read more about her story below:

https://www.messenger-inquirer.com/news/local/moving-motivator-owensboro-hosts-walk-to-end-alzheimers-event-at-smothers-park/article_3fbac11a-4c87-5d14-8e9c-528dbbc00591.htmlhttps://www.messenger-inquirer.com/news/local/moving-motivator-owensboro-hosts-walk-to-end-alzheimers-event-at-smothers-park/article_3fbac11a-4c87-5d14-8e9c-528dbbc00591.html

“Biggest Support Group” Megan Irish, Owensboro Walk to End Alzheimer’s Manager says as hundreds gather for the annual fundraising event

The Alzheimer’s Association hopes to raise $125,000 for 2024 Owensboro Walk to End Alzheimer’s event. Donations for the Walk are still being taken until the end of the year (December 31st). If you’d like to make an impact, follow this link to make a donation and learn about gifts you can earn with each fundraising milestone.

The event offers a place where families can go to connect with others who support the fight against Alzheimer’s disease and understand the journey those impacted face. The Walk to End Alzheimer’s events have an surgency of energy when the promise garden ceremony brings to light how many people have lost someone, are living with and/or who care for someone living with the disease.

Read more about the event and how you can help at the link below:

https://www.tristatehomepage.com/news/hundreds-gather-to-walk-to-end-alzheimers

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Welcome to the Greater Kentucky and Southern Indiana Chapter Blog

Our staff provides services to 125 counties across Greater Kentucky and Southern Indiana. 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.

We have offices in Louisville, Lexington and Evansville! Visit us on our website at alz.org/kyin and utilize our 24/7 Help Line at 800.272.3900.

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Volunteers Give Their Time and Heart: Pat Scott, Alzheimer’s Association Volunteer Passes and Remembered by Family, Community

The Alzheimer’s Association is dedicated to helping anyone impacted by Dementia, and often, the organization relies on people in the community to help us in that mission. Patricia Scott, 74, dedicated her life to missions similar to that of ours. At the Greater Kentucky and Southern Indiana Chapter, we were fortunate enough to have someone of her caliber to volunteer with us.

Scott passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 10, 2023, surrounded by loving family.

“No one is more cherished in this world than someone who lightens the burden of another. Thank you.” 

– Joseph Addison, Writer & Poet

According to the Fern Creek Funeral Home Obituary, Scott was born in Louisville, KY, Pat’s life was dedicated to service. She worked for over 30 years as a Registered Radiologic Technologist and Mammographer. After retiring, she threw herself into volunteer work with the Alzheimer’s Association where she once won Volunteer Caregiver of the Year. She was an active member of Southeast Christian Church. In addition to greeting, Pat facilitated the Alzheimer’s Caregiver and Cancer Care Support Groups.

For the last two years, she was Activities Director at Tucker Station Senior Apartments. She loved her family, travel, and new adventures. Pat battled many health issues over the years, but handled each new challenge with courage and grace. She will be dearly missed.

Pat is survived by her husband of 55 years Michael Scott; her daughters Kimberly Scott and Kristen Cole (Justin); her granddaughter Samantha Cole; her sister Deb Bocko; her niece Belinda Kreutzer (Stuart); and many loving friends and relatives.

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2023: Five Things We’ve Learned About Alzheimer’s

Louisville, KY December 4, 2023 — 2023 was a landmark year for Alzheimer’s disease research, including advancements in treatment, risk factors and diagnosis of Alzheimer’s and other dementias. In this new era of Alzheimer’s treatments, here are five significant discoveries from this year:

There are now three newly approved treatments for Alzheimer’s, with a fourth on the way.

In July 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted traditional approval for Leqembi for treatment of mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer’s and mild Alzheimer’s dementia. This treatment, while not a cure, slows cognitive decline and can give people with early Alzheimer’s more time to maintain their independence.

Back in June 2021, the FDA granted accelerated approval to Aduhelm for the same purpose. At the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) in July 2023, Eli Lilly reported positive results for a third treatment — donanemab — in that same population. The company expects FDA action by the end of 2023.

In May, the FDA approved brexpiprazole for agitation in people with Alzheimer’s disease. This is the first FDA-approved treatment for Alzheimer’s-related agitation, which is experienced by about 45% of Alzheimer’s patients. According to research published in May 2023, there are more than 140 therapies being tested that target multiple aspects of Alzheimer’s.

Hearing aids could slow cognitive decline for at-risk older adults.

In the largest clinical trial to investigate whether a hearing loss treatment intervention can reduce risk of cognitive decline, researchers found that older adults with hearing loss, who were at higher risk of cognitive decline, cut their cognitive decline in half by using hearing aids for three years.

The three-year intervention included use of hearing aids, a hearing “toolkit” to assist with self-management, and ongoing instruction and counseling with an audiologist. Though the positive results were in a subgroup of the total study population, they are encouraging and warrant further investigation. The researchers found that the hearing intervention also improved communication abilities, social functioning and loneliness.

Blood tests for Alzheimer’s are coming soon, and could improve diagnosis and treatment.

Blood tests show promise for improving, and possibly even redefining, how Alzheimer’s is diagnosed in the future. Advancements reported for the first time at AAIC 2023 demonstrate the simplicity — perhaps just a simple finger prick! — and value to doctors of blood-based biomarkers for Alzheimer’s.

These findings are timely with the recent FDA approvals of Alzheimer’s treatments where confirmation of amyloid plaque buildup in the brain and ongoing monitoring are required to receive the treatment.

Blood tests are already being implemented in Alzheimer’s drug trials for further proof of their effectiveness. And they are incorporated into proposed new diagnostic and staging criteria for the disease. Blood tests — once verified, and approved by the FDA — would offer a noninvasive and cost-effective option in identifying blood-based markers for the disease.

First-ever U.S. county-level Alzheimer’s prevalence estimates.

The first-ever county-level estimates of the prevalence of people with Alzheimer’s dementia — in all 3,142 United States counties — were reported at AAIC 2023. For counties with a population of 10,000 or more people age 65 or older, researchers estimate the highest Alzheimer’s prevalence rates are in:

  • Miami-Dade County, FL (16.6%)
  • Baltimore City, MD (16.6%)
  • Bronx County, NY (16.6%)
  • Prince George’s County, MD (16.1%)
  • Hinds County, MS (15.5%)

The researchers identified certain characteristics that may explain the higher prevalence in these counties, including older average age and higher percentages of Black and Hispanic residents. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, these stats can help public health officials determine the burden on the health care system, and better pinpoint areas of high risk and high need — for example, for culturally-sensitive health support and caregiver training services.

Chronic constipation is associated with poor cognitive function.

Approximately 16% of the world’s population struggles with constipation. That prevalence is even higher among older adults. This year, researchers reported that less frequent bowel movements were associated with significantly worse cognitive function.

Compared to those with bowel movements once daily, people with bowel movements every three days or more had worse memory and thinking equal to three additional years of cognitive aging. These results stress the importance of clinicians discussing gut health, especially constipation, with their older patients, including how to prevent constipation.

To learn more about Alzheimer’s disease research advances, plus available care and support — and to join the cause or make a donation — visit the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org. Together we can end Alzheimer’s disease.

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We Alz Walks Together!

The Louisville Walk to End Alzheimer’s team held a kick off event at Kentucky Farm Bureau on Thursday. Over 100 people joined the Greater Kentucky Southern Indiana chapter staff, teams and their captains at a ceremonial event signifying the start of fundraising season!

“Inspiring, Impactful and Informational,” Lisa Young, Senior Walk Director describes what it felt like in the Commonwealth Conference room at Kentucky Farm Bureau. The room’s moniker lived up to its name. It served as a place for all walks of life, different types of families, caregivers, senior care workers; the array of people who make up the commonwealth of Kentucky, but also shows the vast impact Alzheimer’s and Dementia has on our neighbors.

Annette B., Anthology of Louisville brought a resident from her senior care community. A daily reminder for why she fundraises, and who its for. It’s for the Linda’s of the world. Linda donned a purple lei, accessorized with an ear to ear smile, with hardware in her hands. Anthology of Louisville is the Walk to End Alzheimer’s 2022 Top Care Facility Fundraising Team.

Over the course of a 30-minute presentation, Anette and Linda were one of 22 teams and participants who received ultimate recognition for most fundraising dollars in a category.

Louisville Ambassador Family, Briscoe Family
Room full of proud supporters
Lisa Young, Senior Walk Director starting off the ceremonial presentation

During the course of the evening, attendees filled out forms to enter giveaway prizes for branded Walk water bottles and gift certificates for dinner at Texas Roadhouse. Four lucky winners were drawn, but everyone walked away with something…a fundraising challenge.

Young tasked everyone in the room to help fundraise enough to hit the overall goal before the day of the Walk to End Alzheimer’s. What’s the walk goal, you ask? $500,000. Where does the money go? It stays in your community, whether to provide free education to your neighbors, friends and families or fund local researchers to continue the ultimate goal to finding a cure for Alzheimer’s and other types of Dementia.

Want to learn more about the Walk to End Alzheimer’s? Follow this link for more information to find a walk fundraiser in your area!

Do you have an interesting story and want to be featured on our blog and social media pages? Contact Communications Manager, Jerrica Valtierra at jvaltierra@alz.org.

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What You Need to Know on FDA approved Dementia Treatments, Leqembi (Lecanemab)

 

The Greater Kentucky and Southern Indiana Chapter (GKSI) sat down with Dr. Greg Cooper, Neurologist and Director at Norton Neuroscience Institute in Louisville. Jerrica Valtierra, Communications Manager, went over questions and concerns that families may have since the Food and Drug Administration traditionally approved and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) agreed to the coverage of the Dementia treatments. 

What is Lecanemab (Lequembi)? 

The science behind the Lecanemab (Leqembi) shows efficacy and benefit to Early Alzheimer’s disease. Leqembi is an anti-amyloid treatment; it slows the progression of the disease when taken in the early stages of Alzheimer’s. This is a treatment of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) due to Alzheimer’s disease and mild Alzheimer’s dementia. According to Eisai and Biogen, the company announced in September 2022, the trial showed a slowed rate of cognitive decline by 27%. 

Am I eligible for this Dementia treatment? If not, who is? 

The results of the clinical trials treat the underlying causes of Alzheimer’s; it has the potential to change the course of the disease, clinically and in a meaningful way for patients. This treatment is for people who are in the early stages of Alzheimer’s, or any mild cognitive impairment (MCI) possibly due to Alzheimer’s. 

Dr. Greg Cooper, Neurologist with Norton Neuroscience Institute, cautions patients’ expectations by explaining this treatment isn’t quite a cure, but with early detection and intervention will be necessary for the medication to have the helpful effects.  

“The earlier we find this; the quicker we treat it, the more likely we are to be successful. That’s going to have to change our whole mindset,” said Dr. Cooper.  “If I notice some changes in my memory and I think it’s probably normal, it’s still ok to be checked out. I believe – we will start seeing a lot of people earlier that have questionable changes in their memory. “

Those are already diagnosed with MCI or Early Stage Alzheimer’s Dementia, and enrolled in Medicare are eligible for the Dementia treatment.  If patients are already taking Dementia medication, (listed below) you are still a candidate for the treatment. 

The Alzheimer’s Association hosts education programs in your community to help inform families who are at risk for Alzheimer’s or Dementia. The education programs include; the 10 warning signs, which can help decipher what are the symptoms of the disease. If you’re interested in finding education programs near you, click here. For more information on the Education program topics, click here. Through research, the Alzheimer’s Association acknowledges the irreversible disease progression and emphasizes the importance of education and knowing what risk factors may contribute to mitigate the onset of symptoms.  

Those who have progressed through the disease and are considered to be the mild or moderate stages are NOT eligible for this treatment. Please see diagram below for the Disease continuum diagram. 

If a patient comes in and has MCI, then there will be additional testing done to determine if there are amyloids present in the brain and if the Dementia treatment is appropriate. 

What’s the difference between Dementia and Alzheimer’s? 

Dementia is the disease; and Alzheimer’s is the most common type of Dementia. 80% of patients are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.  (See diagram below for details on the types.)

If I’m eligible, what does insurance cover? How much will I have to pay out of pocket? What does the cost look like?

Dr. Cooper says the timeline for the access to the medication may be in the coming months.  According to CMS; coverage for Medicare patients may include PET scans, to further test amyloid positivity.  Currently, doctors may test using a Cerebrospinal fluid analysis, but that method tends to be costly and not widely covered by insurance providers.  

The Lecanemab (Leqembi) has a yearly cost of $26,500. However, CMS has agreed to cover that cost.  The out of pocket cost has not yet been determined; as there may be a co-pay, infusion cost, and MRI scans, all of which would need to be determined by insurance providers.

The Alzheimer’s Association is committed to working with health systems and providers to ensure they have the resources and infrastructure to meet the needs of their patients. Participation in the Alzheimer’s Association’s Alzheimer’s Network for Treatment and Diagnostics (ALZ-NET), which will gather real world data on how people from all backgrounds and communities respond to novel FDA-approved Alzheimer’s therapies, is encouraged by the FDA in the prescribing information for Leqembi. However, the Alzheimer’s Association does not believe registries should be a requirement for FDA-approved treatment.

The Alzheimer’s Association stated its disappointed CMS has not initiated the formal process to reconsider the National Coverage Determination policy. The policy states a drug must meet several criteria and be formally approved to provide broader, national access to the medication up for consideration.

The Advocacy team is working tirelessly to remove all barriers to ensure families get medication they need to fight Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia.

This treatment is said to be ‘intravenous’, what does that mean? What can I expect? 

The clinical trials have been intravenous and the results and side effects are derived from those trials.  

The treatment will be administered intravenously, similar to being injected with IV fluids at infusion centers throughout the community. It will NOT be administered as a routine shot at the injection site. 

The scheduling of the infusions will be every couple of weeks. Patients can expect the first infusion session to last about three to four hours, The actual infusion process is estimated to take an hour, as the medication is gradually infused during that time. Each infusion session is estimated to take a shorter amount of time after each visit, but that may vary depending on the patient. 

The reason for longer times at the infusion appointments are to be monitored in the event of adverse reactions. In the clinical trials, about a quarter of the patients experienced side effects from the infusion, like headache, achy body, fever. Dr. Cooper is confident in the ability to treat those side effects, but these treatments are a gradual process and patients and their families should know these treatments won’t show any changes overnight. 

“It’s a good step forward but not a trivial step forward,” said Dr. Cooper.  “It’s going to be a burden for patients and their families they need to understand that up front.”

What’s going to happen after I receive the first infusion? What are the next steps? 

Each patients’ journey may be different, just like each person battling any type of dementia.  Most patients may have to get at least one MRI within 12 months or three within the first year of treatment. Some patients, who have genetic components, may expect four to five MRI’s within a 12-month span. 

BACKGROUND: 

The Greater Kentucky and Southern Indiana Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association has worked with state and local partners to fund research through our year-round events; including the signature event the Walk to End Alzheimer’s. The GKSI Chapter hosts 12 Walk to End Alzheimer’s Fundraisers to give back to our local community and dementia researchers. 

The Alzheimer’s Association is always available to answer your questions 24/7. You can call the helpline at 800.272.3900 to speak with our master-level certified clinicians and social workers for any questions or concerns you may have. The Greater Kentucky and Southern Indiana Chapter works with community partners and volunteers to support the community impacted by dementia.  To start a walk team, please visit our registration page, here.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, more than 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s. Over 11 million Americans provide unpaid care for people with Alzheimer’s or other dementias.  One in three seniors dies with Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia.  Dementia kills more people than breast and prostate cancers combined.  Between 2000 and 2010, deaths from Alzheimer’s disease have increased 145%.  

Watch the 2023 Facts and Figures video below for more statistics on Alzheimer’s and Dementia.