ATLANTA – Nov. 27, 2012 – In a recent national survey, the Alzheimer’s Association ranked the Georgia Chapter’s programs and services higher than similar programs throughout the country, and since September, supporters have gathered throughout metro-Atlanta to raise critically needed funds for these programs through the Walk to End Alzheimer’s. More than 6,000 Georgians participated in the seven metro-Atlanta Walk to End Alzheimer’s events, raising nearly $900,000.

The Walk to End Alzheimer’s brings together those currently fighting Alzheimer’s, their caretakers and supporters. Since 1989, the Walk has raised more than $250 million to help those battling Alzheimer's disease. More than 600 communities nationwide and those locally, including Athens, Atlanta, Carrollton, Duluth, Gainesville, Newnan and Peachtree City, participate in the event, making the Walk to End Alzheimer’s the nation’s largest event to raise awareness for the disease. Fundraising dollars are used in the care and support of those afflicted with Alzheimer’s, as well as research into preventing and curing the devastating disease.

Locally, the money raised will be used to support the Helpline (1.800.272.3900), a 24-hour service that provides advice and support to those living with Alzheimer’s or their caregivers, care consultations, education programs, support groups and more.  In a recent survey, these programs ranked higher than similar programs nationwide, each achieving at least a 99 percent satisfaction rating.

“The need for the residents of Georgia to join in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease increases each year,” said Leslie Anderson – president and CEO, Alzheimer’s Association – Georgia Chapter.  “Funds raised through the Walk to End Alzheimer’s provide vital care and support services to the nearly 200,000 Georgians living with Alzheimer’s, while also contributing to critical research efforts that will ultimately help us to eradicate this disease.”

The Alzheimer’s Association is a leader in the global fight against Alzheimer’s disease, currently the nation’s sixth leading cause of death. One in eight older Americans lives with Alzheimer’s, and it is the only cause of death among the top 10 in the United States that cannot be prevented, cured or even slowed.  Without new advancements, more than 16 million people will have the disease by 2050 – triple the current number.

Fundraising will continue online at www.alz.org/georgia, and via Georgia Gives Day on Dec. 6. For more information on Georgia Gives Day, visit www.gagivesday.org/c/GGD/a/alz-georgia.

About Alzheimer's Association

The Alzheimer's Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer's care, support and research. 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. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer's. For more information, visit www.alz.org.

#

For more information, contact:  Meigan Manis, communications 21, 404.814.1330, mmanis@c21pr.com.