Every 66 seconds someone in the United States develops Alzheimer’s disease, currently totaling more than 5 million diagnoses. Alzheimer’s is one of the fastest growing and most devastating epidemics worldwide. Alzheimer’s is a progressive, degenerative disease that encroaches upon the nerve cells in the brain. The damage done manifests in many ways, including memory loss, thinking and language deficits, and behavioral and personality changes.
Chances are you or someone you love has been or will be affected by Alzheimer’s or a related dementia. Unfortunately, even with the staggering statistics, Alzheimer’s research continues to receive little federal funding compared to other leading diseases.
Locally, Home Instead Senior Care strives to help people manage this disease. The company works closely with those affected and their families to provide respite, support and care. Additionally, they provide community education programs like Family Dementia Training and the Alzheimer’s Friendly Business Initiative.
For the past five years, Home Instead has sponsored The Alzheimer’s Festival to raise awareness and funds for this devastating disease. All proceeds go to support the Alzheimer’s Association’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Over the past five years, Home Instead has raised over $60,000.
This year the Festival will be held on Saturday, June 24, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on the lawn in front of Home Instead office at 502 Main Street, and will be bigger and better than ever. The free event promises a lively, family-friendly experience. There will be fun activities for the kids, including a bounce house, a petting zoo, and face-painting, as well as relaxing games for everyone, from ladder ball to cornhole.
For those who are hungry, pulled pork sandwiches, smoked turkey sandwiches, and plump red dogs will be available for purchase. For those with a sweet tooth, there’s a Bake Sale and a Cake Walk. Crafts, plants and flowers will also be on sale and the popular Basket Raffle will be back, each containing approximately $100 worth of products.
For more information on the event, please contact Jacquelyn at the Home Instead Senior Care office at 839-0441.