#ENDALZ: Alzheimer's Association continues fight against disease

One nationally-recognized organization is continuing its fight against brain-related diseases with high marks.

The Alzheimer's Association, a nonprofit organization founded in 1980, is noted as the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer's care, support and research. Throughout the month of June, the organization has been busy raising awareness about the disease and funding to continue its mission.

Locally, the Northeast Tennessee Regional Office, based in Kingsport, works throughout the region by promoting various activities and events. The promotion kicks up during the month of June, according to Tabitha Ebbert, manager of programs and education with the Northeast Tennessee office.

"Yesterday was actually our Longest Day event," she told the Elizabethton Star Thursday. "It's the summer solstice but it's also a day we use to highlight our caregivers and promote awareness for Alzheimer's."

The initiative of promoting awareness for the diseases like Alzheimer's and Dementia was something the City of Elizabethton could quickly get behind, according to City Mayor Curt Alexander.

On behalf of the City, Alexander presented a proclamation of support toward the Alzheimer's Association during June's City Council to show support.

"It's such a great cause to get behind," Alexander told the Elizabethton Star. "It's something that hits home for me. My grandmother passed away from Alzheimer's and seeing the support caregivers and the Association provide is such a tremendous thing. We wanted to do our part to help promote the actions by the Alzheimer's Association."

A portion of the proclamation read, "Many encouraging research studies are being conducted and several drug treatments have been introduced which delay the onset of disease symptoms, improving the quality of life for those afflicted and reducing the strain of caregivers."

According to information provided by the Association, Alzheimer's affect over 5 million Americans and is the sixth leading cause of death in the country.

To combat the diseases, the Association is offering a variety of events in the coming months.

At the end of June, the Association is inviting caregivers across the Tri-Cities to participate in an event titled "Lunch & Moore" on Friday, June 30, from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Kingsport Higher Education Center located on 300 W. Market St.

The event, which is free and open to the public, is an interactive conference on topics relevant to caregiving for an individual that is going through Alzheimer's or Dementia. The keynote speaker for the event, Dr. Steven Kendell of Quillen College of Medicine at East Tennessee State University, will discuss the latest research in the community.

Ebbert added the recent strides, while going through clinical trials at the moment, will prove to be an asset moving forward. Individuals can also bring their own lunch during the event.

Registration is needed to attend and can be done by either visiting alz.org/altn online or by calling 800-272-3900.

For more information, contact Ebbert at tebbert@alz.org or call (423) 928-4080 or contact Fatemeh Delheimer, communications manager, via email at fdelheimer@alz.org or call (615) 651-5538.

Along with "Lunch & Moore", Alzheimer's walks will be scheduled for July 25 at the Barn at Boone Falls in Johnson City and July 28 at the Food City in Kingsport.

For more information on how to get involved with the variety of events or make a financial contribution, visit alz.org or call 800-272-3900.