Alzheimer’s is a wicked disease. One that robs our aging loved ones of their memories and cognitive functions. Some of our clients have had a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s and there are an estimated 50,000 cases currently in Utah alone. The Alzheimer’s Association expects these numbers to rise to over 100,000 cases in Utah by 2025.

It can be tough to know what to do, but Danville Support Services and Alzheimer’s Association are working to bring awareness to this disease, and we hope that soon a cure will be found.

I believe knowledge is power and to know more about these symptoms means we’re better able to help people suffering from Alzheimer’s. I have learned quite a bit this year while working with the Alzheimer’s Association and being a small part of the Memory Walk last year and again this year.

We are currently working on a fundraiser called “Come Swing for the Cure.” The gala will be held Saturday March 3rd at the Downtown Marriott. There is a big band and an auction to help raise money to help Chapter programs, education, health services, and research for treatment and the cure.

For more information on this event please send me an email at [email protected] and I will send you a packet. Danville Support Services is proud to be a supporter of the Alzheimer’s events.

We also went to the State Capital on January 25th to help raise awareness for this disease. We want to let our representatives know more about Alzheimer’s and Dementia. The Alzheimer’s Association with the help of many donors presented a plan with five goals and18 broad recommendations and approximately 100 strategies.

Perhaps you know someone who struggles with Alzheimer’s, or you have had someone in your family with this disease. To find out more go to ALZ.org.

Symptoms to look for: Difficulty remembering names and recent events is often an early clinical symptom; apathy and depression are also often early symptoms. Later symptoms include impaired judgment, disorientation, confusion, behavior changes and difficulty speaking, swallowing and walking.

Knowledge is key in helping to find a cure. Let’s get involved and support events like “Come Swing for the Cure Gala” which will raise money to find the cure.