Walk to end Alzheimer’s at Ottawa Metro Park

LIMA — There are an estimated 6.5 million people in the U.S. who have Alzheimer’s disease. By 2050 the number of people age 65 and older with Alzheimer’s dementia is projected to reach 12.7 million, according to the Alzheimer’s Association.

The increasing prevalence of Alzheimer’s dementia is why research is important. It is why walks to help fund the research are held across the world, including one in Ottawa Metro Park on Saturday.

James Ricker and son, Jackson, were in the walk. When asked why, James replied, “We’re supporting the cause. I’ve got my mom and grandma with age-related dementia, not quite Alzheimer’s. We walk for them.”

The money raised will help the Alzheimer’s Association continue to provide critical care and services through their 24/7 help line, online education programs and the website at alz.org. The end of Alzheimer’s will come through research. The Alzheimer’s Association funds some of the most promising studies.

Part of the walk is getting the word out to people of things that go on locally. There is an Alzheimer’s support group that meets the first Tuesday of the month at Kessler Estates at 2075 Eastown Road. The meeting is at 7:00 p.m. and is open to anyone in Lima and the surrounding communities.

Amy Fleming, coordinator of the group, said, “It’s for caregivers and loved ones of those that have dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. It’s a forum for people to talk about how they are doing, what kind of tips that they can share with other participants. What can help them through the moments of depression or struggles. That there are resources they can utilize and to provide support. But mostly just to let them know that they’re not alone.”

PREVALENCE OF ALZHEIMER’S

  • An estimated 6.5 million Americans age 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s in 2022. Seventy-three percent are age 75 or older.
  • About 1 in 9 age 65 and older (10.7%) has Alzheimer’s.
  • Almost two-thirds of Americans with Alzheimer’s are women.
  • Older Black Americans are about twice as likely to have Alzheimer’s or other dementias as older Whites.
  • Older Hispanics are about one and one-half times as likely to have Alzheimer’s or other dementias as older Whites.

(Source: Alzheimer’s Association)

Reach Dean Brown at 567-242-0409

Dean Brown
Dean Brown joined The Lima News in 2022 as a reporter. Prior to The Lima News, Brown was an English teacher in Allen County for 38 years, with stops at Perry, Shawnee, Spencerville and Heir Force Community School. So they figured he could throw a few sentences together about education and business in the area. An award-winning photographer, Brown likes watching old black and white movies, his dog, his wife and kids, and the four grandkids - not necessarily in that order. Reach him at [email protected] or 567-242-0409.