I hope this note finds all of you well and looking forward to some nice weather!  I'm going to start with the same thing I always say and that is THANK YOU for your continued support!  Because of your generosity, I was a top fundraiser for Worcester County last year and I am one of the top 100 fundraisers in the country. This will be my 10th year walking and with your support, I have raised over $162,000!!  This is quite an accomplishment and I have all of you to thank for it!

I was my mother’s primary caregiver for 5 years until she lost her battle with ALZ at the beginning of 2020. She fought like a true champion right up until the end. Even though she lost her fight against this horrible disease, there are still millions of people who need our help. I'm committed to raising awareness and funds to support Alzheimer's care, support and research and it all begins with YOU!

Major takeaways from this year's Facts and figures include the following:

• In 2023, 11.5 million family and other caregivers of people living with Alzheimer's or other dementias provided an estimated 18.4 billion hours of unpaid help.  That averages out to nearly 31 hours of care per caregiver per week.

• Caregivers are stressed.  Coordinating care is stressful. Navigating health care is difficult, as is finding resources and support caregivers needs.

• Dementia caregivers would find navigation services helpful. Caregivers identified services they need: a 24/7 helpline, help coordinating care and communication between different specialists and help in understanding their care recipient's condition.

• The majority of health care workers surveyed (60%) believe that the U.S. health care system is not effectively helping patients and their families navigate dementia care.

This report affirms the importance of the work the Alzheimer's Association is doing across the country to ensure people get access to dementia care support services - in addition to access to treatments.

2024 Facts and Figures:*

• BETWEEN 2000 AND 2019, DEATHS FROM HEART DISEASE HAVE DECREASED 7.3% WHILE DEATHS FROM ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE HAVE INCREASED 145%

• AT AGE 45, THE LIFETIME RISK FOR DEVELOPING ALZHEIMER’S IS 1 IN 5 FOR WOMEN AND 1 IN 10 FOR MEN!

• OVER 11 MILLION AMERICANS PROVIDE UNPAID CARE FOR PEOPLE WITH ALZHEIMER'S OR OTHER DEMENTIAS. THESE CAREGIVERS PROVIDED MORE THAN 18 BILLION HOURS VALUED AT NEARLY $340 BILLION!

• IN 2023 ALZHEIMER’S AND OTHER RELATED DEMENTIAS WILL COST THE NATION $345 BILLION! BY 2050, THESE COSTS COULD RISE AS HIGH AS $1.1 TRILLION

• MORE THAN 80% OF AMERICANS KNOW LITTLE OR ARE NOT FAMILIAR WITH MILD COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT (MCI), WHICH CAN BE AN EARLY STAGE OF ALZHEIMERS

The Alzheimer's Association is leading the fight against Alzheimer's and all other Dementias, but we need your help. Share the Facts and Figures and join the fight at ALZ.ORG/FACTS

NO ONE SHOULD HAVE TO FACE ALZHEIMER’S ALONE

I'm asking for your support by making a tax deductible donation to help the Alzheimer's Association advance research into methods of treatment, prevention and ultimately, a cure for Alzheimer's. For the millions already affected by the disease, the Association offers care, education, support, and resources in communities nationwide.

Please help me reach my goal of $15,000 by making a tax-deductible donation. You can make a secure credit card donation online or download and print the paper form on my page to mail in with a check. All donations benefit the care, support, and research efforts of the Alzheimer's Association — and every dollar makes a difference in this fight. 

Thank you in advance for joining the movement. The end of Alzheimer's disease starts with us!  

Forever grateful, Dawn

Team Don't Stop Believing