Alzheimer’s Association Delaware Valley Chapter will host a free Alzheimer’s community forum, Monday, Nov. 18, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at the Mt. Laurel Library. The town hall-style forum, which is open to the public, will provide people with an opportunity to not only learn about the basics of Alzheimer’s disease, but its impact on families—particularly members of the family who provide care for their loved ones who are living with the disease or another form of dementia.
“The forum is designed to engage local communities in an open discussion about the impact of Alzheimer’s disease,” said Melanie Smith, the Delaware Valley Chapter’s director care and support. “Individuals and families are invited to come together, share their personal stories and join with us to achieve our vision of a world without Alzheimer’s.”
The forum will feature legislative staff from the office of Congressman Andy Kim who represents NJ’s 3rd Congressional District, which includes Burlington County. Congressman Kim has been supportive of Alzheimer’s legislation having recently co-sponsored the Younger Onset Alzheimer’s Disease Act and the Improving Hope for Alzheimer’s Act.
“Alzheimer’s doesn’t just impact the millions across our country suffering with the disease, it impacts the friends and family members who work to provide comfort and care,” Kim said. “I am proud to have my staff take part in this important forum. The question of how we better care for and treat Alzheimer’s is one that takes place in town halls like this across the country, and one that must continue in the halls of Congress to ensure we provide the resources necessary to make progress for people in need.”
Alzheimer’s affects nearly six million people nationwide, killing more people than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined. The number of Americans with Alzheimer’s is expected to climb to 14 million by 2050. Meanwhile, as many as 16 million provide more than 18 billion hours of unpaid care valued at an estimated $232 billion. The sixth-leading cause of death, Alzheimer’s is the only one among the top 10 that has no cure, cannot be prevented, or even slowed. In the Delaware Valley nearly 300,000 people are affected by Alzheimer’s or a related disorder with more than 85,000 in South Jersey.
Anyone who would like to attend must register before Sunday, Nov. 17 by calling (800) 272-3900.
