June is Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, and the Alzheimer’s Association® is partnering with Mayor Turner, City Officials, Community Leaders and the University of Houston to help to raise awareness of Alzheimer’s disease, the nation’s sixth-leading cause of death.
Right now Houstonians are facing this deadly and devastating disease. More than 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s, and over 15 million are serving as their caregivers. In 2017, Alzheimer’s and other dementias will cost the nation $259 billion – by 2050, these costs could triple to over $1.1 trillion. The costs associated with Alzheimer’s can be staggering for families, with average out-of-pocket costs for health care and long-term care services not covered by Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance exceeding $10,000 annually.
Mayor Turner, Police Chief Acevedo, Assistant Fire Chief Alexander, METRO Board Chair Patman, Councilman Gallegos, Reverend Appelberg of the Center for Spirituality of Aging at UTMB, Reverend Denkins of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church, Pastor Endress of Chapelwood United Methodist Church, Imam Khan of the Mercy Islamic Center and Rabbi Strauss of Congregation Beth Yeshurn have joined the Alzheimer’s Association Houston and Southeast Texas Chapter in raising awareness and concern about Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias during Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month.
As part of the initiative, the city officials and community leaders joined the fight to end Alzheimer’s by appearing in a series of Public Service Announcement videos. Created in collaboration with the University of Houston’s Jack J. Valenti School of Communication, the PSAs cover Alzheimer’s disease facts and figure, the 10 warning signs of Alzheimer’s and the importance early detection. In addition to the videos, printed public service announcements will also appear on METRO buses, shelters, and trains with flyers available at the METRO office.
“We think it is important for people to know that Alzheimer’s disease is not just a normal part of aging.” shares Richard Elbein, CEO of the Houston and Southeast Texas Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. “Alzheimer’s disease is fatal and it is the only one of the top 10 leading causes of death with no way to prevent, cure or treat it. We are so grateful for the outpouring of support; we see this initiative as a great opportunity to urge Houstonians to learn more about Alzheimer’s disease and the 10 warning signs.”
The Alzheimer’s Association is inviting Houstonians to go purple and help raise awareness this June. Get inspired by the stories of caregivers and advocates by visiting www.alz.org/abam and then join them by sharing your story on social media with #MyAlzStory and #ENDALZ.
About the Alzheimer’s Association
The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s. For more information, visit the Alzheimer’s Association at alz.org or call the 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900.