“Alzheimer’s is relentless, and so are we,” said Anne Gimbel, Alzheimer’s Association Coachella Valley Regional Director. “The disease is growing at an alarming rate and affects not only those diagnosed, but countless spouses, children, parents, family members and friends. New research from the state of California indicates that one person in nine older than age 45 have some signs of cognitive decline. We look forward to our 2017 Walk to End Alzheimer’s at Civic Center Park and encourage everyone to lead a team, join a team, or volunteer.”

The 18th annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s 2017, takes place Saturday morning, February 18, at the Palm Desert Civic Center Park. The event supports the Alzheimer’s Association, California Southland, Coachella Valley to provide much needed care and support for the more than 40,000 local residents touched by Alzheimer’s and related dementias. Funds also go to educate the public about Alzheimer’s and research to fight the disease.

The Alzheimer’s Association began serving the Coachella Valley in 1998 and offers numerous free programs and services to individuals, families, and caregivers dealing with dementia. The office provides caregivers with the information, education, and resources necessary to help them better care for their loved ones, themselves and their families.

Many valuable programs are offered including no-cost care consultation, a lifeline to those dealing with the 24-hour-a-day responsibility of caring for someone with dementia. Through the Savvy Caregiver, an evidenced-based education program, caregivers learn about the disease and ways it affects thinking, memory, communication and behaviors, and skills to better manage the challenges of disease progression. Caregiver support groups offer peer-to-peer interactions where participants benefit from sharing insights, understand they aren’t alone with their fears and frustrations, and develop a support system that often lives beyond the disease. Memory Club, led by a professional staff member, is an eight-session education and support group for early-stage individuals and their family care partners.

The Alzheimer’s Association is the largest voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s research and support. Its 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.

The Walk to End Alzheimer’s takes place Saturday, February 18, at Palm Desert Civic Center Park. The Alzheimer’s Association, Coachella Valley, is located at 69-730 Highway 111, Suite 100, Rancho Mirage. For more information and to register visit www.act.alz.org/cvwalk2017 or call (760) 996.0006, ext. 8414.