| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Jenna Schario,
Alzheimer Association, Communications & Awareness Mgr -- 918.481.7736
-- jenna.schario@alz.org
- Alzheimer’s
Association Urges Oklahomans to Advocate During National Alzheimer’s
Month -
Tulsa, Oklahoma,
October 4, 2010 – Alzheimer's disease is the sixth-leading cause
of death in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC) National Center for Health Statistics.
The CDC estimates that 74,632 Americans died of Alzheimer's disease
in 2007.
In addition to recently
being bumped up to the sixth-leading cause of death in front of diabetes,
earlier this fall the newly released World Alzheimer Report 2010: The
Global Economic Impact of Dementia from Alzheimer’s Disease International
(ADI), reported the total estimated worldwide costs of dementia are
$604 billion in 2010.
“Alzheimer’s
is growing at catastrophic proportions on a global level as well as
in Oklahoma,” said Mark Fried, CEO, Alzheimer’s Association
Oklahoma and Arkansas Chapter. “In 2025 the estimated number of
people in Oklahoma aged 65 and older with Alzheimer’s and other
dementias with reach 96,000 – We must act now.”
This November marks
National Alzheimer’s Month and the Alzheimer’s Association
Oklahoma and Arkansas Chapter urges Oklahomans to take this month to
advance advocacy on behalf of the 74,000 Oklahomans currently living
with Alzheimer’s.
“This November
is about standing up for Alzheimer’s disease and asking your friends,
coworkers and family to do the same,” said Fried. “Simple
advocacy steps include writing your congressman to support research
for Alzheimer’s or implementing a fun fundraising campaign at your
work or among your friends.”
For more information
on the ten warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease and to participate
in local advocacy efforts surrounding National Alzheimer’s Month
visit www.alz.org to contact your local Alzheimer’s Association
office.
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