Within the next 10 years, it’s highly likely everybody will know somebody – in many cases, a loved one – suffering from Alzheimer’s disease.
Alzheimer’s is now the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States. There are an estimated 5.4 million people in the nation who have the disease in one stage or another.
That is why it’s incumbent upon all of us to learn as much about the disease as possible. As the so-called Baby Boomers age, there will be huge spikes in the number of Alzheimer’s patients in just the next decade, so much so that it will stretch our health care systems to the breaking point.
Is it any wonder researchers are working frantically to find a cure or ways to make the ravages of the disease less awful?
Knowledge and awareness are important. That is why local cities are initiating “Alzheimer’s-Friendly” status, efforts to accommodate Alzheimer’s patients among us now and in the future.
Another good way to help fight Alzheimer’s is to donate money. On Saturday, Sept. 24, in St. Joseph there will be an event called “Rock for Alzheimer’s,” which is a fundraiser to help fight the dreaded disease. The all-day event is set from 1-8 p.m. at the Bad Habit Brewing Co. and will feature an exciting line-up of topnotch music by the likes of Collective Unconscious, Slip Twister, the Killer Vees and Walters’s Wheelhouse. We would like to encourage all people in this area, and beyond, to attend “Rock for Alzheimer’s.” It’s not only a good cause, but it’s just the thing for music-lovers on an autumn day.
The event is being held in conjunction with the Alzheimer’s Association/Walk to End Alzheimer’s that will take place in St. Cloud the morning of the music fest in St. Joseph. For more information about the event, see story in today’s paper by Cori Hilsgen (“Rock for Alzheimer’s set for Sept. 24″).
Music legend, the great Bobby Vee, was diagnosed several years ago with Alzheimer’s and had to quit performing because of the disease. His beloved wife, Karen, passed away from cancer last year. Despite the sadness of those tragedies, the Vee family has forged ahead with courage, playing good old rock ‘n’ roll like their famous father did for decades and dedicating much of their time and energy to a number of good causes, including the fight against Alzheimer’s. Two of Vee’s sons, Jeff and Tommy, will perform as members of the Killer Vees at the Sept. 24 music show.
Let’s all go to “Rock for Alzheimer’s.” Let’s groove to the great music. Let’s collectively strike a blow against this awful disease.
