Memory Walk® Raises Awareness and Dollars to Fight Alzheimer`s in Massachusetts

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Walks Take Place September 12 - October 4
WATERTOWN, Mass.--(Business Wire)--
The Alzheimer`s Association wants everyone to take steps to end Alzheimer`s by
participating in Memory Walk®. Thousands are expected to turn out to fight back
against the fatal disease that can strike as young as 35, but hits with
devastating frequency for those over 65. Memory Walk gives everyone a way to
fight back.

Walks take place across Massachusetts from September 12 - October 4, 2009. Dates
and locations are:

Saturday, September 12: Berkshire (Cheshire)
Sunday, September 13: Central Massachusetts (Worcester), Southeastern Massachusetts (Fall River)
Saturday, September 26: Neponset Valley (Walpole), Northern Worcester County (Gardner)
Sunday, September 27: Greater Boston (Cambridge), Pioneer Valley (Westfield)
Sunday, October 4: Northeastern (Andover), South Shore (Plymouth)

The money raised from Memory Walk goes to research and programs that support
those affected by the disease.

Some of the programs funded by Memory Walk include:

* 24/7 Helpline - Experienced counselors assist people by telephone and online
with all aspects of Alzheimer`s disease-from getting a diagnosis to finding
support and services in the community.
* Research - Each year grants are made for cutting edge research into causes,
treatments and cures for Alzheimer`s.

* Medic Alert + Safe Return - The emergency program operates 24 hours a day to
assist in locating people with Alzheimer`s who have wandered and become lost.
* Support Groups - Alzheimer`s support groups are sensitive and helpful
resources for those with the disease and their families.
* Advocacy - The Alzheimer's Association advocates at the local, state and
federal level to promote quality care and increase federal research funding.
* Care Consultation -Counselors work one-on-one with families facing challenges
in managing the disease.
* Family Education - The latest information on research, the importance of
diagnosis and treatment, legal issues, care planning and safety issues is
offered at numerous locations across the state.

Every 70 seconds, someone develops Alzheimer`s. More than 5 million Americans
have the disease, including 120,000 in Massachusetts. These numbers will grow
dramatically in the coming years as the baby boom generation ages. Alzheimer`s
is a degenerative disease of the brain, affecting one in 10 people over 65, for
which there is no known cure.

For more information about all nine Massachusetts and four New Hampshire Memory
Walks taking place from September 12-October 4visit www.memorywalkmanh.org.

The Alzheimer's Association, the world leader in Alzheimer`s disease research
and support, is a voluntary health organization dedicated to finding
preventions, treatments and eventually a cure. The organization`s 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.

Thomson Communications
Sue Tabb, 978-270-3820
or
Alzheimer`s Association
Betsy Fitzgerald-Campbell, 617-868-6718

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