Today in the United States, the Alzheimer’s Association estimates that about 1 in 9 people – 6.7 million Americans – age 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s Disease. By the time people are 85 or older, a third will have developed Alzheimer’s. As the number of seniors in the U.S. continues to increase, so too will the number who are living with this disease. In fact, barring breakthroughs in prevention or treatment, the number of Americans with Alzheimer’s could grow to 12.7 million by 2050 and 13.8 million by 2060.

While the numbers alone are staggering, they only tell part of the story. Alzheimer’s, like other serious illnesses, impacts not just the person with the disease, but also their loved ones. With Alzheimer’s, though, the impact can be particularly devastating, robbing the individual who is ill of the knowledge of who they are – and the knowledge of who the person is that is sitting by their side and holding their hand. Its effects impact minds, bodies, relationships, finances, families – virtually every aspect of life. But there is reason for hope, as research continues to lead us to new understandings and new treatment possibilities.

The speakers at this event are both local experts in Alzheimer’s Disease. Dr. Jennifer Lingler, Director of Outreach, Recruitment, and Education at the University of Pittsburgh’s Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, and Sara Murphy, Vice President of Programs and Services at the Greater Pennsylvania Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, will share information and answer questions about Alzheimer’s Disease and other forms of dementia. They will talk about the importance of early identification, discuss newly approved treatment options, share information about what we can all do to reduce our lifetime risk of developing Alzheimer’s, and talk about supports and services for individuals with the disease and their loved ones.