HUNDREDS EXPECTED TO JOIN FIGHT AGAINST ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE AT MEMORY WALK 2000

The Alzheimer's Association's Memory Walk 2000 is expected to draw hundreds of Southeast Missouri residents, who will stride, stroll, step and sprint in the battle against Alzheimer's disease (AD). Registration for the walk starts at 8:30 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 30, at Capaha Park in Cape Girardeau. The opening ceremony begins at 9 a.m. The walk gets underway a short time later.

Alzheimer's disease destroys a person's memory, judgment and ability to reason. It is fatal and incurable. Walkers in Southeast Missouri, St. Louis and surrounding areas hope to raise $220,000 for research and local services, including:

* helping families with respite or a break from the stress of caregiving with financial assistance;

* offering support groups, giving families an opportunity to share their experiences;

* supporting families through Helpline, a telephone and e-mail support system;

* holding education programs for families and friends to learn more about the disease.

Nationally, Alzheimer's disease will affect nearly 14 million Americans by the middle of the next century, forcing a crisis in health care.

"In Southeast Missouri, 145 seniors out of every 1,000 are at risk for Alzheimer's disease," said Kathleen O'Brien, president of the Alzheimer's Association of S. Louis. "So many of us know someone whose life has been touched by AD. By raising funds and awareness, we are one step closer to our goal of a world without Alzheimer's."

Capaha Park will be full of activities surrounding the one-mile area. Organizers will give away attendance prizes, including an overnight stay at a local hotel, and conduct a raffle for a Memory Basket.

Memory Walk is the single largest effort to raise funds for research and programs for Alzheimer's disease. Nearly 200 communities and 120,000 walkers across the country will participate in this year's events.

The Alzheimer's Association is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for all people affected by Alzheimer's disease and related disorders through comprehensive educational programs, compassionate services, access to resources and support for research.

Sponsors for this year's walk include: Beverly Healthcare; KFVS-TV, Channel 12; Senior Lifestyles; Proctor and Gamble; Southeast Missouri State University, Institute of Gerontology; KWKZ, 106.1; McCormick Living Services; Southeast Missouri Health Network; Southeast Missouri Hospital; and the Lutheran Home.

For more information on Memory Walk 2000 and Alzheimer's Association programs and services, call 573-335-8170 or 1-888-833-1641, or visit the association's Web site at www.alzstl.org.