7M People in U.S. Living with Alzheimer's 2X As Many Family & Friends Are Providing Care But There's' Hope

Seven Million People Are Living with Alzheimer's Disease in the US. 80,000 in CT alone & twice as many unpaid family members and friends are providing their care. But the money being raised is making a difference.

Nobody signs up for a brain disorder that gets worse over time. Alzheimer's is a gradual decline in memory, thinking, behavior and social skills. These changes completely affect somebody's ability to function.

The bad news is the number of people with Alzheimer's is increasing, but the good news is there are real advancements in treatment. These advancements are being made possible by the continued donations to this cause.

There's a big gala benefit coming up in April in Greenwich CT (where I do my live show from) that hopes to help families in this dementia journey.

I invited Tim & Kelly Helstein the Chairs of The Alzheimer's Association upcoming 'Celebrating Hope Gala' being held April 26th at the Delamar Greenwich Harbor in in Greenwich CT, to explain where the money raised goes to. They've been caregivers and know how hard it is.

Tim whose mom passed from Alzheimer's shared; "My mother's life ended way too soon and no sot only is it something that Kelly and I are doing to honor my mother through this but also to help educate and care and prevent the future generations from having to go through what my family, what my father, what Kelly and I have had to go through. You know, we spend our days telling stories to our kids who love it. In the morning, they always say, you know, tell us a new story about Nanny. Tell us a story that was really funny."

"It's because she can't share it herself. So really what Celebrating Hope is about is not only bringing awareness and celebrating all those who have moved on because of Alzheimer's, but also celebrating the hope that we can change this, that tomorrow is a new day, that tomorrow the sun rises and there will be what we call a white flower, the first person who has overcome and has been cured from Alzheimer's. And science has been doing so much and the doctors and the FDA, and so we're excited to see what tomorrow does hold but it's going to be a gathering for all of us to really celebrate that hope."

Kelly Helstein, Tim's wife shared; "Like Tim said you know we have three young kids and they are missing their grandmother so much and that's a good background story about why we're involved, but also I want to point out that it's just a great way to honor those who are struggling with the disease. You know, that's the first reason we stepped into this role, but also it's giving us a platform to raise awareness and funds to support research and almost just empower others who are going through the same experience just to link arm in arm and say, us too, and just share our story with them and they share it with others and just create awareness all around."

The Alzheimer's Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer's care, support and research.

Kristen Cusato, the Director of Communication for the Alzheimer's Association Connecticut Chapter & New England Research Champion also joined the show. She discussed the risk factors associated with Alzheimer's disease and emphasized the importance of lifestyle interventions to reduce the risk.

Kristin also shared there are real advancements in treatment and that the availability of these treatments can change the course of the disease.

The powerful CT chapter offers 24/7 support for the public, healthcare professionals and caregivers. This chapter has influenced public policy changes and provided support to Alzheimer's and dementia research in the hope of finding a cure.

There are many fundraising events held around the country to support Alzheimer's research and awareness. And the money is really making a difference. I encourage you to participate and support Alzheimer's research and awareness efforts.

The 11th Annual 'Celebrating Hope Gala' is being held in Greenwich, CT April 26th.

Enjoy this podcast of our live conversation on The Debbie Nigro Show.

The Debbie Nigro Show on WGCH Radio. If you want to catch the show it airs Weekdays 11-12noon ET in the NY/CT area on 1490 on the dial. But you can listen from anywhere, just hit the 'Listen Live' button on WGCH.com. Catch the podcasts of interviews after on DebbieNigro.com