Event is on November 8, Chicago Alzheimer’s Awareness Day
On November 8th – Chicago Alzheimer’s Awareness Day – Great Lakes Clinical Trials and the Global Alzheimer’s Platform Foundation are hosting a major community event for people in the community who are interested in learning more about memory concerns and Alzheimer’s disease. Research volunteers, including care partners, are being honored and celebrated, and will share their personal stories and motivation for volunteering. People from the community will have the opportunity to have their memory screened, swab for a genetic test or talk to a doctor about brain health. More than 100 people are expected at each of two sessions. Meals will be provided.
WHEN: WHERE: WHO:
November 8, 2018. There will be presentations and meals provided at two times: noon and 6pm CT. The Swedish American Museum, 5211 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60640.
Research volunteers from the community will tell their personal stories. Great Lakes Clinical Trials President Steve Satek, Alderman Patrick O’Connor (40th Ward), Alderman Harry Osterman (48th Ward), and Andersonville Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Sara Dinges will discuss the importance of raising awareness around Alzheimer’s disease and presenting information on new advancements in the fight to cure the disease.
Great Lakes Clinical Trials’ clinic is on the cutting edge of important Alzheimer’s disease research that holds the promise of finding effective treatments for the disease. The November 8 event is part of a new, nationwide effort to expand recruitment efforts for Alzheimer’s clinical trials and studies. More effective recruitment means faster trials and getting approved treatments to market years sooner.
Alzheimer’s disease is one of the twenty-first century’s greatest health, social and economic challenges. Already, 5.7 million Americans are living with the disease, at a national cost of nearly $300 billion. As the population ages, prevalence is projected to soar to nearly 16 million by 2050, and costs are expected to rise to more than $1 trillion. There are currently an estimated 220,000 people in Illinois living with Alzheimer’s disease and that is expected to increase by to 260,000 by 2025.
Media can be connected in advance with local research volunteers with fascinating personal stories of the toll Alzheimer’s has taken on their families and their fears for their own brain health, as well as researchers conducting Alzheimer’s clinical trials.
Read the full advisory here.