To the Editor:

FIND THE CURE…WALK FOR THE CURE. If you have heard those phrases or seen the posters, do you know what they mean?

The National Alzheimer’s Association, Southeastern Chapters begin their annual Walks for the Cure in Suffolk, Sept. 20 at Constance Wharf. The Walk is from 9:30 a.m. to noon featuring music, speakers by the Chapter staff in Norfolk and area care givers, support group facilitators, families and care givers.

This is the first of six Walks through October. For more information call 800-272-3900. That is also a 24/7 number for those with concerns or questions about dementias and ALZ.

I am a facilitator in a local support group, and in my studies I learned that every 68 seconds, someone in the United States is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and other form of dementia. It is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States.

My study became very sad when friends at a class reunion had been keeping track of our friends in this small class, and reported that we had 12 victims of this devastating disease.

And did you know that only in the last 20 years, medications have been found to treat the various systems of the many types of dementias and Alzheimer’s? Research is our key to find a cure or a broader range of medications.

Diane Tobin
Franklin