PA Department of Aging Recognizes World Alzheimer's Awareness Day

HARRISBURG, Pa., Sept. 21, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today is World Alzheimer's Awareness Day, an annual observance dedicated to educating the public about the devastating effects of Alzheimer's disease.

The disease affects one in every eight people over the age of 65 and is the nation's seventh-leading cause of death. In Pennsylvania, it is estimated that nearly 280,000 people age 65 and older are currently living with Alzheimer's disease.

The Alzheimer's Association estimates that 5.3 million Americans currently have the disease and that every 69 seconds another U.S. citizen develops Alzheimer's. In 2007, more than 3,500 deaths were attributed to Alzheimer's in Pennsylvania alone.

"Alzheimer's disease is an illness that crosses all socio-economic boundaries," said Department of Aging Secretary Brian Duke. "As the worldwide population ages, the prevalence of the disease will increase. It is critical that we unite to find a cure and help those who are living with Alzheimer's disease as well as those who care for them."

The Department of Aging and the state's Area Agencies on Aging provide services that include information on adult day centers, geriatric assessment centers, dementia care centers and respite care, which are helpful to persons living with Alzheimer's and their caregivers.

Secretary Duke encourages all Pennsylvanians to become more aware about Alzheimer's disease. For more information, visit www.aging.state.pa.us.

Media contact: Christina Reese, 717-783-1549

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Aging

WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM?

440k+
Newsrooms &
Influencers

9k+
Digital Media
Outlets

270k+
Journalists
Opted In

GET STARTED