Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia, caused when nerve cells in the brain die.

The death of neurons causes changes in a person’s memory, behavior and ability to think clearly.

In Alzheimer’s disease, these brain changes eventually impair basic body functions such as walking and swallowing.

A fundraising walk for Alzheimer’s research will be held in Hays October 12.  Last year the event raised $8,800.

According to Central and Western Kansas Outreach Coordinator Jan Evans, Wichita, many people will have normal age-related memory loss, but Alzheimer’s is ultimately  fatal:

In 2010, 52,000 Kansas were diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, a number health officials predict will continue to grow.

More information about Alzheimer’s and the upcoming Hays fundraiser is available by calling toll free 1-800-272-3900 or on-line at www.alz.org.