MUSCATINE, Iowa — According to the national Alzheimer’s Association, there are 65,000 Iowans living with Alzheimer’s disease and more than 1,170 of those people live in Muscatine County.

On Saturday, Sept. 12, area residents who are hoping for a cure for this baffling disease will meet on the Muscatine Riverfront for the annual Alzheimer’s Association’s Muscatine Memory Walk.

This is the second year for the Muscatine version of the national Alzheimer’s Association Walk. The local walk will take place on  an approximately 3-mile stretch of the Muscatine bike path along the Mississippi River.

The event is staged to raise funds for the Alzheimer’s Association’s research and programs and to raise public awareness about the disease.

Julie Seier, community relations coordinator for the Quad-City area Alzheimer’s Association, said 120 people attended last year’s event, which  raised $14,000.

This year, 10 teams of anywhere from five to 10 people have signed up so far, and the goal is $18,000.

Anyone is invited to join the walk, said Seier and she often sees people who have a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or who know someone who has died from it.

“The disease affects the entire family,” said Seier.   “It is like dealing with a loss continuously, because the person you knew isn’t there anymore in so many ways.”

Seier said medications have already been developed that delay progression of the disease and research is being conducted to find a cure.

“This is something we can find a solution to,” said Seier. “There are definitely some great studies going on right now.”

Seier said walkers can collect pledges for the walk before and after the event.

“We have an extra 30 days after the event to meet our goal,” she said.

 Shelley Sides, administrative assistant for Sunnybrook of Muscatine, a sponsor for the event, said anyone can donate money to the walk or buy raffle tickets for baskets that are being donated by local businesses and area residents.

Basket donations for the raffle can be brought to the event during the 8 a.m. registration time or brought to  Sunnybrook, 3515 Diana Queen Drive, before the auction, said Sides. People can also pick up registration forms there, or at the Muscatine Holiday Inn at 2195  U.S. Highway 61 N.

Details

What: The annual Alzheimer’s Association’s Muscatine Memory Walk

When:  8 a.m. registration and 9 a.m. walk, Saturday, Sept. 12

Where: Starts at the Pearl City Station on the Muscatine Riverfront and goes on to the Muscatine bike path.

To participate: To start a team, make a donation, or become an advocate, log on http://memorywalk09.kintera.org/muscatine  or call the Alzheimer’s Association at 563-324-1022.

Participants may also pick up registration brochures at the Holiday Inn, 2915 U.S. Highway 61 N., Muscatine 264-5550, or Sunnybrook of Muscatine, 3515 Diana Queen Drive, Muscatine, 263-5108.

Contact: Julie Seier Julie.Seier@alz.org or visit www.alz.org/greateriowa