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The Alzheimer’s Association


The Association

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The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research. The organization is dedicated to finding prevention methods, treatments and an eventual cure for the disease. Alzheimer’s is a disease of the brain and the most common form of dementia. It destroys brain cells, causing problems with memory, thinking and behavior. There are as many as 5.2 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s and in 2050, that number is projected to reach a staggering 16 million.

The Facts
  • Every 71 seconds an American develops Alzheimer’,s jumping to 33 seconds by mid-century.
  • 1:6 women and 1:10 men reaching age 55 can expect to develop Alzheimer’s in their lifetime.
  • From 2000-2005, deaths attributed to Alzheimer’s disease increased by 45%. In comparison during the same years, deaths from other major illnesses all decreased: heart disease by 8.6%; breast cancer by 0.8%; prostate cancer  by 4.9%; and stroke by 14.4%.
  • More than $148 billion is spent annually caring for those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia, including the direct costs related to Medicare and Medicaid and the indirect costs to businesses.
HISTORY OF BLONDES VS BRUNETTES

Since 2005, Blondes vs. Brunettes has raised more than $150,000 for the Alzheimer’s Association National Capital Area Chapter. With the participation of Washington DC’s most prominent young leaders, we’ve raised awareness about the disease while raising funds for the Chapter so it may continue to provide services and programs – at no or low cost – to area residents.

Now in our fifth year, we have sparked other Alzheimer’s affiliated young professional groups around the country – such as Houston, Dallas, Austin, Chicago, Buffalo, and Kansas City – to host their own games. Together over $1 million has been donated to the Alzheimer’s Association, just as the event is about to launch nationally later this year.

A goal of $100,000 has been set for the 2009 game. Players for this year’s rematch of the follicles include women leaders from a wide variety of professions, all with an unmatched dedication, passion, and spirit to make the impossible, possible.