Area research aids cure seeking efforts and local fundraising walks still happening with modifications
VANCOUVER — Every year, the Alzheimer’s Association hosts an international conference on the most noteworthy and recent developments in cure research. This year, it’s going virtual, and it’s 100 percent free for anyone anywhere, including Clark County.
For the past 38 years, the Alzheimer’s Association Chapter of Oregon and Southwest Washington has been an integral part of cure research and robust fundraising. This year, they are encouraging everyone to register for the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC).
Due to COVID-19, the virtual format will be used to stream talks from dementia scientists, association leaders and researchers from around the world. Alzheimer’s research from Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) in Portland, will also play a part in the presentations.
The main event will last all of next week, from July 27 through July 31. To register, anyone can now visit the AAIC site and enter their information to receive an emailed link to watch the presentations.
In addition to the global event, the annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s is still happening across the region next month, though with some adjustments per the pandemic.
The Vancouver walk is scheduled for Aug. 29 with the Portland walk happening a few days earlier on Aug. 22. In order to keep walking teams safe, the association is requiring teams to be composed of families or small groups of friends, and for participants to walk their own route.
Even with these changes, dozens of teams have still signed up and are already raising tens of thousands of dollars. Janis Jasinsky, who runs Team LOVE and also participated in Vancouver last year, is walking again. They are already 50 percent of the way through their $4,000 goal.
“I’d encourage people to come out, it’s fun, it’s inspiring, to support the walk,” Jansinsky previously told Clark County Today. “But also to learn more about this disease and become more aware of it. If they don’t know someone with the disease now, down the road they probably will.”
In addition to fundraising opportunities and the international webinars, the Oregon and Southwest Washington chapter also have regular educational, live webinars of their own. The presentations are part of the local resources for caretakers and family members of those with the disease of Alzheimer’s or any dementia.
Live webinars for the month of July are available on the site now. There is also a list of virtual support groups for those restricted from traveling due to the pandemic. A 24/7 helpline at (800) 272-3900 available for caretakers and families as well.
AAIC will be streamed through a special service, but attendees do not need to download any software to view the presentations, but only have an internet connection and Google Chrome or Firefox. Upon registering, attendees will be able to view more information of the week’s schedule. All times listed are in Central Daylight Time.
For more information on AAIC registration, the Walk to End Alzheimer’s teams or the Oregon and Southwest Washington chapter of the association and its resources, visit the links attached to the above items.
