Brain Awareness Month Begins with Over $55,000 Raised By Alzheimer’s Assocation

The Alzheimer’s Association Greater Missouri Chapter announced that the Roast of Dave Griggs presented by KOMU 8 raised over $55,000. The event was held Thursday, May 29, at the Holiday Inn Executive Center in Columbia. 

The  two roast masters, Bob Gerding and Joe Moseley, kept the audience laughing as they interspersed jokes and anecdotes between introductions and announcements. The Roasters – Tom Bradley, Radio Talk Host/ Ad Agent / Creative Consultant; Bill Watkins, Chief Operating Officer-Riback Supply / former Columbia City Manager; and Michele Batye, Financial Officer-Dave Griggs’ Flooring America – did their best to embarrass our guest of honor, but Dave had the last word with his witty rebuttal.

This was just the beginning of the fundraising and awareness efforts for the month of June, National Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month. The Alzheimer's Association is the world’s leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research. The mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.

There are at least 44 million people worldwide living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, but despite its soaring prevalence, the disease is still largely  misunderstood. The inaugural Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month is an opportunity to raise awareness of the Alzheimer’s crisis and educate people on the realities of the disease.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association 2014 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report, nearly a quarter (24%) of people agree with the mistaken belief that Alzheimer’s must run in their family for them to be at risk. When looking at certain ethnic groups, these numbers were even higher.

Often thought of as minor memory loss, Alzheimer’s is a fatal disease that kills nerve cells and tissue in the brain, affecting an individual’s ability to remember, think and plan. As the disease advances, the brain shrinks dramatically due to cell death. Individuals lose their ability to communicate, recognize family and friends and care for themselves.

For more information on Alzheimer’s disease or learn more about The Longest Day® on June 21st as well as Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month , call 800.272.3900 or visit alz.org/greatermissouri.

Awarely yours,

Behka