Leading the Fight

One in six people are impacted by Alzheimer’s disease, so odds are you know someone who has been or will be affected. More than 6 million Americans are living with the condition, and that number is expected to triple by 2060. That doesn’t include the more than 11 million people who provide unpaid care to loved ones with Alzheimer’s or other dementias. Those statistics highlight the urgent need to take action. In the fight against the disease, the Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Missouri is dedicated to leading the way in global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and ensuring quality care and support are accessible to all.

“Alzheimer’s disease is on the rise, and it kills more people than breast and prostate cancer combined,” chief operations and development officer Brenda Stewart says. “It’s something we need to eradicate.” The national nonprofit is the third largest funder of research for the disease in the world, behind only the U.S. and Chinese governments. Currently, the organization is investing more than $250 million into more than 730 projects in 39 countries. Some of that money has gone to important research initiatives right here in St. Louis, such as the Dominantly Inherited Alzheimer Network (DIAN) Observational Study at Washington University School of Medicine. The project aims to establish a reliable way to track dominantly inherited Alzheimer’s disease.

Along with funding research, the Alzheimer’s Association provides an array of important services to families dealing with the disease. The nonprofit has a 24-hour helpline (800.272.3900) that is staffed by highly trained professionals to answer questions and provide assistance. They also offer care consultations in which families can meet with a social worker to create a care plan to guide them through the process. “Anyone can reach out to the Alzheimer’s Association and access resources,” donor events manager Kelly Quinn says. “We provide support and help take away the burden of navigating the disease.”

One of the association’s largest fundraisers is the annual Affair to Remember Gala. It is the leading gala in St. Louis that supports research and resources for Alzheimer’s and other dementias. “The gala is an essential event that allows us to introduce the community to the critical services we provide,” Quinn says. This year’s event is May 20. Director emeritus of the Alzheimer’s Association and director of the Knight Alzheimer Disease Research Center at Washington University Dr. John Morris will be honored, and the gala is chaired by Emily and Richard Pitts. Emily is a member of the nonprofit’s board and serves as the chief diversity officer at Lindenwood University. “She plays a key role in our strategic mission to reach more diverse populations,” Quinn notes.

For Emily, the nonprofit’s mission is one of personal importance. Growing up, her mother dealt with health issues, so she and her siblings were raised by her aunt Clara, who eventually developed dementia. “At first, I refused to believe what was happening to her, but, eventually, it became very real,” she says. “This is why the Alzheimer’s Association and the work that it does means so much to me. Richard and I are serving as the 2022 Affair to Remember co-chairs to honor my aunt and all who are affected by this disease.”

The Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Missouri provides care and support for those affected by the disease and other forms of dementia. Its Affair to Remember Gala will be held May 20. Pictured on the cover: Event co-chairs Richard and Emily Pitts, executive director Ed Clay, board president John Beuerlein. For more information, visit alz.org/greatermissouri or email klquinn@alz.org.

Cover design by Julie Streiler
Cover courtesy of the Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Missouri

Pictured at the top: Retiring board member Dr. John Morris is being honored for his work in Alzheimer’s research.
Photo: Huy Mach/Washington University