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Alzheimer's Association Luncheon

Happy Spring from the Alzheimer’s Association!
On April 8th, the Alzheimer’s Association hosted a luncheon at the Chamber office to inform the community about the Alzheimer’s Association and the services they provide locally, along with nationally. These services are provided at no cost to those that need them due to the fundraising through their biggest event each year, the Walk to End Alzheimer’s. The Iron Range walk takes place in Chisholm at the Minnesota Discovery Center.

A Note from the Alzheimer's Association Walk Manager - Mike Ryth

Before we get into all of the specifics of what we do, a few quick bits of info about Alzheimer’s.
  • Alzheimer’s disease is a degenerative brain disease and the most common cause of dementia. Dementia is not a specific disease, it’s an overall term that describes a group of symptoms.
  • Alzheimer’s is a type of dementia that affects memory, thinking and behavior.
  • In Minnesota alone, there are more than 100,000 people 65 and older that have Alzheimer's. That’s over 10% of the people over 65 and ranked 4th as the cause of death in the state.
  • It impacts women twice as much as men.

This is just the tip of the iceberg for information, but the Alzheimer’s Association has a vision, and it’s a world without Alzheimer’s and other Dementia. As the Alzheimer’s Association we are doing this by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. In terms of our funding, we spend 5% on administrative costs, 18% on Fundraising, and 77% going to support, education, and research. Locally, this means education classes, support groups, awareness presentations, and access to our 24/7 support line.

  • Education - Classes include Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia, 10 Warning Signs, Building Brain - Healthy Habits, among others which we can schedule with your organization or company.
  • Support Groups - Facilitated support groups From Grand Rapids, to Hibbing, to Grand Portage as well as online virtual groups available.
  • Awareness Presentations - 20 Minute presentations which includes more than the few pieces I’ve included here.
    24/7 Support line - 800.272.3900. A free service offering support for people living with dementia, caregivers, families, and the public. Connect with a live person who can provide information, local resources, crisis assistance, and emotional support.

So how do we do all this? We rely on community support and fundraising. Our biggest fundraiser is the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, which we host at the Minnesota Discovery Center.
The 2026 walk will be on Saturday, September 19th. This event is the culmination of a year of fundraising for individuals, families, and teams who put great effort into the cause. It is also because of national and local sponsors that make the walk a success. I would love to chat with anyone who would like to Walk as a team, or a company that would be interested in helping sponsor the Range walk. And whether you raise $1,000 or zero, we would still love to have you walk. Signing up a team is free and easy, and if you are looking to fundraise, we can chat about a goal you’d like to set for yourself and your team. If you raise at least $100 as an individual, you get an awesome T-shirt to wear on walk day.

To learn more about the Minnesota chapter - alz.org/mnnd
To sign up a team - act.alz.org/rangearea
For questions about Education, Volunteering or Sponsoring - please reach out to me, Mike Ryth at meryth@alz.org or 218-302-5563

Thank you for taking the time to learn a little bit more about what we do here at the Alzheimer’s Association.

Mike Ryth
Walk Manager

2026 AAL
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