Activities at 2019’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s event in Marquette are seen. (Journal file photo)

MARQUETTE — More than 6 million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer’s disease, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. That number is expected to more than double to 13 million by 2050.

As defined by the Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer’s is a type of dementia that affects memory, thinking and behavior, with symptoms eventually growing severe enough to interfere with daily tasks.

Alzheimer’s and dementia deaths have increased by 16% during the pandemic, and despite the first identified case of Alzheimer’s occurring in 1901, a cure has yet to be found 120 years later.

With June being Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, U.P. Home Health & Hospice is doing its part to fundraise for the annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s, which is set for Sept. 18 in Marquette this fall.

More than 600 communities across the United States hold the annual walk to bring awareness to Alzheimer’s care and join the battle to fight the disease.

UPHHH’s “Angels” team kicked off its fundraising efforts this week with a series of picnic-themed events and activities for its staff in hopes of raising $2,000 toward the Alzheimer’s Association’s local goal of $47,500. As of Wednesday, $8,199 has been raised locally from 27 participants and 12 teams. UPHHH has raised $110 so far.

UPHHH is participating in fundraising efforts because of the devastating effects the disease can bring to the people its staff works with on a daily basis, according to a news release.

“U.P. Home Health & Hospice understands, firsthand, the effects of Alzheimer’s on individuals, their families, friends and caregivers,” the release states. “The agency formed a team of Angels to help support the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research: the Walk to End Alzheimer’s.

“We are inspired by all the Alzheimer’s patients and families that we have cared for and will continue to care for until a cure is found. Our walk honors them and their families.”

UPHHH kicked off the week with its “Yes You ‘Can’ Drive” on Monday, a berry lemonade event on Tuesday and a sandwich bar picnic on Wednesday. Today’s fundraising even is titled “Cupcakes for a Cause” while the agency will wrap up the week Friday with “Hope Blooms – Purple Flowers.”

UPHHH staff was encouraged to participate in each activity by donating, which also gave staffers a chance to win one of five gift baskets throughout the week, with each basket featuring a gift certificate to a Marquette County business.

One hundred percent of the proceeds will go directly to UPHHH’s Team Angels for their Walk to End Alzheimer’s, as fundraising activities were funded through a Thrivent Financial Action Team.

Community members are also welcome to donate to UPHHH’s campaign efforts by visiting www.act.alz.org/goto/UPHHHAngels.

To register, donate or find out more about Marquette’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s initiative, visit www.rb.gy/py7yyo.

For more information on Alzheimer’s and the Alzheimer’s Association, visit www.alz.org.

Ryan Spitza can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 248. His email address is rspitza@miningjournal.net.