The first annual luncheon benefitting the Arkansas Oklahoma Alzheimer's Association was held on Wednesday April 18, 2012 at Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club. 

I was graciously invited by my good friend, Toni Brattin, who is an active member of the local association.  A delicious lunch was served to a large group of women and important information regarding the disease was reported by local and national staff members of the association.   Lark Dale

Below is an excerpt from the presentation.  The statistics are shocking.  Thank God for the many volunteers, research scientists and ordinary citizens that are working so hard to raise the needed funds to continue the fight against such a horrible disease.

Currently there are more than 5 million people with Alzheimer’s disease in the United States and 35 million worldwide. These numbers are expected to skyrocket to as many as 16 million and 115 

million people respectively by mid-century. The potential of earlier diagnosis and the development of better treatments may significantly change the experience of Alzheimer’s for millions of people. In the meantime, the cost of care will rise exponentially for society. These factors will provide unprecedented challenges and opportunities to the Association over the coming years.

The Alzheimer’s Association is the leader across Alzheimer’s advocacy, research and support. To enhance and strengthen this global leadership position as well as expand the depth, breadth and pace of the Alzheimer’s movement, we must do more. From fiscal year 2012 through 2014, this strategic plan aims to aggressively advance the mission of the Alzheimer’s Association.

This collaboratively developed plan is the strategic plan for all parts of the Alzheimer’s Association and includes the overarching Association-wide strategic objectives and priority activities on which each part of the organization and its staff will be monitored and measured during the years of the plan. Annual operating and business plans for the national organization and chapters will be developed on the basis of this Association-wide strategic plan, with options for each part of the organization to go above and beyond the plan with customized and innovative initiatives and tactics

Note: All references to Alzheimer’s disease include related disorders.