In case you aren't aware, I host our public affairs show, "Tuned In to NoCo," here at Townsquare Media. The goal of the show is to highlight topical organizations and people that are working to better the Northern Colorado community.

With a quick Google search, I learned that September was World Alzheimer's Month, and decided to invite Kelly Osthoff, Regional Director of the Alzheimer's Association in Greeley, in for a chat.

She quickly informed me that World Alzheimer's Month only applies in the UK, and that June is really the big month for Alzheimer's awareness in the United States.

However, I got lucky. The Association's Weld Walk to End Alzheimer's happens to be at 8 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 28th at Bittersweet Park in Greeley (you can register for the event here).

"It is a great event that raises money to allow us to offer our programs and services for free," said Osthoff. "[Money] also goes to research."

The Alzheimer's Association is the third largest organization funding research about the disease, only behind the United States and Chinese governments.

Along with funding research, the event also helps to expand the local presence of the Alzheimer's Association, which has a goal to help affected families until there is a cure.

And, despite getting the month wrong, there is never a bad time to raise awareness for Alzheimer's, which is estimated to affect almost 6 million Americans currently.

While this is a large member, people often have incorrect notions about the disease. For example, it is a common misconception that Alzheimer's and dementia are the same.

"Alzheimer's is the disease, but dementia is the experience," said Osthoff, explaining that Alzheimer's is simply one type of dementia.

People also often assume that only the elderly are affected by Alzheimer's, which is a false statement. Anyone under 65 can be affected by Younger-Onset Alzheimer's Disease.

Thankfully, the Alzheimer's Association is here to help. Their website has a variety of resources for those affected and/or wanting to learn about the disease, and they can also be reached 24 hours a day at 800-272-3900.

"We hope for someone, someday, to be told that their Alzheimer's disease has been treated," said Osthoff.

To learn more about Alzheimer's Disease and the Weld Walk to End Alzheimer's, listen to the full interview with Kelly Osthoff below.

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