Fort Wayne, Ind., September 20, 2012– On Friday, September 21, in
honor of Alzheimer’s Action Day during World Alzheimer’s Month, the
city of Fort Wayne will illuminate the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Memorial Bridge purple, the signature color of the Alzheimer’s
Association.  The bridge, located on North Clinton Street between
Fourth Street and Superior Street, will remain illuminated until
Saturday, September 22, the day of the Alzheimer’s Association’s Fort
Wayne Walk to End Alzheimer’s®.

Also on Alzheimer’s Action Day, September 21, the Alzheimer’s
Association is encouraging Fort Wayne residents to “Go Purple” in
recognition of the 35 million people worldwide living with dementia.
Visit the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org/indiana to learn ways
to “Go Purple,” including:
•           Sporting your favorite purple outfit.
•           Hanging a Walk to End Alzheimer’s poster in your office.
•           Turning Facebook purple using an END ALZ graphic as your
profile picture.
•           Sharing your story about overcoming stigma and get
inspired by others doing the same.

“It is only by shining a light on the reality of Alzheimer’s disease
that we will be able to ultimately eliminate this growing public
health threat,” said Alzheimer’s Association Greater Indiana Chapter
Executive Director Heather Hershberger.  “We have an urgent need to
build awareness and understanding of the disease as a new individual
develops Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia every 68 seconds.”

Fort Wayne residents are also encouraged to wear their purple to the
Alzheimer’s Association’s Fort Wayne Walk to End Alzheimer’s on
Saturday, September 22, which takes place at Headwaters Park, one
block south of the MLK Jr. Bridge.  Registration begins at 10:00 a.m.
The Walk is the nation’s largest event to raise awareness and funds
for Alzheimer’s care, support and research.
You can start or join a team today by visiting alz.org/Indiana.  For
more information, call 800-272-3900.

About the Alzheimer’s Association:
The Alzheimer’s Association is the world’s leading voluntary health
organization in Alzheimer care, support and research. Our mission is
to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research;
to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to
reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.

Gina N. Farrar | Communications Specialist | Alzheimer’s Association
Greater Indiana Chapter | O: 800-272-3900