Dr. Goldie Byrd and a team of researchers in the Department of Biology at North Carolina A&T State University will host an Alzheimer’s disease Educational Forum on Aug. 25 at 7 p.m. at the Mint Museum Uptown at the Levine Center for the Arts, 500 S. Tryon St., Charlotte, NC, 28202.

The “Keeping Memories Alive” gala will celebrate the advancements made in Alzheimer’s disease research. Nationally, the awareness campaign will educate millions of Americans about the increasing prevalence and effects of Alzheimer’s disease. Special guest, Ruben Studdard, award‐winning R&B artist and former American Idol winner, will perform.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia that currently affects more than 5.4 million Americans. Every 68 seconds, someone in America develops the disease, and it is expected that by mid-century, someone will develop the disease every 33 seconds. The number of Americans, age 65 and older, who have or will have the disease, is projected to increase from 5.3 million in 2010 to 7.7 million by 2030. By the year 2050, it is projected that 60 percent of people with Alzheimer’s disease will be age 85 and older.

Currently here are no known treatments to prevent, cure or delay the onset or slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Since age is the primary risk factor for Alzheimer’s, this public health crisis will only increase as Americans are living longer, unless there is an intervention.

A special partnership has been established with researchers at N.C. A&T, the National Alzheimer’s Association and AARP‐North Carolina to educate and empower diverse communities around the country about Alzheimer’s disease,  which is robbing families and caregivers of their loved  ones, their finances and their personal health. The national campaign will take powerful messages, based on extensive research, to ten major cities across the country that will educate and motivate more than 12 million Americans about Alzheimer’s disease.

To purchase tickets or discuss sponsorship opportunities, visit www.ncatad.com or contact the A&T Office of Continuing Studies & Professional Development at (336) 334-7810.