Prasad Padala, M.D., assistant professor in the UNMC Department of Psychiatry, started the team, “We Care” to represent the local medical community at this year’s Memory Walk, conducted by the Alzheimer’s Association Midlands Chapter.
The “We Care” team was the top fund raiser with $2,660. Overall, more than 800 people participated in the Sept. 25 activities, including 11 people from UNMC and the Omaha Veterans Affairs Medical Center who walked for the “We Care” team.
“I’m blown away with people’s generosity,” Dr. Padala said.
Today, more than 4.5 million Americans have Alzheimer’s disease. The number is expected to grow to more than 14 million by the middle of this century. Proceeds from the Memory Walk go to improve the lives of those affected by Alzheimer’s and promote research and effective treatments.
People with Alzheimer’s wait an average of 3 years before seeking help, said Dr. Padala, who hopes that with increased awareness the wait time can be reduced.
“Spreading the news about Alzheimer’s disease was the main goal of our team,” Dr. Padala said, “because early intervention can improve the quality of life for patients and their caregivers.”