Advocates for Alzheimer’s disease, which affects an estimated 74,000 Kentuckians, will gather in Frankfort on February 11 to raise awareness about the fatal disease and its impact on Kentucky’s health care system, as well as caregivers. This is the third time the Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Kentucky and Southern Indiana has conducted Alzheimer’s Advocacy Day, which draws Alzheimer advocates, caregivers, researchers and those affected by the disease from across the state. Based on the theme, “Alzheimer’s Touches Everyone,” participants of the event will wear gloves to show their support.

The highlight of this year’s event will be the first-ever presentation of the Phyllis George Outstanding Alzheimer’s Caregiver-Advocate Award, which will recognize a family caregiver of an individual with Alzheimer’s.

Others scheduled to speak at the event are Governor Steve Beshear and Representatives Ruth Ann Palumbo and Scott Brinkman, as well as Senator Denise Harper Angel. James Michael Hahn II of Ashland; Colmon Elridge III, executive assistant to the governor; and Macy Early, a middle-school student from Lexington, will each give personal testimonials about how Alzheimer’s has affected their lives.