The Alzheimer's Association - Eastern North Carolina Chapter is expanding its team of volunteers to serve individuals and families in Cumberland County.

Alzheimer's Association Community Educators (ACEs) are trained volunteer speakers who assist with education and outreach programs as well as provide support to families living with dementia. They deliver community education programs developed by the Alzheimer’s Association on topics that are related to Alzheimer’s disease, other dementias, and memory loss.

“ACE volunteers play a vital role in making a difference in our communities,” said Lisa Roberts, executive director of the Eastern North Carolina Chapter. “Our dedicated volunteers are invaluable and integral to furthering our mission and to impacting the lives of caregivers and individuals dealing with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia.”

For more information about joining the ACE Team, visit https://volunteer.alz.org/home, or contact Peggy Best at pbest@alz.org or at 919-803-8285, ext. 8339.

Additional Facts and Figures: (http://www.alz.org/facts/)

• Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States.

• Every 65 seconds someone in the United States develops Alzheimer’s.

• An estimated 5.8 million Americans are living with the disease, including 170,000 North Carolina residents, are living with Alzheimer’s, a number estimated to grow to as many as 14 million by year 2050.

• More than 16 million family and friends, including 473,000 in North Carolina, provide unpaid care to people with Alzheimer's or other dementias in the United States.

• In 2018, friends and family of those with Alzheimer’s in North Carolina provided an estimated 538 million hours of unpaid care, a contribution valued at $6.8 billion.

About the Alzheimer’s Association:

The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s 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. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s.

About the Alzheimer’s Association - Eastern North Carolina Chapter:

The Eastern North Carolina Chapter provides patient and family services, information and referral, education, and advocacy in 51 eastern North Carolina counties. We provide a variety of services including a 24/7 Helpline, support groups, educational programs, and MedicAlert®. We offer opportunities to get involved and to make a difference. For more information about Alzheimer's disease, or the Alzheimer’s Association, Eastern North Carolina Chapter, visit www.alz.org/nc or call 800-272-3900. For the latest news and updates, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.