Buffy Hankinson, regional programs and services director for the local Alzheimer's Association, Georgia Chapter, is shown speaking at Monday’s City Council meeting, along with “unsung heroes” who have been personally affected by Alzheimer's disease and Mayor Julie Smith.

TIFTON, Ga. — September has been proclaimed as Alzheimer’s Awareness Month in Tifton.

At Monday’s City Council meeting, Mayor Julie Smith said having a family member who has Alzheimer’s disease can be a challenge. She said ongoing research is very important.

Buffy Hankinson, regional programs and services director for the local Alzheimer’s Association, Georgia Chapter, said out of the 36 counties that they serve, Tifton is their home-base.

She said in Georgia, it’s estimated that 130,000 people have been diagnosed with the disease and that more than 200,000 people are living with the disease but have not been diagnosed.

Hankinson said the Alzheimer’s Association works with people one-on-one, including helping caregivers.

“We’re really grateful to get the awareness out and really thankful to be in a city and live in a city that allows us to do that,” she said.

Smith read the proclamation that states: “Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive degenerative disease of the brain, causing deterioration in memory and thinking, as well as judgment and reasoning ability. It also affects behavior, emotions and the ability to perform self-care.

“The Alzheimer’s Association is the world’s leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research for more than 5 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s in the United States and the people who care for them.

“The month of September has been chosen in recognition of the individuals, families, friends and caregivers dealing with the devastating effects of Alzheimer’s disease, the researchers who are seeking a cause or causes and cure, and the educational programs and support services proclaimed by the Alzheimer’s Association.”

Smith encouraged citizens to wear purple and urged them to help ease the burden for families, individuals and caregivers as they search for a cure.

Hankinson reminded citizens of the annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Oct. 29 at the ABAC campus track. She said it’s one of their biggest fundraisers to help serve local families and with research. Visit www.georgiawalk.org for more information.

Hankinson also reminded citizens of the community-wide yard sale Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon, where proceeds will be donated to the Alzheimer’s Association.