In honor of National Alzheimer Disease Awareness Month the U.S. Bank Tower, 777 E. Wisconsin Ave., will shine a purple hue which serves as the beacon of hope for the 50,000 people in Southeastern Wisconsin who have Alzheimer’s disease.
“The U.S. Bank building is such a community icon. Having the top floor lit purple will start a lot of discussions in the community,” said Tom Hlavacek, Alzheimer’s Association Executive Director.
Alzheimer’s disease affects 5.3 million people in the U.S. and more than 26 million worldwide. The 2009 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report indicates that those numbers are increasing and by 2010 there will be nearly 500,000 new cases each year. By 2050 there will be about one million new cases every year.
“Our goal at the Alzheimer’s Association is to provide support, education and care, and funding research into prevention, treatment, and someday a cure,” said Hlavacek.