Alzheimer’s/Gerontology
In 1954, Sigma Kappa became the first sorority to recognize the need for continued comprehensive work on the study of aging and the needs of the elderly population; responding to an increasingly critical problem facing older Americans, Sigma Kappa added an emphasis on Alzheimer’s disease to its gerontology program in 1984.
Alzheimer’s disease is the nation’s sixth-leading cause of death. As baby boomers age, the number of individuals living with Alzheimer’s will rapidly escalate, increasing well beyond the estimated 5.4 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s today. This is why the Sigma Kappa Foundation is committed to “Making Alzheimer’s a Distant Memory” by creating a major funding stream to the national Alzheimer’s Association for research to find a cure.
In 2000, the Foundation entered into an agreement with the national Alzheimer’s Association whereby the Association selects scientific research proposals, ideally submitted by a female researcher working on a campus with an active Sigma Kappa chapter, for sponsorship by the Foundation. Since 1989, Sigma Kappa Foundation has provided $2 million for Alzheimer’s disease prevention, research and treatment efforts.
Click here to read the final report from the latest funded research
Walk to End Alzheimer’s™
Sigma Kappa encourages members to participate in the Alzheimer’s Association annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s™.
Every year, members and friends of Sigma Kappa participate as a national team. Sigma Kappa participates as national gold team with a participation goal of 100 teams and a fundraising goal of $200,000. To learn more about and to join the Sigma Kappa national team, visit www.actionalz.org/SigmaKappa.
Walk to End Alzheimer’s is more than a walk; it’s the nation’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. It is an inspiring experience that calls participants to unite in a movement to reclaim the future for millions. Participants will learn about Alzheimer’s disease and how to get involved with this critical cause, from advocacy opportunities, the latest in Alzheimer’s research and clinical trials and support programs and services.
