Alzheimer's disease was discovered in 1906 by Dr. Alois Alzheimer. Today more than 5 million Americans are living with the disease and it is the 6^th leading cause of death in the United States. One in three seniors die with Alzheimer's or another dementia. In 2012, 15.4 million caregivers provided more than 17.5 billion hours of unpaid care valued at $216 billion. In 2013, this disease cost the nation $203 billion. This number is expected to rise to $1.2 trillion by 2050.

This disease affects many in our community   as well. In 1987 the Alzheimer's Task Force was formed by a group of local citizens and business people with a concern for those suffering from Alzheimer's disease/dementia and their caregivers.  Years later this group has evolved into The Alzheimer's Group of Carroll County, Inc. a non-profit organization that strives to provide education, support and respite care to Alzheimer's victims in the West Georgia area that are dealing with this horrible disease. In conjunction with the Carrollton Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Department, and the family of Dr. Steve Worthy, this group created the Alzheimer's Memory Garden at Worthy Park. A beautiful gazebo was built with benches and plants.  Customized 8x4 bricks are now being sold for $100.00 each to enhance the beauty of the garden as well as provide needed funds to continue the services of the Alzheimer's Group of Carroll County, Inc.