Brookdale Delivers Record-Breaking Fundraising Effort for the Alzheimer's Association's Walk to End Alzheimer's®

BRENTWOOD, Tenn., May 23, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Brookdale concluded a record-breaking fundraising season benefitting the Alzheimer's Association. The nation's largest operator of senior living communities raised more than $750,000 – well beyond its goal as a Platinum National Team for the Walk to End Alzheimer's^® 2012 fundraising season, a 50 percent increase over the more than $500,000 the company raised in 2011. In 2010, Brookdale collected nearly $500,000, bringing the company's three-year fundraising total for the Alzheimer's Association to more than $1.7 million.

"The most inspiring aspect of our fundraising effort is that Brookdale associates, residents and their families joined together to support the Alzheimer's Association, an organization with the mission of eliminating Alzheimer's, advancing research, and enhancing care and support for those affected by this devastating disease," said Sara Terry, vice president of Optimum Life for Brookdale and Brookdale's National Team Coordinator for the Alzheimer's Association.

What Brookdale associates witness each day in those who have been touched by this disease, according to Terry, are glimpses of the inner talents of the individual that remain. 

"Alzheimer's residents are former CEOs and concert pianists, artists and poets, teachers and engineers," she says. "They inspire us daily with their dignity and courage."

As an Alzheimer's Association National Team member and one of only three platinum-level teams, Brookdale attributes its marked improvement in monies raised to an overall increase in participation. In 2011, 264 Brookdale teams participated  in the organization's annual Walk to End Alzheimer's.  In 2012, the number totaled 308.

"The Alzheimer's Association appreciates the dedication of Brookdale and all of their employees to our mission of providing care and support to families and advancing critical research," said Donna McCullough, vice president of mass market development for the Alzheimer's Association. "The relationship with Brookdale helps us move toward our vision of a world without Alzheimer's."

Nationally, Brookdale is a leading provider of Alzheimer's and dementia care. Clare Bridge, Brookdale's signature Alzheimer's and dementia care program, provides a safe environment, while offering residents assistance with activities of daily living.  The company's commitment to Alzheimer's and dementia care is underscored by the Clare Bridge promise that each resident will achieve "Daily Moments of Success^®."

"Our associates and residents especially appreciate that through our fundraising, we are helping to educate Americans about the importance of early diagnosis and provide crucial care and support for those living with the disease today," said Terry.  "Our funds will also help make critical investments in research that accelerate us toward new and better treatments, prevention and ultimately a cure for Alzheimer's.  It gives us great satisfaction to be a part of the solution and to find a cure."

Alzheimer's disease is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States, and today more than 5 million Americans are living with the disease. Every 68 seconds, someone in America develops Alzheimer's disease and by mid-century, someone in America will develop Alzheimer's every 33 seconds.

For more information about the Alzheimer's Association, visit www.alz.org.  For more information about Brookdale, visit www.brookdale.com.

About the Alzheimer's Association
The Alzheimer's Association is the world's leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer's research, care and support. 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.

About Brookdale
Brookdale Senior Living Inc. is a leading owner and operator of senior living communities throughout the United States.  The Company is committed to providing senior living solutions within properties that are designed, purpose-built and operated with the highest-quality service, care and living accommodations for residents.  Currently, Brookdale operates independent living, assisted living, and dementia-care communities and continuing care retirement centers, with 649 communities in 36 states and the ability to serve approximately 67,000 residents.  Through its Innovative Senior Care program, the Company also offers a range of outpatient therapy, home health, personalized living and hospice services. For more information, visit http://www.brookdale.com.

Contact: Andrea Turner, 615-564-6829, [email protected]

SOURCE Brookdale