The Alzheimer's Association 2015 Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures report finds that there are 422,000 caregivers in Tennessee. These dedicated individuals provide 480,000,000 hours of unpaid care valued at $5,847,000,000. It is vital that these caregivers receive the resources and assistance needed to provide the best quality of care they can.

The Alzheimer's Association invites caregivers from Murfreesboro and the surrounding area to experience A Caregiver's Journey at a free caregiver conference on April 24. The conference will be held at St. Clair Street Senior Center from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Caregivers who attend will have the chance to visit with exhibitors who provide local resources and assistance, speak with professionals and socialize with other caregivers who may be going through the same experience. They will also have the chance to hear several guest speakers including area professionals and a local caregiver who will share her personal story.

"Our 2015 caregiver conference in Murfreesboro will offer education on various topics related to the disease that we haven't offered before," shares Vice President of Programs and Outreach Tiffany Cloud-Mann. "One of our talks will focus on early or younger onset which will shed more light on the disease and the dynamics involved when someone is effected in their 30's, 40's and 50's."

Currently there are more than 5 million Americans living with Alzheimer's in the United States, including 110,000 here in Tennessee. This number is expected to continue to rise and so will the need for education and resources. The Alzheimer's Association hosts events like this one to raise awareness and inform the community.

St. Clair Street Senior Center is located at 325 St. Clair Street in Murfreesboro. The event is free with a light breakfast and lunch provided. To register please call Cindi Thomas at615.848.2550 or contact Tiffany Cloud-Mann at tcloudmann@alz.org or 800.272.3900.

The Alzheimer's Association is the world's leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer's care, support and research. 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. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer's®. Visit www.alz.org or call 800.272.3900.