The DeKalb County Clerk’s office will join other county clerks across the state in a “Purple Out Day” on Sept. 18 to raise Alzheimer’s disease.

“Alzheimer’s is truly devastating, and we all know how hard it is to watch a loved one begin to forget things and then eventually need care and support twenty-four hours a day,” Circuit Court Clerk Katherine Pack said. “This is a brain disease that shows no mercy, and while there is no cure, we want to make sure there is hope and help available for everyone in our county.”

Clerks across the state are showing their support by participating in the inaugural statewide “Purple Out Day” benefitting Alzheimer’s Tennessee, a not-for-profit organization.

All clerks are expected to make a personal donation of at least $50, and the deputy clerks in the local office have made donations as well.

“If the public would like to pitch in, and other court clerks in the state make similar donations, together we can raise more than $15,000,” Pack shared. "There is a competition for "Purple Out Clerk Champion" in East, Middle, and West Tennessee, and we hope to represent our county well."

Because Alzheimer’s disease and dementia impact at least 110,000 Tennesseans, the Board of Directors for the State Court Clerks Association of Tennessee voted to adopt and support Alzheimer’s Tennessee, a Tennessee-based 501c3 not-for-profit organization that provides support services, promotes brain health through education and champions research for better prevention and treatment strategies. Court clerks had the opportunity to learn more about the disease at their annual conferences this year.

Information about Alzheimer’s and related dementias will be available to the public at www.alzTennessee.org or by calling toll-free statewide 888-326-9888.