Important to catch Alzheimer's in early stages

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Darrell Royal's long day's journey into night is now over, but millions of others will suffer from Alzheimer's disease -- with no cure yet in sight.

As America's population ages, 5.4 million people suffer from the disease. Those age 65 and older have a 1-in-8 chance of getting it. At age 85, the numbers increase to 1-in-2.

Symptoms include loss of memory, cognitive skills, language difficulties and confusion.

Amelia Frank with the Alzheimer's Association of Central Texas says to see a doctor.

"They'll do a memory screening, a cognitive test with you," Frank said. "They'll go over your medical history. It helps if you catch it early."

Last year Royal and wife, Edith, helped found the Darrell K. Royal Fund for Alzheimer's Research , which raises money for patient care and research.

"He knew he was sick, and unlike a lot of people, Darrell was never one to shy from adversity," said DKR Fund spokesman Beau Armstrong. "He took it head-on and decided he would go public to help raise awareness and money."

As many as 340,000 Texans have Alzheimer's disease, and the state is second in the nation in related deaths.

Fundraising event

A fundraising event for the DKR Fund is set for March 27 at the ACL Live at the Moody Theater venue at the W Hotel in Downtown Austin.

Advisory board member Willie Nelson will perform at the "4th & Goal Gala" that night.

"Ben Willie Darrell - Together Again," the iconic fundraising golf and music event, has, over the years, brought together Coach Darrell Royal, Willie Nelson and Ben Crenshaw to raise funds for many worthy charitable efforts.

This year, however, the famed Royal will be there only in spirit and in the fond memories of his friends and family.

Donations can be made at DKRFund.org.