Brain health fundraiser raises awareness of Alzheimer’s, aneurysms in Wilmington

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Community members gathered Saturday at Bill’s Brewing Company to raise awareness about brain health while honoring the memory of a man who died from a brain aneurysm.

The fundraiser, held as Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month comes to a close, recognized the life of Ranse Jones, who died from a brain aneurysm 16 years ago at the age of 34.

As part of the event, Novant Health hosted a Brain Health Fair offering free screenings, personalized assessments and educational resources about brain health and dementia prevention.

Michael Smith, who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, said seeking medical evaluation after experiencing memory loss has given him hope.

“I’m never going to get back what I’ve lost, but what we are trying to do is stop it and if they can stop it at this point, I will be 100% functional for the rest of my life,” Smith said.

Novant Health physicians said maintaining healthy cholesterol levels and blood pressure at any age can help reduce risk factors associated with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.