'Quilt to Remember' Honors Those Struggling With Alzheimer's

(HealthDay News) -- The first stitches will soon be sewn in a giant U.S. "national quilt" to remember people affected by Alzheimer's disease and related illnesses, according to the project's sponsor, the Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA).

Inspired by the famous AIDS Memorial Quilt, the foundation's Quilt to Remember will be continuously added to over time with panels from individuals (four feet by four feet) and panels from organizations (eight feet by eight feet). Each panel will memorialize people who have either passed away from or are living with dementia, or family caregivers and health-care professionals committed to the cause.

Beginning next fall, the quilt will be displayed in cities across the United States.

"The AFA Quilt to Remember will be brought to the heart of America. Piece by piece, it will help our nation recognize the reality and the enormity of this disease, and affirm that we stand united for optimal care and a cure," AFA chief executive officer Eric J. Hall said in a prepared statement.

"Our desire is for the quilt to bring comfort and hope during the holiday season and throughout the year to families affected by this heartbreaking brain disorder," Hall said.