Young Adults for Alzheimer’s Awareness (YAAA) recently held their 2nd Annual For a Cure Black-tie Bowling event at the AMF Chesapeake Lanes. The sold-out event benefited the Alzheimer’s Association of Southeastern Virginia Chapter.

Young, local professionals created YAAA! Hampton Roads to increase awareness that Alzheimer’s disease does not only affect the older population. Many of the group’s members have been affected by Alzheimer’s disease — either a parent or grandparent has had the disease. They also want to raise awareness about younger-onset Alzheimer’s. Many people with younger-onset are in their 40s and 50s, but can be as young as in their 30s! They have families, careers or are even caregivers themselves when Alzheimer’s disease strikes. In the United States, it is estimated that more than 200,000 people have younger-onset.

YAAA! typically meets once a month at local bars and restaurants, plays in league kickball, visits nursing homes, and plans FUNdraisers like Black Tie Bowling and a kickball tournament. YAAA! will be hosting a member recruitment happy hour social on May 31st at Jack Quinn’s in Downtown Norfolk between 6 and 8 p.m.