Louisville, KY (June 27, 2012)
The reigning Miss Kentucky, AnnBlair Thornton, continues to bring needed attention to a very personal cause – helping to marshal resources in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease. Ann-Blair’s Miss Kentucky platform issue is Alzheimer’s Awareness & Research. Her platform was inspired by one of her grandparent’s own struggle with the disease. She formed a support group for teens impacted by the disease and has worked to raise money for research. She also sewed the names of people with Alzheimer’s whom she met as Miss Kentucky into the back of her pageant sash “as a reminder of her purpose,” according to a news release from the Miss America Organization. Ms. Thornton recently visited the headquarters of Louisville-based Neuronetrix, developers of the COGNISION™ System.
COGNISION™ is expected to be the first test available for widespread evaluation of an individual’s cognitive function in suspected cases of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
“It is highly gratifying that Ann-Blair, our reigning Miss Kentucky, possesses such a deep and personal interest in Alzheimer’s. This is a devastating disease, primarily to those afflicted, but also to their caretakers and other loved ones,” said K.C. Fadem, President of Neuronetrix. “One of our major challenges as a developing company is to bring increased awareness and interest in Alzheimer’s disease therapeutic trials. We hope that Neuronetrix can make an important and significant impact in the search for a treatment for this terrible disease, and we greatly appreciate the support of Ann-Blair Thornton, our Miss Kentucky.”