Knoxville, TENN (WVLT) -- A Knoxville pastor has taken the fight against Alzheimer's disease to the pulpit. It's all part of Alzheimer's Awareness Sunday.

More than 22,000 East Tennesseans already battle the disease every day. The Alzheimer's Association says that number is growing, especially among African Americans.

William Lundy's wallet still holds a picture of his wife, Otelia. They were married 45 years. However, the final ten years brought the couple's biggest challenge.

"When the doctor calls you and tells you, your wife has an illness that there's no cure for, it's heartbreaking," said Lundy.

Otelia joined the 22,000 East Tennesseeans and 5.2 million Americans already battling Alzheimer's diease, according the Alzheimer's Assocation. Otelia lost her fight just last year.

"Emotionally it was a strain on you because you watch your loved one go from A+ to a C, in a sense of mobility and remebrance and stuff," her husband said.

The Alzheimer's Association says African Americans face a greater risk for developing the cognitive disease than non-Hispanic whites. It also says they tend to be diagnosed in later stages, and that limits treatment options for anyone.

That's why from the puplit at Knoxville's Crossroads Christian Church, Pastor A.D. Baxter preaches the need for early intervention.

"Information certainly is important. I think if they see a loved one who has a change in behavior, maybe forgetting things, has other others, they need to be diagnosed," Baxter said.

Lundy says the disease took his wife's mind, but couldn't touch the woman he loved.

"My wife had the most beautiful smile in the world, and the day she died, she had that same beautiful smile," Lundy said.

The Alzheimer's Association says heart disease may be a powerful factor in the prevalance of Alzheimer's among African Americans.
Other research shows quality and amount of education also plays an important role.

For more information on the disease and ways to cope with it, just click the link below.