Vt.-raised Rocker Grace Potter Joins Fight Against Alzheimer's

(NECN: Jack Thurston, Burlington, Vt.) - Rock musician Grace Potter spoke at a fundraising dinner for the Vermont chapter of the Alzheimer's Association Tuesday in Burlington.

Potter, who was raised in Vermont's Mad River Valley, and who now tours the world as a musician signed to Hollywood Records, said she hopes more of her fans will read about her involvement in Alzheimer's research through social media or other means, and become inspired to learn more about the disease and donate to research efforts.

The lead singer of Grace Potter and the Nocturnals told New England Cable News her late grandfather battled Alzheimer's, and that her father-in-law was recently diagnosed with the brain disease that worsens over time.

Alzheimer's currently affects more than 5 million Americans, according to the Alzheimer's Association. The number of cases could possibly triple by the year 2050, the group said.

"This is actually, for me, probably one of the things that's as close to me as songwriting," Potter told NECN, describing Alzheimer's awareness. "It feels, currently, like something that, maybe, the cosmos are telling me I need to champion in every way."

"It starts a conversation, and that's what's amazing about it, because we need so much more conversation about Alzheimer's," said Martha Richardson of the Alzheimer's Association, noting the value of influential politicians, athletes, or celebrities championing the cause.

Potter said she and the Nocturnals are about to start work on their next album, but said she's going to make time to continue spreading the word about Alzheimer's. Click here to visit the website of the Alzheimer's Association.

Recently, the Vermont chapter of the Alzheimer's Association cheered the visit of another popular celebrity. Comedian Seth Rogen, the star of the current Universal Pictures release "Neighbors" was in Burlington on May 1.

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