By: Jaime Rafferty
According to the Alzheimer’s Association’s 2013 Facts & Figures Report (www.alz.org/facts) approximately 80,000 Kentuckians have Alzheimer’s disease, and Alzheimer’s was reported as the underlying cause of death for 83,494 individuals nationwide and 1,464 in Kentucky in 2010.
Here are a few numbers of interest:
• Nearly 266,000 family members and friends are caring for Kentuckians with Alzheimer’s.
• Nearly one in every three seniors who dies each year has Alzheimer’s or another dementia.
Children and grandchildren who were once parented by individuals who have now developed dementia or Alzheimer’s are watching them fade into a state that often renders them unrecognizable from the strong presence they once knew.
However there is no giving up or giving into Alzheimer’s in our community.
The Walk to End Alzheimer’s began in 1989 and this year Owensboro will host its 3rd Annual Walk on Saturday, October 5th at the Downtown Riverfront, with registration beginning at 9 a.m.
Nearly 250 supporters came together and raised more than $30,000 last year. Participants can register online at act.alz.org, by phone at 502-451-4266 or you can register the morning of the event.
In addition to the walk the Owensboro Walk to End Alzheimer’s will host more than a dozen booths with information about Alzheimer’s disease and how to get involved, advocacy opportunities, the latest in Alzheimer’s research, clinical trial enrollment, support groups, training and other services. Each walker will be given a sign with their loved one’s name on a pinwheel flower to be planted in the Promise Garden to honor those affected by Alzheimer’s disease.
For the Walk Committee Chair, Adam Tudor, Alzheimer’s hits very close to home.
Adam is the grandson of three grandparents that suffered from dementia and/or Alzheimer’s, two of which resided with his family.
He recalls being sent it to wake his grandmother and seeing her reaction when she thought he was an intruder. He says there was a feeling of being unable to help, until now.
He remarks, “Alzheimer’s take a person’s identity, the core of who they are. There are very few diseases that steal a person’s identity but Alzheimer’s does just that.”
Adam no longer feels helpless as he promotes the importance of taking part in this event. He says, “As the disease becomes more and more prevalent if you don’t know someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia you someday will.”
And the good folks at Wellington Parc know that statement to be true.
Wellington specializes in caring for adults with Alzheimer’s and related disorders and is a Platinum Sponsor for this year’s event.
Aimee Carroll, Resident Service Coordinator, says that many staff members will also participate in this year’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s. This is not a requirement of the staff, however they see daily why endeavors such as this are so important to the individuals they serve.
She says that it’s important for people to look past the disease of Alzheimer’s and see the person. And that educating one’s self about the disease is the best way to begin understanding what needs are present. The biggest need Aimee sees is compassion. She says with compassion they can begin helping individuals and their families “create moments of joy.”
The Walk to End Alzheimer’s is slated to do just that, create moments of joy as they celebrate those who fight the fight, and the fight still ahead through treatments, research and support services.
Funds raised by the Walk to End Alzheimer’s support research for treatment, support services and of course a cure. The Greater Kentucky and Southern Indiana Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association provides services to 125 counties in Kentucky and Southern Indiana, including support groups, caregiver training, and a 24/7 Helpline (800-272-3900).