While November is officially National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month, we felt the need to spotlight the good work of the Alzheimer’s Association – New York Chapter this week.
On Saturday, more than 500 participants helped raise more than $100,000 for critically needed funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research at the Queens Walk to End Alzheimer’s at Little Bay Park in Whitestone.
According to the association, the Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. It’s held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide and four locations in the five boroughs.
“It’s was an honor to walk with my fellow New Yorkers, in solidarity with the more than five million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease,” said Alzheimer’s Association – New York City Chapter Executive Director Chris Smith. “This event is extremely meaningful where thousands of New Yorkers come together to raise funds to help fight this terrible disease.”
And what a heinous affliction it is. Alzheimer’s disease, according to the Mayo Clinic, is a progressive disease that destroys memory and other important mental functions. At first, someone with the disease may notice mild confusion and difficulty remembering. Eventually, people with Alzheimer’s may even forget important people in their lives and undergo dramatic personality changes.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia — a group of brain disorders that cause the loss of intellectual and social skills. In Alzheimer’s, the brain cells degenerate and die, causing a steady decline in memory and mental function.
People with Alzheimer’s may:
• Repeat statements and questions over and over, not realizing that they’ve asked the question before
• Forget conversations, appointments or events, and not remember them later
• Routinely misplace possessions, often putting them in illogical locations
• Get lost in familiar places
• Eventually forget the names of family members and everyday objects
• Have trouble finding the right words to identify objects, express thoughts or take part in conversations
Current Alzheimer’s disease medications and management strategies may temporarily improve symptoms. This can sometimes help people with the disease maximize function and maintain independence for a little while longer.
But there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease. And that’s what makes the work of the Alzheimer’s Association, and like-minded groups, so critical.
We applaud them, not only for their fundraising work, but for things such as the Promise Garden Ceremony, which is featured at all Walk to End Alzheimer’s events across the country. This is a hands-on, mission-focused activity that allows participants to raise flowers representing their promise to remember, honor, care and fight for those living with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers.
Never forget the caregivers. Because Alzheimer’s takes an enormous, incalculable toll on them as well.
“Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s,” the association often says.
It’s our vision too. .
