Published: August 29, 2024
The annual “Walk to End Alzheimer’s” fundraiser, held in hundreds of cities across the United States, is a vivid reminder of the disease’s reach and grasp on our family, friends and neighbors.Nearly 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s;
- 1 in 3 seniors dies with Alzheimer’s or another dementia;
- Over 11 million Americans provide unpaid care for people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias.
- And this year Alzheimer’s and other dementias will cost our country $360 billion.
Millions of men, women and children will gather in September and October to raise money (last year a record $100 million was raised) and awareness. Many walks feature a Promise Garden, full of flower pinwheels that illustrate the diseases impact.
- Blue: Someone living with Alzheimer’s or another dementia.
- Purple: An individual who has lost someone to the disease.
- Yellow: A person who is currently supporting or caring for someone living with Alzheimer’s.
- Orange: A participant who supports the cause and the Association’s vision of a world without Alzheimer’s and other dementia®.
Explains the Alzheimer’s Association:
“This is why we walk. We’re fighting for a different future. For families facing the disease today. For more time. For treatments,”
Healthy habits for your brain
While we can’t do anything about certain risk factors, such as increased age or family history, we can take steps to keep our brain healthy and lowered our risk for cognitive decline.
Here are 5 habits recommended by the Alzheimer’s Association.
- Challenge your mind by doing something new or learning a new skill;
- Engage in regular exercise so you increase blood flow to the brain;
- Help prevent head injuries by wearing a bike helmet and seat belt and following fall prevention tips;
- Control your blood pressure by eating a healthy diet and if needed, taking medications;
- Get good quality sleep.
Tips for caregivers
Caring for a loved one with dementia is challenging on all levels - physically, mentally and emotionally – so you need to take care of yourself.
Maybe you take a 10-minute walk or a meditation break or ask a neighbor or family member for assistance so you can have an afternoon or evening for dinner and movie. Many nursing facilities offer respite care for an even longer break.
For support, you can join the ALZConnected online community or attend a local support group or talk with a mental health professional.
Memory Cafes are a great outlet for both the person with memory loss and their caregivers.
“We provide stimulating programs, such as art, music and pet therapies, exercise, caregiver peer support and lunch. There is no cost for participants or caregivers,” explains LIFE: A Dementia Friendly Foundation, which provides five weekly Memory Cafes in Lorain County and two in Wayne County.
To find Memory Cafes in other U.S. locations check this directory.
The Kendal at Oberlin community on board
Kendal at Oberlin residents and staff have been busy raising money and awareness for the Sept. 7 walk at Lorain County Community College.
Last week they raised $700 with a fun (and wet) car wash and this week a Basket Raffle is underway. As in years past, a couple dozen staff and residents will be participating in the Lorain County walk. (The Cleveland walk is Oct. 19 at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.)
“The Kendal at Oberlin community recognizes the impact that Alzheimer’s and other dementia have on those who are living with that change, and those who care for them. There is real hope in the search for a cure. We are doing our part to support the Alzheimer’s Association’s work to improve the lives of those affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementias,” says Kim Preston, Director of Community Outreach, who is coordinating Kendal activities.
Kendal at Home is also sponsoring the Lorain County Walk to End Alzheimer's.
In the past, Molly Kavanaugh frequently wrote about Kendal at Oberlin for the Cleveland Plain Dealer, where she was a reporter for 16 years. Now we are happy to have her writing for the Kendal at Oberlin Community.
About Kendal at Oberlin: Kendal is a nonprofit life plan community serving older adults in northeast Ohio. Located about one mile from Oberlin College and Conservatory, and about a 40 minute drive from downtown Cleveland, Kendal offers a vibrant resident-led lifestyle with access to music, art and lifelong learning.
