Why I Walk To End Alzheimer's

The Alzheimer's Association Greater New Jersey Chapter is spotlighting people who make a difference in the fight to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia, by participating in the 2020 Walk To End Alzheimer’s (WTEA) - the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Today we say thank you to Janet O’Brien, co-chair of the Cumberland County Walk Planning Committee, and team member of the Baker Bunch. The funds raised by her effort, and others, helps propel the Association’s mission forward - accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. The Cumberland County Walk To End Alzheimer’s happened everywhere on Saturday, October 24 but participation and fundraising continues through December 31. Due to COVID-19, the Alzheimer’s Association is encouraging participants to walk as individuals or in small groups on sidewalks, tracks and trails around their neighborhoods. A recording of the opening ceremony featuring local speakers and a presentation of “Promise Flowers” to honor the personal reasons participants join together to fight Alzheimer’s can be viewed, anytime, at: https://bit.ly/3jJeD7z

Janet explains, “I work in an Assisted Living community. In my position, I meet with the adult children of prospective residents to discuss what care their mom or dad may need. They often tell me that they are forgetting to take medications, or that hygiene is lacking. Eventually they move mom or dad into our community. Initially, some exhibit confusion. As time goes by, they may have difficulty with activities of daily living, or begin repeating themselves every few minutes. In spite of this, their family visits frequently, taking them out for lunches, dinner or shopping. However, as their dementia progresses to sundowning, or not recognizing their adult children or grandchildren when they visit, sadly the family visits become less frequent. I see the devastation on the families faces. They have difficulty accepting the situation and want to know if anything can be done. Alzheimer’s and all dementia is heartbreaking. That is why I walk to end Alzheimer’s, and encourage everyone to join me until a cure is found.”

More than 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's disease, the sixth-leading cause of death in the U.S. and the only disease among the top 10 that cannot be cured, prevented or even slowed. Additionally, more than 16 million family and friends provide care to people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias in the U.S. In New Jersey alone, there are more than 190,000 people living with the disease and 448,000 caregivers.

For more information, to register or donate, visit: alz.org/walk.