Every year, communities across the country come together to participate in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, a powerful event dedicated to raising awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support, and research. As one of the most devastating neurological diseases, Alzheimer’s impacts millions of families, slowly stripping away the memory, independence, and personality of those afflicted. The Walk to End Alzheimer’s serves as a beacon of hope and a reminder of the urgent need to find a cure.
But what makes this event so critical, and why should you consider joining the movement? In this post, we will explore the significance of the walk and provide an overview of the 10 warning signs of Alzheimer’s—knowledge that can be life-saving.
Why the Walk to End Alzheimer’s Matters
Raising Awareness: Alzheimer’s is often misunderstood or dismissed as a normal part of aging. The Walk to End Alzheimer’s brings much-needed attention to the disease, educating the public on its severity and encouraging people to learn more about the early signs and symptoms.
Funding for Research: There is no cure for Alzheimer’s, and treatments to slow the progression are limited. The funds raised through the walk go directly to research aimed at discovering new treatments and, one day, a cure. This financial support is crucial in advancing medical science and providing hope for future generations.
Supporting Families: Alzheimer’s doesn’t just affect those diagnosed; it has a profound impact on families, caregivers, and loved ones. The walk is a place for those affected by the disease to find support and community. It provides a sense of unity and strength, as participants walk for those they’ve lost, those currently battling the disease, and in hope of a world without Alzheimer’s.
Symbolic Unity: The walk features a poignant ‘Promise Garden’ where participants carry different colored flowers representing their personal connection to the disease—blue for those living with Alzheimer’s, purple for those who’ve lost someone, yellow for caregivers, and orange for supporters of the cause. This visual display of solidarity reminds us that while Alzheimer’s affects millions, together, we are working toward a brighter future.
Understanding the 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s
Early detection of Alzheimer’s can make a significant difference in managing the disease and planning for the future. Below are the 10 warning signs to look out for:
Memory Loss That Disrupts Daily Life: Forgetting recently learned information is one of the most common signs of Alzheimer’s, especially in the early stages. This is not just occasional forgetfulness but a pattern of forgetting important dates, events, or repeatedly asking for the same information.
Challenges in Planning or Solving Problems: Those with Alzheimer’s may find it difficult to follow a familiar recipe or keep track of monthly bills. They may also struggle with concentration and take much longer to do things than before.
Difficulty Completing Familiar Tasks: Routine tasks like driving to a familiar location, managing a budget, or remembering the rules of a favorite game become more challenging.
Confusion with Time or Place: Losing track of dates, seasons, and the passage of time is a common sign. People with Alzheimer’s may forget where they are or how they got there.
Trouble Understanding Visual Images and Spatial Relationships: Some people may experience vision problems, such as difficulty reading, judging distance, or determining color contrast, which can affect activities like driving.
New Problems with Words in Speaking or Writing: People with Alzheimer’s may have trouble following or joining conversations. They may stop in the middle of a conversation and have no idea how to continue or may repeat themselves frequently.
Misplacing Things and Losing the Ability to Retrace Steps: It is common for someone with Alzheimer’s to place things in unusual spots and be unable to find them. Over time, they may accuse others of stealing the items.
Decreased or Poor Judgment: Alzheimer’s affects decision-making. Those with the disease may experience changes in judgment, such as giving large amounts of money to telemarketers or neglecting personal hygiene.
Withdrawal from Work or Social Activities: People with Alzheimer’s may start to remove themselves from hobbies, social activities, or work projects. They may have trouble keeping up with a favorite sports team or forget how to complete tasks related to their job.
Changes in Mood and Personality: Alzheimer’s can cause noticeable shifts in personality and mood. Individuals may become confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful, or anxious, especially when outside of their comfort zone.
How You Can Help: Get Involved
Participating in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s is a powerful way to make a difference. Whether you’re walking in honor of someone you know or simply want to contribute to the cause, your involvement will have an impact. You can:
Join the Herzog team at our local walk! Click here to join our team or donate!
Fundraise: Start a fundraising page of your own to collect donations from friends, family, or co-workers.
Raise awareness: Use social media or community events to spread information about Alzheimer’s and the importance of early detection.
By coming together, we can help fund research, support caregivers and families, and ultimately, end Alzheimer’s. Alzheimer’s disease affects millions of individuals and their families worldwide, and the Walk to End Alzheimer’s is a pivotal event in the fight against this devastating condition. By increasing awareness and understanding the warning signs, we can detect Alzheimer’s earlier and provide better care and support for those affected. Let’s walk together for a world without Alzheimer’s—because every step counts. #ENDALZ #walk2endalz
