An amazing 3500 people took 6,000 steps (3 miles) in 95+ temps on Saturday in the Atlanta Walk to End Alzheimer’s. It was an incredibly hot, but very moving experience. Some were walking in memory of loved ones; others in honor of loved ones currently struggling with dementia or Alzheimer’s; and then there were the fantastic caregivers.
I wore ribbons for friends — 6 ribbons in memory of family members lost to Alzheimer’s disease, and 3 ribbons honoring family members with a current diagnosis. Think of that. As one person, I have 9 immediate connections to people affected by Alzheimer’s. It’s sobering.
Walk for a Cure
So what can we do to help end Alzheimer’s disease?
We need to continue to support organizations that fund research and advocacy for Alzheimer’s disease. It is now the 5th leading cause of death in the US and with our population aging, that number will continue to grow.
We should follow current recommendations from the medical community on ways we can prevent or slow our own possible Alzheimer’s diagnosis:
- Eat wisely
- Exercise
- Take vitamin B12
- Avoid long term use of drugs with moderate to high anticholinergic properties
Finally, thank you to Tara Spolon and Team Inspire Me who welcomed me so warmly to their team. And, a huge thank you to all my friends and family who supported my fund-raising efforts — together we will make a difference!
