The Alzheimer’s Association hosted their Walk to End Alzheimer’s at the Shops at Riverwoods in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 14.
Dozens of people participated in the 1.2 mile walk to raise money and awareness for the disease.
Participants shared stories of friends and family whose lives have been affected by Alzheimer's.
Gerry Rhoades, a volunteer at the event, said multiple members of her family have been affected by Alzheimer's and dementia.
“My husband had Parkinson’s and he developed dementia. And my mother in law had Alzheimer's,” Rhoades said.
Rhoades is a resident at Treeo senior living center and is constantly exposed to those impacted by the disease.
“It's really hard as a family to see their loved ones just disappear. They get to the point where they don't know you,” Rhoades said.
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive disease and is often related to memory loss, decreased cognition and problem solving skills. This disease can disrupt the life of its victims and also affects the caregivers of those with the disease.
Raven Albertson, the program director of the Alzheimer’s Association Utah chapter, said that when her grandmother was diagnosed with the disease, the situation really affected her father.
“She was able to stay in her home because my dad went and moved in to take care of her,” Albertson said. “But one thing I think he didn't really know a lot about was just the support for himself and how hard of a job it is to be a full time caregiver for someone with dementia.”
Alzheimer’s can put a heavy burden on the family members of people with the disease. In late stages of the disease, 24 hour-a-day care is often required for patients.
“I wish he would have known about the supports, like the Alzheimer's Association, and all of our support groups,” Albertson said. “We have a really good education on the phases of the stages of Alzheimer's and what would you need to know; as well as teaching people how to access more support so that they can get breaks for themselves and like making sure they're getting on top of their own health.”
At the event, a lot of emphasis was placed on donations for the purpose of improving research and medication for patients with Alzheimer’s.
There were multiple booths from companies such as Covington, Ruff House and Treeo to show their support for the fundraiser.
Devin Peterson, president at Brighter Retirement Advisors, said his company has supported the Alzheimer’s Association because the way the disease affects families.
“It impacts us all,” Peterson said. “And in fact, it's an individual that has the disease, but it's a family disease in the way that impacts families.”
Although the funding helps develop new medications and research, there are still approximately 38,300 Utah residents living with the disease.
“You're not alone,” Albertson said. “It is a very isolating disease … but there's so much support.”
Those interested in donating to the Alzheimer’s Association can find more information here.