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More than 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease, which, by gradually damaging nerve cells in the brain, leads to problems with memory and language. One third of adults will die with the disease, a greater number than breast and prostate cancer combined.
On Aug. 22, the Hollister Edward Jones Team, together with Twin Oaks Hollister, is hosting the Third Annual Alzheimer’s Association Walk, one of 600 such events across the country, to raise funds and spread awareness for the care, support and research efforts into the disease.
“Our entire firm is the top sponsor for the Alzheimer’s Association,” Edward Jones financial advisor Alexis Winder said, “because we know how impactful Alzheimer’s and dementia can be on our clients and the families and communities that we serve. We are so excited to be involved.”
The event at the Twin Oaks senior living community includes a walk around the campus, a flower ceremony to honor those affected by the disease or who act as caregivers, and a complimentary brunch for all walkers.
Those interested in taking part in the walk are asked to sign up in advance. There is no fee, but participants are encouraged to set a fundraising goal, either through a personal donation or with the support of friends and family.
Twin Oaks lifestyle specialist Mariah Giunta said that as a 55-plus community, mental health is one of its top priorities in wellness, but that there needs to be an awareness that Alzheimer’s does not just afflict seniors.
“You can have dementia beginning as early as your 30s,” she said. “It can come on at any time in your life. We have residents who have had dementia or Alzheimer’s within their family, or with loved ones or dear friends, and so this is an opportunity to walk in honor of someone.”
Health care representatives, including Alzheimer’s Association regional director Philip Geiger and Christina Andrade from the Del Mar Caregiver Resource Center, will be at the event to provide information on the services available to those who are afflicted, as well as their families, along with updates on the most recent treatments that are available or being tested.
“Last year, we raised $3,500,” Geiger said. “Our goal this year is $5,000, and we have already raised $2,400 before the event has even started. It costs nothing to participate, but this fundraising is how we provide our no-cost services.”
According to Geiger, those services include support groups for caregivers and people with early-stage Alzheimer’s and dementia. The association also offers educational classes on topics such as financial and legal planning, as well as the 10 warning signs of Alzheimer’s. There is also a 24/7 help line, 1-800-272-3900, available in more than 200 languages with interpretation services.
Other services, according to Geiger, include care consultations and “location jewelry,” such as a bracelet or necklace for those at risk of getting lost. The association pays the first year of those costs.
Geiger said there are promising advancements in Alzheimer’s care and treatment, including a simple blood test that can find early biomarkers, such as amyloid plaque on brain cells. The test is 93% effective in diagnosing the disease for early treatment.
“We call this our ‘mammogram moment,’” Geiger said, “because early diagnosis is crucial for the new drugs that slow the progression of the disease. And we also know that combining exercise, healthy eating, and staying socially and mentally active significantly reduces risk factors.”
A recent bill co-sponsored by Rep. Jimmy Panetta, the Alzheimer’s Screening and Prevention Act, would make this test available through Medicare. Geiger said it stands a good chance of passing.
“Alzheimer’s research is one area where most legislators in Congress agree,” Geiger said. “Our appropriations bill for this fiscal year was passed even when many other research bills were not.”
The Alzheimer’s Association is the third-largest funder of research into the disease, helped by the funds generated by the walks, and Geiger said new treatments are being tested all the time.
Leqembi, a drug that came out last year as an infusion, removes plaque from brain cells in the early stages. According to Geiger, an injectable version is currently in the approval process, which will expand access for people who do not live near infusion centers.
A second drug, Kisunla, has also been approved. Gieger said it may provide years of relief rather than months. “We are seeing research into combining these drugs into ‘cocktails,’ similar to how AIDS treatments were developed,” he said.
Giunta said one benefit of the walk is that it can alert local residents to more resources available to those impacted by Alzheimer’s.
“The public is not necessarily aware of these things,” she said. “So, we want to create that awareness and honor those that we love, those we care and are concerned about.”
The Alzheimer’s Association walk begins at 9 a.m. at Twin Oaks, 2071 Red Oak Dr., Hollister. Registration is available online. Brunch (reservations required) will follow, with a performance by Ha’a Hula/Te Reva O Te Manu.
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