Alzheimer's memory walk...

Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share
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Every fall communities all across the USA have walks to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Association. I’ve read a number of stories here on the SDMB about families affected by this disease. If you want to do something and don’t know what - take a walk! The details are found here.

My father-in-law has early onset alzheimer’s. Over the last few years we’ve watched him change into a shell of his former self. He barely leaves the house or interacts with anyone. My 3 year old daughter follows directions better than he does. He is 56 years old.

Anyone near Hampton Beach in New Hampshire - I will be walking with my family on September 25th if anyone wants to walk with us. Email is in my profile.

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Ahhhhh,hmmmm

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:confused:

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Thanks for posting this, tanookie. I’m bumping it, because I think if it’s possible for you to walk in one of these, you should. There are some new treatments for Alzheimer’s that are making real steps toward giving patients their lives back, at least partially.

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56 is just way too young. If I was 80 something and had it come on, that I could accept. But 56?

Thanks for the link. We too have a friend that suffers and we’ll do anything possible to help speed research.

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I thought 56 was awfully young too. I watched Oprah’s Alzheimer’s special and they did a segment on a man who was 39 with young kids. From what I’ve read - the earlier it shows the faster it progresses.

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My father died from complications due to Alzheimer’s this past April. I watched his decline for ten years. Yes, if you can, participate in a Memory Walk. I know I am. My next door neighbor is 57 and was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s two years ago. I have watched him go down hill. This was a man who could fix anything. Cars, mowers, weed whackers, you name it he fixed it. Now he doesn’t even drive because he’s afraid he wouldn’t remember how to get back home. Most days he walks around his yard holding his dog. Just damn sad to see this.

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Just a silly question, how long are these walks? I looked on the site, and did not see a length listed.
swampbear I lost my dad the same way. I miss him a lot.

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The walk at Hampton Beach is 2 miles. I’m not sure about the other ones.

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Thanks for posting this. I never would have heard about the walk in Saratoga Springs if it hadn’t been for you. My husband and I will definitely walk.

My paternal grandfather had it when he died and now my maternal grandmother has it. It’s a horribly cruel disease.

Thanks again.

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The part that is frustrating us the most about Parallax’s parents is that we would like to spend time with them now while he still knows who we are and to let our children know their grandfather while they can but his parents are closing us out.

Nutty Bunny - good luck on your walk! Glad something good came out of my thread.

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I sent my team page to my family and friends and have been overwhelmed by the support I’ve gotten both emotionally and in sponsorship for the walk. We even have family coming from 3 hours away just to walk with us!

Swampy and Nutty Bunny - let me know how your walks go.

I’m also going to a support group meeting in August (they meet once a month and I missed July.) I hope I can channel my frustration over this into something positive.