February 13, 2021
February 1 was the kickoff for the Canadian Alzheimer’s Society major fundraising event – Walk for Alzheimer’s sponsored by IG Wealth Management. This is an organization that I support and have been raising money for a couple of years now. My mom was afflicted with this disease and it was difficult to see her deterioration over time.
For someone who was a vibrant member of society, it was sad to see how she slowly withdrew and in her own little isolated world. If they could have a cure or somehow manage this disease would be awesome.
What Is Alzheimer's Disease? (taken from the National Institute of Aging)
Alzheimer’s disease is an irreversible, progressive brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills and, eventually, the ability to carry out the simplest tasks. In most people with the disease—those with the late-onset type—symptoms first appear in their mid-60s. Early-onset Alzheimer’s occurs between a person’s 30s and mid-60s and is very rare. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia among older adults.
The disease is named after Dr. Alois Alzheimer. In 1906, Dr. Alzheimer noticed changes in the brain tissue of a woman who had died of an unusual mental illness. Her symptoms included memory loss, language problems, and unpredictable behavior. After she died, he examined her brain and found many abnormal clumps (now called amyloid plaques) and tangled bundles of fibers (now called neurofibrillary, or tau, tangles).
These plaques and tangles in the brain are still considered some of the main features of Alzheimer’s disease. Another feature is the loss of connections between nerve cells (neurons) in the brain. Neurons transmit messages between different parts of the brain, and from the brain to muscles and organs in the body. Many other complex brain changes are thought to play a role in Alzheimer’s, too.
This damage initially appears to take place in the hippocampus, the part of the brain essential in forming memories. As neurons die, additional parts of the brain are affected. By the final stage of Alzheimer’s, damage is widespread, and brain tissue has shrunk significantly.
The numbers indicated over 44 million people live with dementia worldwide. Here in Canada the number is over 750,000 people.
The Walk for Alzheimer's is Canada’s biggest fundraiser for Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, taking place in more than 400 communities across the country. In 2019, Canadians participating in the Walk raised an amazing $6.2 million.
These funds will go toward local programs and services that improve quality of life for people living with dementia and their families-in your community-and support awareness and education about dementia.
There are three goals of the fund raising.
1. Support - Alzheimer Societies across Canada provide programs and support services to help people with all forms of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, in addition to assisting their caregivers and families to live as well as possible.
2. Research - The Alzheimer Society is a leading Canadian funder of dementia research. Since 1989, the society has invested more than $59 million in biomedical and quality of life research through the Alzheimer Society Research Program.
3. Awareness - The mission is also to raise public awareness about Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. The society is a key partner in the development of Canada’s first national dementia strategy, which will enhance research efforts and ensure access to quality care and support for all Canadians affected by dementia.
I am including a link to my personal fund-raising page. If you feel you can spare a few coins to help, please donate. Any amount truly makes a difference. I greatly appreciate your support and will keep you posted on my progress.
You can help me reach my goal and be a part of the movement to ensure everyone affected by dementia has access to support, education, and information, as well as showing them that they are not alone.
Together, we make memories matter.
Thanks for listening.
Ronco 😊
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