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Alzheimer’s disease is an epidemic. Findings from the 2023 Alzheimer’s Association Disease Facts and Figures annual report showed that more than 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease. A staggering one out of every three seniors will die with Alzheimer’s or other dementias. This year alone, Alzheimer’s and other dementias will cost the nation $345 billion and by 2050, the Alzheimer’s Association states those costs could rise to $1 trillion.
Understanding Alzheimer’s can be difficult for some. Alzheimer’s disease is a degenerative brain disease and the most common form of dementia, which is 60%-80% in most cases. Dementia is not a specific disease, but it’s an overall term that describes a group of symptoms. Alzheimer’s affects memory, thinking and behavior. Symptoms eventually grow severe enough to interfere with daily tasks. The greatest known risk factor is increasing age, and the majority of people with Alzheimer's are 65 and older.
In fact, it kills more than breast cancer and prostate cancer, combined, but there is hope.
The Alzheimer’s Association leads the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia by accelerating global research and driving risk reduction and early detection. They work on both local and national levels to provide maximum care and support for all those affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementias.
In honor of those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and their loved ones and caregivers, the Alzheimer’s Association is once again inviting the Southeast Texas community to take part in the fight to end Alzheimer’s by participating in their annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Saturday, Oct. 7, at the Downtown Event Centre (700 Crockett St.) in Beaumont, rain or shine.
Two routes are available this year – 1 mile and 3 miles. Registration is now open online at act.alz.org/beaumont. There is no fee to register, but those who donate or raise $100 will receive a commemorative T-shirt.
The event begins at 8 a.m. followed by a touching tribute during the Promise Garden flower ceremony at 8:45 a.m. Each registered participant will receive a “Promise Garden” flower – Blue (represents someone living with Alzheimer’s or another dementia); Purple (for those who have lose someone to Alzheimer’s); Yellow (someone who is currently supporting or caring for a person living with the disease); Orange (those who support the cause); and White (which represents the first survivor).
The walk is dog and stroller friendly, too. There will be selfie stations, plus activities for the kids along with area mascots who will greet the walkers.
“This is very important to me,” said Shanna Briggs, Alzheimer’s Association Regional Manager. “I lost my mother, Janey Boudreaux, 10 years ago at the age of 63 to a very rare form of dementia. She was diagnosed at 56, so I helped take care of her with my dad. I was what you call, ‘sandwich parenting,’ which means you take care of your own kids and as well as your parents.”
This year’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s chars are Angel San Juan and Christina Crawford.
“It is a blessing to co-chair this year’s walk,” said San Juan, who also lost his mother, Emilia “Beba” San Juan as a result of complications from Alzheimer’s. “The day she died I went to the Alzheimer’s Association offering my services in any way possible. I did that to honor my wonderful mom’s memory, so we registered to walk in the event under the name Team Beba. She loved people, and her legacy is raising awareness and hopefully one day finding a cure. I know she beams with happiness from Heaven every time she sees my brother and I along with so many of our friends walk for her and the many brave souls battling Alzheimer’s and for those who provide care. Thanks to all those who participate, their commitment fills my heart.”
Alzheimer’s has also affected Crawford and her family. Her grandmother lived with the disease for 17 years before her passing. Her fatherin-law, Walter Crawford, succumbed to Alzhemer’s at 74. Crawford’s team name for the walk is Wita and Walter’s Warriors.
Earlier this year, Crawford and San Juan, who are both members of the Regional Board of the Alzheimer’s Association, along with Briggs, visited with state lawmakers in Austin and helped push new legislation (HB568) into law that enhances training requirements for law enforcement officers and staff at assisted-living facilities who interact with dementia patients. The Texas Legislature also committed to a $14.2 million in dementia-specific spending over 2024-25, which is a $4.2 million increase.
All funds raised through Walk to End Alzheimer’s further the care, support and research efforts of the Alzheimer’s Association. More than $106,000 has been raised so far this year for the walk with a goal of $175,000. Donations are also taken for the walkout through the end of 2023.
There is no cure for Alzheimer’s, but there are two new treatments – aducanumab and lecanemab – they demonstrate that removing beta-amyloid, one of the hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease, from the brain reduces cognitive and functional decline in people living with early Alzheimer’s. Other treatments can temporarily slow the worsening of dementia symptoms and improve quality of life for those with Alzheimer's and their caregivers. The key is early detection.
“We want to bring awareness with this walk for the Alzheimer’s Association and all the caregivers that are involved,” Briggs said. “The walk not only raises money for the Alzheimer’s Association, but also highlights the reach Alzheimer’s has in those it affects – not just those diagnosed.
“Caring for individuals living with Alzheimer’s can be a stressful and difficult experience as the disease slowly takes over. Family and friends are left to watch helplessly as their loved one begins to forget even the most basic of tasks, such as drinking water or eating. These support groups can help those learn how to deal with individuals with this disease. No one is immune to its impact. It’s very important to let them know we are here with them every step of the way.”
Before the walk, the Logon Café (3805 Calder Ave.) in Beaumont will host a live music benefit for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Saturday, Sept. 23, at 7 p.m. featuring performances by The Jackwagons, Squirrels in the Attic and The Hey Dude. Suggested donation is $10.
The Alzheimer's Association offers a helpline, 24 hours a day, seven days a week – (800) 272-3900.
For more information about the walk, call (409) 833-1613.