Alzheimer's Memory Walk

Before I became a mom and started working from home, I worked for many years as a Medical Tech in an Assisted Living Facility. My job involved working primarily with the residents afflicted with Alzheimer's Disease.

Alzheimer's Disease is the most common form of dementia among older people and initially affects the parts of the brain that control language, thought and memory. Alzheimer's Disease usually begins after age 60 (although we had one resident that was only 58) and it is believed that as many is 4.5 million Americans suffer from AD. Scientists still do not know what causes Alzheimer's Disease and there is currently no cure.

I have to say that working with the Alzheimer's residents was a very rewarding job that I really enjoyed. I loved just sitting and talking with them, hearing all their stories about what life was like for them when they were young. On the other hand, the job could also be very demanding and stressful...both physically and emotionally.
There were some residents in the more advanced stages that I had to lift, turn, and change. There were times when I was kicked and hit. But, for me, the worst part had to be seeing the effects Alzheimer's Disease had on the residents' families. Watching them come in on a regular basis to visit there loved one, only to eventually get to a point where their loved one could no longer speak, or no longer recognized who they were. It just broke my heart!

Every year a few of my co-workers and I would participate in the local Alzheimer's Memory Walk. The Alzheimer's Association Memory Walk is the nation's largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer care, support and research. It is a 2-3 mile walk that is held on a weekend morning in the fall. There are walks in more than 600 communities and they are looking for volunteers of all ages to participate. This year they are especially in need of team captains. If this is is something you are interested in please check out the link at the bottom of this post. You will be walking with a purpose and for a GREAT cause!