Home Care Assistance of Santa Clarita is proud to support the annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Santa Clarita on September 20 at Bridgeport Park. We deal with the effects of the disease on a daily basis. Many of our clients exhibit varying stages of its symptoms. My own mother suffered from Alzheimer’s for many years before finally passing away in 2005.Â
It was heartbreaking to see her slowly deteriorate from a savvy businesswoman to someone who couldn’t even balance her checkbook. I remember how frustrated she would get with herself when she forgot things, when she told the same story every five minutes, when she didn’t remember her husband or her children but clearly remembered her mother and her siblings who had long since passed away.
Alzheimer’s is a cruel disease. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, it is the sixth leading cause of death and accounts for 60 to 80 percent of dementia cases. There is currently no cure for it, only treatments that delay its progress. Scientists today know that it is caused by damage and eventual destruction of brain cells but are uncertain what causes the damage to occur. Age and genetics are definitely risk factors but there is still much we do not know about what exact role they play. It is interesting to note that 90 percent of what we know about Alzheimer’s was discovered only in the last 15 years. That could be explained by better technology, increased awareness and better funding. If this progress is to continue, it is crucial that we raise funding for more of these efforts.
The Walk to End Alzheimer’s this month is Santa Clarita’s opportunity to contribute to that cause. There are many ways to get involved. You can form a team to walk, join a team, walk as an individual, or donate time and money. The funds raised go towards the search for a cure, but also finance services that help people deal with the disease such as support groups, education, respite care, consultations and case management. Visit alz.org/walk or call 800-272-3900 for more information.
Home Care Assistance of Santa Clarita places caregivers in the home to help ensure the safety and comfort of loved ones who have difficulty taking care of themselves. Contact us at 661-259-9914 or visit www.HomeCareAssistanceSantaClarita.com.
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