This past weekend, we participated in our second Walk to End Alzheimer’s, both as walkers and as volunteers. As many of you might know. while we are very “active activists” as we joke, this is one cause that is near and dear to my heart, personally.

If you have been touched by this disease, or know someone who has, please consider giving your time or a donation. This is the only of the top 10 causes of death in America that can not be slowed, cured, or prevented. It is the 6th leading cause of death in the United States, and more then 5 million people live with the disease in the USA alone. 16 million people identify as caregivers to someone with Alzheimer’s.

This is not a small problem we are facing.

The first walk we participated in was 1,000 people strong – we stepped forward together, raising funds and each others spirits. This walk more than doubled in size this year.  The association is confident that it will continue to grow.

While I don’t have the numbers for this past weekend, I can tell you that as we handed out shirts, everyone was happy to be there and share in each other’s lives, no matter what stage of the game we were in. It’s very much a community feeling, were you can ask questions, get answers, make connections, and friends.
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The Founder and Director of the Dementia Village in Weesp, Netherlands, Eloy van Hal, will provide an operational overview of the renowned facility created in 2009 as an alternative to traditional institutionalized care provided in nursing homes. This village, for individuals with Alzheimer’s or other cognitive impairments, groups residents with shared interests and backgrounds in family-like settings in carefully designed environments emphasizing open, outdoor spaces and amenities like parks, a restaurant, grocery store and auditorium. It’s a new twist on assisted living, enabling residents to stay active with trained staff helping to maintain their freedom and abilities. Following the presentation, a panel discussion will focus on how to bring these innovations to senior and dementia-related facilities in New York.
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