On October 5th, the green plot of land where polo ponies and players compete will be flooded with pinwheel flowers and purple T-shirts. For the fifth consecutive year, The Villages Health will sponsor the Walk to End Alzheimer’s (WTEA), the world’s largest fundraiser for Alzheimer’s care and research. Held annually nationwide in more than 600 communities, WTEA brings us together to help change the future for Alzheimer’s patients and their families.
The walk is just one of many community events powered by The Villages Health and its passionate team of health and wellness professionals, including Dementia Care Specialist Melissa Denham. Melissa runs the Dementia Care Coordination program, which has served over 900 families to date by providing essential education and resources to patients and non-patients.
Alzheimer’s, A Shared Illness
Like a storm causing widespread destruction, Alzheimer’s has sweeping effects on families and is often called a shared illness. Unfortunately, the disease is also prevalent and expected to increase among older adults. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 5.8 million Americans aged 65 years or older had Alzheimer’s disease in 2020. By 2060, the numbers are projected to almost triple to 14 million.
“There is a great need to support those dealing with dementia and I want to be able to offer my support,” Melissa said.
Stepping Up for Alzheimer’s Patients & Families
Although Alzheimer’s does not currently have a cure, research continues, and promising new treatments are making a difference. While scientists do their part to help us diagnose, manage, and prevent the disease, we can take positive steps to support their efforts. Those steps begin at The Walk to End Alzheimer’s.
TVH invites you to join us. Wear your sneakers and a smile as we step up and out for the cause!