We welcomed Jennifer Howard as our guest on the show this past weekend. It was a special program all about Alzheimer’s disease.

Jennifer is the executive director of the Alzheimer’s Association, the Michigan Great Lakes chapter. This organization offers a wealth of local services including education programs and support groups. There is also a very useful hotline staffed 24/7 with knowledgeable resources (1-800-272-3900).

Alzheimer’s is a disease of the brain, destroying brain cells and compromising the way the brain works. As the brain controls everything, eventually the disease will affect everything. The most obvious early symptom is the loss of short-term memory.

Jennifer explained how those with the disease understand what is happening to them well into the disease, and “in the beginning, those afflicted are acutely aware.” People with Alzheimer’s continue to likely understand much more than we might think; they are just not able to communicate back to us. Importantly, those with the disease can still have a good quality of life, staying active and enjoying family and friends.

Getting an early diagnosis is very helpful. Developing a care plan is important, and it’s much easier to make your own decisions when you are fully aware. Jennifer stressed the importance of talking to your doctor if have you concerns about yourself or a family loved one.

You need to learn what’s really going on. The brain does change for all of us as we age. Many of these changes are not necessarily Alzheimer’s disease. Jennifer reminded us about the big Walk to End Alzheimer’s coming up next weekend, on Sunday, Oct. 2. The Ann Arbor walk is at Gallup Park, with registration at 11 a.m. and the walk at 1 p.m. Parking and the registration is across from the park, at Huron High School.

This annual fund-raiser was previously called the Memory Walk, but many people did not recognize that event as benefiting the Alzheimer’s Association. With the new name, the purpose is very clear, and it's more a “call to action.”

Besides the walk, there will be entertainment, raffles, an opening ceremony and a Promise Garden (everyone gets a flower keepsake they can decorate). It’s an event for the community to come together, all for this very good cause, and have a lot of fun and raise a lot of money.

To listen to the first half (13 minutes) of our talk with Jennifer, click the audio link:

For the second half, please click the following audio link:

To contact Jennifer, the Alzheimer’s Association, or learn more about the walk, you may call 1-800-272-3900, or go to the website alz.org.

Alan Caldwell and Sheila Doeden co-host Everything Elderly every Saturday morning at 8:30 on 1290 WLBY. In their day jobs, Alan and Sheila co-own and co-manage Senior Helpers, providing in-home care services, primarily to the elderly. Both can be contacted at homecareexcellence@seniorhelpers.com, or at 734-927-3111.