11/28/2025
I just realized I never got around to sharing these!
I had the honor of photographing the Walk to End Alzheimer's here in Jasper back in September. For those who don't know, I spent my practicum for my BSW at the Trager Institute in Louisville, working with caregivers of people with Alzheimer's & other dementias. Ever since then, education and research on this disease has been of great importance to me! The community came together in support and solidarity for those who have lived, are living with, or love someone with Alzheimer's. So here are some photos to highlight the morning!
What is Alzheimer's?
Alzheimer's disease is a type of dementia that affects memory, thinking and behavior. Symptoms eventually begin to affect activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing/hygiene, eating, medication management and mobility. It also affects a person's ability to make decisions, emotional regulation, and perception. Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia, which is an umbrella term for memory loss and other cognitive abilities serious enough to interfere with daily life. Alzheimer's disease accounts for 60-80% of dementia cases.
Some quick facts about Alzheimer's:
- Over 7 million people live with Alzheimer's disease, and it affects more women than men
- The lifetime risk for Alzheimer's at 45 years old, is 1 in 5 for women, and 1 in 10 for men
- Around 12 million Americans provide unpaid care for people with Alzheimer's and other dementias; these caregivers provide more than 19 billion hours valued at nearly $413 BILLION
- Between 2000 and 2022, Alzheimer's deaths increased by 142%, and is the 7th leading cause of death in the U.S. according to the National Institute of Aging.
- While several strides and advancements have taken place in medical research & treatment of symptoms, there is no definitive cause of this disease, and there is no current cure, although
If you or a loved one are struggling to navigate life with Alzheimer's disease or other dementias, there are resources available to help:
- Alzheimer's Association's 24/7 Helpline (800.272.3900)
- Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia Support Group, Deaconess Memorial Medical Center (Jasper, IN). Call (812) 996-2345 to register or visit this link: https://www.deaconessmemorial.com/events-calendar/event-details/?event=34753
- Home Instead Alzheimer's & Dementia Care, Jasper, IN. Call (812) 913-9989 or visit: https://www.homeinstead.com/home-care/usa/in/jasper/750/home-care-services/alzheimers-dementia-care/
- Alzheimer's Association Greater Kentucky & Southern Indiana Chapter: https://www.alz.org/kyin?set=1
Sources:
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers-and-dementia/alzheimers-disease-fact-sheet
https://www.alz.org/getmedia/5faf0a0b-d4e8-4a94-a988-b3408c9adb90/alzheimers-facts-and-figures-infographic.pdf
