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Early-onset Alzheimer’s Diagnosis Reason for Virginia Beach Couple to Join Memory Walk, Oct. 11 : Never a more urgent time to find a cure
[Norfolk, Va., Oct. 6, 2009] -- When the Alzheimer’s Association kicks off the first of its fall “Memory Walk” fundraising events, Oct. 11 at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, Dan and Maria Hessels will walk in support of the organization that is helping them cope with a life-altering change.
This past January, at age 47, Dan was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, a form of dementia that strikes individuals under the age of 65. At least 500,000 Americans have early-onset, and it usually runs in families, with a parent or grandparent having developed the disease at a young age.
The diagnosis did not come as a complete shock. Over the past 10 years, Dan had experienced progressive, behavioral changes that ultimately affected his memory, ability to drive to familiar places and to handle more than one task at a time. For the first time in his professional life, he was forced to quit his job when he couldn’t manage the responsibilities. In addition, his mother was diagnosed with dementia at age 65.
“I knew in the back of my mind that what I was going through could be similar to what my mother went through,” said Dan. “But, I didn’t think I would get it at such a young age.”
After the diagnosis, Dan’s neurologist suggested the couple look into a new program conducted by the Alzheimer’s Association Southeastern Virginia Chapter. Early Alzheimer’s Support and Education, or EASE, is aimed at addressing the challenges that come with early-onset. It also provides tools for coping, from communication to planning for the future. Because it’s important that everyone involved know what to expect, program participants must attend with a partner—a spouse, sibling or friend, who might take on the future role of caregiver.
For Dan and Maria, it was a relief to know they were not alone.
“Finally, Dan realized there were other people like him, and that he hadn’t been going crazy,” said Maria. “These were not people in their 70s and 80s. These were young people, just like him.”
But, as Dan said, “The world is not ready for younger people developing this disease.”
The illness has placed a significant financial burden on the couple. With Dan out of work and unlikely to be employed in the future, Maria is the family’s sole breadwinner. Because of his age, Dan is ineligible for some of the benefits he would have received from the federal government if he were older. And he is unable to collect on the long-term disability insurance he purchased years ago because he doesn’t fit the criteria due to the dementia.
“It seems the system has been fighting me all the way,” said Dan. “That’s because I don’t fit the paradigm. But as more young people are diagnosed, we are going to have to be prepared.”
The Alzheimer’s Association reports that Alzheimer’s disease affects 5.3 million Americans, 26,000 of which live in southeastern Virginia. This number will increase exponentially as the baby boomers continue to age.
“There has never been a more urgent time to invest in putting an end to Alzheimer’s,” said Gino Colombara, executive director of the Alzheimer’s
Association Southeastern Virginia chapter. “Memory Walk donations directly support southeastern Virginia residents living with the disease, while also contributing to critically-needed research.”
About the Memory Walk Events
Check-in for the Oct. 11 Memory Walk event begins at 9 a.m., followed by the 10 a.m., three-mile walk at Neptune Park and 31st Street om Virginia Beach. Other walks will follow Oct. 17 in downtown Smithfield, Oct. 24 at Port Warwick in Newport News and Nov. 7 at the Williamsburg Community Center. Registration to walk is free, and collecting donations from friends and family is easy, thanks to online tools available at www.alz.org/seva. Participants may also register by calling (757) 459-2405. The Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk is nationally presented by Genworth Financial. Local presenters include Stephens Financial Partners for South Hampton Roads and BayPort Credit Union for the Peninsula. WVEC-TV and Max Media are the official media partners.
About the Alzheimer's Association Memory Walk®:
The Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk® is the nation’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer care, support and research programs. Held annually in hundreds of communities across the country, this inspiring event calls volunteers of all ages to become Champions in the fight against Alzheimer’s.
About the Southeastern Virginia Chapter:
The Alzheimer’s Association Southeastern Virginia Chapter has been helping those affected by Alzheimer’s disease for 27 years. In addition to all of the cities and towns in Hampton Roads, the chapter service area includes Williamsburg and the Eastern Shore, the city of Franklin, and the counties of Southampton, Isle of Wight and south central Virginia as far west as South Boston. The Alzheimer’s Association is a not-for-profit organization that provides services such as support groups, 24-hour Helpline, care consultations, respite care subsidy assistance and MedicAlert+Safe Return, a program to help locate and safely return someone who wanders as a result of Alzheimer’s disease. For more information visit www.alz.org/seva
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