By Kaitlyn Espinoza, Savlador Esquibel, and Alexa Fernandez Courier Staff Writers
Alzheimer’s is a disease that can take over the brain and cause problems with the person’s memory, thought process, and actions and over time, it tends to get worse. The disease can cause confusion, inability to recognize familiar places, misplace things and/or struggle with language.
Debbie Hughes has been one of the many that has been affected by Alzheimer’s. Even though she does not have the disease , loved ones around her having been dealing with this and unfortunately three of her family members , her mom, aunt, and grandmother have passed away from this tragic disease.
The most common risk factor for Alzheimer’s is increasing age. Most affected individuals are usually around the age of 65 years or older. Family history and genetics can also increase the likelihood of being affected by Alzheimer’s.
Alzheimer’s walks are very common in Northern California and some teachers such as Debbie Hughes and Molly Wright were involved this year as well as previous years.
“ This is my 3rd walk and there are walks all over the country from mid-November to mid-December. Usually during these walks people ask for donations and this year I happened to make around 500 dollars of donations, but was more fortunate last year by making around 1000 dollars of donations.” said Hughes.
The Alzheimer’s walk is something for everyone, not just those diagnosed. At the walk they gave out flowers; four different colors with different meanings. There was a color for people who support the walk, people who are affected, caretakers, and veterans. It is a walk meant to bring everyone together and unite them under one cause.