To the editor:

Alzheimer’s has not taken a hiatus during COVID-19 and neither can we. The pandemic has had a devastating impact on people living with the disease and their caregivers this year. More than ever, we need to come together to support those affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementia.

More than 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease, including 110,000 here in Indiana, according to the Alzheimer’s Association 2020 Alzheimer’s disease facts and figures report.

I am joining participants of all ages in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease during the 2020 Walk to End Alzheimer’s, the worlds largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. It will be held in Columbus on Oct. 4.

Due to the pandemic, the Alzheimer’s Association is encouraging participants to walk as individuals or in small groups on sidewalks, tracks and trails across their communities.

I continue to walk in memory of my mother, mother-in-law, my daughter-in-law’s grandmother and aunt. In just a few years, we lost all four of these amazing women to this devastating disease. It is so difficult to watch someone’s memories slowly disappear and knowing you are unable to change this outcome.

With the dollars raised, the Alzheimer’s Association can continue to provide care and support families during these difficult times while also advancing critical research toward methods of diagnosis, treatment and prevention.

Participants can register for this year’s walk to end Alzheimer’s at ALZ.org/Indiana/walk.

We hope you will consider registering a team and help us find a cure.

Diane Davern, Brown County

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