Alzheimer Awareness

Lydia Thomas

Staff Writer

This summer I spent a few weeks staying with my grandmother, Zelda Gabel, while I interned at WETM-TV NBC 18 News. Along with several heartwarming memories and conversations we shared, I built a relationship with my step-grandfather, Jerry Gable, who is in his last stages of Alzheimer’s disease.

Zelda and I visited Jerry at an adult home that treated and cared for Alzheimer patients. Becoming easily frustrated due to his memory loss, he asks several questions while trying to hide his embarrassment. Although he may not remember who I am, I know for certain he knows who my grandmother is.

Zelda slowly enters Jerry’s room and asks him if he remembers who she is with hope in her eyes. “Zelda,” replies Jerry in a raspy voice. Several of the other patients and nurses know Zelda by name now and enjoy seeing her familiar face. Zelda only visits Jerry every other week, and more frequently when she can, because the home is an hour away from where she lives. Not only is this predicament physically difficult for Zelda, but the emotional burden is heavy on her heart. She misses the company of Jerry and the memories that they have shared.

 

So many people are affected by this awful disease, and the students of Temple Ambler are demonstrating how much they care by setting up a fundraiser to support research that may help victims battling this subtle affliction. Temple Ambler’s Health Organization (TAHO) is taking the lead with this fundraiser. TAHO president, Nistha Shah had a few words to say about the organization’s plans for this great cause.

 “My family is affected, we should take care of it right now,” said Shah, .  “I think it’s really important to bring awareness about Alzheimer’s, which people aren’t taking seriously.” November is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month. For Shah, raising awareness about Alzheimer’s hits very close to home. Her grandfather was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s two years ago when he was 66-years-old.  During November, the Temple Ambler Health Organization will be accepting donations, selling pins, and bookmarks with pens to help raise money for Alzheimer’s Awareness. Pins are $1 and the bookmarks with pens are $5. The organization’s target goal is $1,000, according to Shah.  They will be selling these materials on campus throughout the month, you can spot them in the Learning Center. .

“This fundraiser would help develop more research,” Shah said.  The research will help families that are affected by this disorder.”   

For more information about Alzheimer’s disease, visit http://www.alz.org.