One in nine seniors faces Alzheimer's risk

Roughly one in nine Americans aged 65 and older lives with Alzheimer's disease, a statistic that underscores the scale of a condition affecting more than seven million people nationwide. This widespread impact serves as the backdrop for the annual Walk to End Alzheimer's in Fayetteville, an event scheduled for Saturday that expects to draw hundreds of participants. The gathering unites families navigating the complexities of the illness, highlighting that every diagnosis involves a distinct personal story of perseverance and loss.

Among the attendees is Amy Hamby of Erwin, who is participating in the walk with a dual purpose. She is honoring the memory of her father, whom her family affectionately called Poppy, while also acknowledging her own status as a patient with early-stage Alzheimer's. Hamby plans to wear a shirt bearing the Team Poppy logo, a visual tribute to the father she lost. Her participation transforms the event from a general awareness campaign into a personal testament to the genetic nature of the disease.

Hamby’s father passed away in 2008. At the time of his death, the family was unaware of the hereditary factors at play. Hamby, who worked as a nurse, noted that she did not realize the implications of his diagnosis for her own future. She recalled having no clue that he carried the specific gene responsible for the disease, nor that she would eventually inherit it as well. This lack of understanding at the time of his death left the family unprepared for the genetic link that would emerge years later.

The reality of that genetic link became apparent to Hamby in 2024, when she received a diagnosis of early-stage Alzheimer's at the age of 59. Prior to the official diagnosis, she attributed her symptoms to post-viral cognitive effects, a phenomenon commonly referred to as brain fog. This assumption was prevalent during the pandemic years and provided a plausible explanation for her early difficulties. It was only after a couple of years that she began to suspect something more serious was underlying her condition.

Subsequent testing revealed that Hamby possesses two copies of the APOE-4 gene, a known risk factor for late-onset Alzheimer's. Medical data indicates that having a single copy of this gene raises an individual's risk by two to three times. Possessing two copies increases that risk significantly, potentially elevating it by as much as 10 to 15 times. This genetic profile has a direct impact on her treatment options and the trajectory of her health management.

Hamby is currently awaiting access to approved therapies that target the disease. She acknowledges that these treatments carry considerable risks for her specific genetic profile. Despite the potential dangers associated with the medication, she maintains that the benefits outweigh the risks. Her willingness to proceed with treatment reflects a determination to manage the disease actively rather than passively accept its progression.

Daily life requires ongoing adjustments for Hamby. She often asks her children to repeat questions, a small but significant change in her routine. Despite these challenges, she continues to pursue her lifelong passion for cooking. She has recently engaged with a cookbook of family recipes, a practice that evokes fond memories and strengthens her connection to her heritage. Sharing meals with her family remains a central and enjoyable part of her life.

Beyond her personal management of the disease, Hamby has become an advocate for policy changes. She has traveled to Raleigh to support legislation aimed at advancing Alzheimer's research and improving care standards. Her advocacy is driven by a desire to maximize the quality and length of her remaining years. She expressed her hope to have many more years with her children and to live life to the fullest during that time.

The Walk to End Alzheimer's is set to begin at 9 a.m. on Saturday at Segra Stadium in Fayetteville. The event remains open for registration, inviting both participants and supporters to join the cause. The gathering serves as a community hub for those affected by the disease, offering a space for shared experience and collective advocacy.