A Journey of Love and Loss: Honoring My Grandfather's Wisdom and Fighting Alzheimer's

In the tapestry of my life, one person stands out as the most influential figure, my beloved grandfather, Jake Kendall Sr. His words of wisdom have resonated deeply within me, shaping my path and inspiring me to overcome life's challenges. Without his guidance, my journey might have taken a different course altogether.

A Heartbreaking Battle:

In 2006, my grandfather was diagnosed with Alzheimer's, forever altering our lives. The subsequent five years were marked by immense struggles and heartbreak for our family. Initially, my grandmother, his primary caregiver, shouldered the responsibility with unwavering love. However, as his dementia progressed, it took a toll on her well-being. The relentless routine of caring for him during his nocturnal wanderings left her drained, impacting her own quality of life. We made the difficult decision to share the caregiving duties among family members, relieving my grandmother of some of the burden. Eventually, his deteriorating condition necessitated full-time assistance, plunging us into further devastation.

A Double Loss:

Tragically, the matriarch of our family, my grandmother, passed away. She had been the cornerstone of our Sunday dinners, tirelessly cooking for our extended family for as long as I can remember. Amidst this already dire trajectory, fate dealt us another blow. My proud grandfather, plagued by confusion, would often believe that my grandmother was still alive, only to be shattered by the realization that she was gone. Witnessing the strongest man I've ever known break down repeatedly crying, mourning the loss of his wife of 60 years and my grandmother, was a heart-wrenching experience. This pain has etched itself deeply in my heart and serves as the driving force behind my decision to embrace a new position at Linus Health.

The Alzheimer's Epidemic:

In 2021, more than 6 million Americans were living with Alzheimer's, a number projected to soar to nearly 14 million by 2050. These statistics paint a stark reality that demands our attention.

Key Alzheimer's Statistics:

1.????Alzheimer's disease ranks as the 6th leading cause of death in the United States, surpassing the combined mortality rates of breast cancer and prostate cancer.

2.????Between 2000 and 2019, while deaths from heart disease decreased by 7.3%, deaths from Alzheimer's skyrocketed by an alarming 145%.

3.????Approximately 1 in 9 Americans aged 65 and older, representing 11.3% of this population, battles Alzheimer's dementia.

4.????Older African American adults face double the risk of developing Alzheimer's or other dementias compared to older White adults.

5.????The healthcare costs associated with dementia surpass those of any other disease.

6.????A groundbreaking study commissioned by the Alzheimer's Association revealed that early diagnosis could potentially save a staggering $7 trillion in medical and long-term care costs for individuals alive in 2018 who will develop Alzheimer's disease. This emphasizes the importance of identifying signs of cognitive decline during the Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) phase.

A Beacon of Hope:

Linus Health, with its revolutionary Digital Clock Drawing Test, has been acknowledged by Time magazine as one of the 100 most innovative solutions in 2021. This groundbreaking tool empowers physicians to definitively identify early signs of declining cognitive skills. By diagnosing Alzheimer's and other dementias at an early stage, we can prevent other families from enduring the emotional anguish of witnessing their loved ones' quality of life slowly fade away.

Join the Fight:

Together, we can support the Alzheimer's Association in their tireless efforts to protect our family members and loved ones from the clutches of this devastating disease. Let us unite in this crucial battle, standing strong against Alzheimer's and striving to create a world where memories thrive and families flourish.

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