My Grandma Smiley was a loving, hardworking lady, a missionary, a savvy business woman, and an ordained minister.  She was known by many as "Mrs Smiley" or "Mama Boyd", and her door was always open.  During her a 20-year battle with Alzheimer's, the light in her beautiful blue/grey eyes got dimmer and dimmer, until "she" was no longer there.  Sadly she passed away just after her 99th birthday. It was very devastating to watch the progression of the disease, but through it all, she was cared for by her loving daughters and surrounded by family and friends. 

Have you read B. Smith's book about her decline into Alzheimer's - "Before I Forget" by B.Smith and Dan Gasby?  B. was just 64 years old when she started showing signs of "early onset" Alzheimer's (anyone under 65).  B. had her husband by her side to guide and protect her in this terrible disease, but she passed away in Feb 2020.  If you get a chance, pick up the book.  It's Dan and B.Smith's love story, and provides excellent tips and resources for families dealing with Alzheimer's.

More than 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's.  The disease kills more than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined.  One in three American seniors dies with Alzheimer's or another form of dementia.  In 2020, Covid-19 contributed to a 17% increase in Alzheimer's and dementia deaths. 

As you may know, the US FDA just approval a new drug, Leqembi for treatment of early-stage Alzheimer's disease, and it will be covered through Medicare!  That's a tremendous step forward, but we can't stop there.  We won't rest until everyone living with Alzheimer's - at any stage - can get the treatment, care, and support they need and deserve.  To learn more about Alzheimer's disease or the Alzheimer's Association, please visit alz.org or call the 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900.  

Again, thank you for joining the movement!