On October 3, my father Kevin McMahon passed away suddenly due to cardiopulmonary arrest. He had been diagnosed with multiple types of early onset dementia, including vascular dementia. My family and I will now be walking to honor his memory.

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This summer, my father finally received a diagnosis that we had long prepared for but also dreaded - early onset dementia. At only 65 years old, he has experienced a rapid loss of his short term memory and has limited ability to complete daily tasks. The confirmation of his condition has been devastating for my family, especially for my mother, who herself is disabled and also suffers from the long-term effects of a traumatic brain injury.

My life has changed dramatically in the past year, as my parents moved closer to my own family so that we could help them more in their daily lives. I am now a card-carrying member of the "Sandwich Generation," a term for those of us who are raising children while also caring for our parents. According to a survey from the Pew Research Center, roughly 54% of Americans in their 40s now find themselves in this category. Add to that a fast-paced career at an international law firm, and it's clear that stress is a constant for me. 

Although this has been a challenging time, I'm so grateful to be able to help my parents, and for the flexibility that Dechert has afforded me in order to care for them. I'm also thankful for the work of organizations like the Alzheimer’s Association, which raises awareness and funds to advance the fight against all forms of dementia. 

Families facing Alzheimer’s and all other dementia need our support. Please consider making a donation or register as a participant and start your own fundraising efforts. Together, we can end Alzheimer’s disease and help people like my dad have a better quality of life as they age.