LUSK – Pinwheels of hope and purple balloons for remembrance could be seen around Lusk on Sunday, Sept. 19. Fluttering in the breeze, these items marked the fourth annual “Walk for Bub” Alzheimer’s awareness and fundraising event. Hosted and coordinated by the Langston and Titchener families, this walk is used to raise funds for Alzheimer’s research. The walk is held in honor of Al “Bub” Titchener.

Alzheimer’s Disease is a progressive dementia which accounts for 60%-80% of all dementia cases in the United States. According to the National Alzheimer’s Foundation, the greatest risk factor for Alzheimer’s is age with most cases occurring in individuals over 65 years of age however it is possible for the disease to affect those younger causing young or early-onset Alzheimer’s.

Studies have shown that as we age the brain changes and those with Alzheimer’s tend to present a higher number of plaques which are deposits of a protein fragment called beta-amyloid (BAY-tuh AM-uh-loyd) that build up in the spaces between nerve cells. They also have a higher-than-average number of tangles which are twisted fibers of another protein called tau (rhymes with “wow”) that build up inside cells.

Though autopsy studies show that most people develop some plaques and tangles as they age, those with Alzheimer’s tend to develop far more and in a predictable pattern, beginning in the areas important for memory before spreading to other regions.

As with many diseases early detection and treatment tends to result in better outcomes. While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, in recent years several promising treatments have started to emerge. It is this kind of research and hope that the walk tries to continue by raising funds to help offset research costs.

At Sunday’s walk 38 individuals gathered to walk. Two “teams” were present. Team Bub, family members of Al’s raised $1010.00 with Eva, Al’s wife raising $760 of that. She received an acknowledgement from the state organization honoring her as part of the Champion’s Club. The Lady Tigers Volleyball team raised $727 in support of Alzheimer’s awareness and research and also joined the walk.

Mary and Stuart Larson and Tammy Jensen prepared and served a breakfast at the Niobrara Senior Center for all those involved with the walk after the event. The family was so grateful for all of the help organizing and for all those who participated in the walk. Alzheimer’s is a terrible disease that not only robs those afflicted of their memory, but of their life and their physical capabilities as well. More information can be found on the National Alzheimer’s Foundation website. For those interested in participating in the walk, watch for information for the walk next year in August.