Lakeland Resident Finds New Hope at Walk to End Alzheimer’s
For the last eight years, Lakeland resident Natalie Aviles has participated in Walk to End Alzheimer's Polk County . Each year brings new motivation that, one day, her friends, family and neighbors diagnosed with Alzheimer's would have hope – hope for more time with their families, more time to enjoy life and more time to cherish memories with loved ones. Now preparing for the 2024 Walk, that hope has been realized.
"New treatments that slow the progression of Alzheimer's have given us the first glimmers of hope for a future where no one has to worry about losing all they are to this terrible disease," said Aviles.
In the last two years, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted traditional approval for two anti-amyloid treatments for Alzheimer's – lecanemab and donanemab . Both have been shown to slow signs of the progressive brain disease for those in the early stages, including individuals diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment . Other treatments can temporarily slow the worsening of dementia symptoms and improve quality of life; however these two treatments are the first to impact the underlying biology of the disease.
For Aviles, these developments give the 2024 Walk new meaning and even more reason to fight.
"We walk because we must continue to fund research to seek new solutions," said Aviles. "Because of funding from the Alzheimer's Association, we have seen leaps in understanding, but more work is needed. We cannot let this disease continue to take our loved ones."
Aviles lost her grandmother to Alzheimer's in 2015. Soon after, she set up team Remembering For You at Walk to End Alzheimer's Polk County. Each year, she works to mobilize the community.
"When I first lost my grandmother, I knew something had to be done," shared Aviles. "The number of people impacted by Alzheimer's and other dementia, just in our Lakeland community, is astounding. One in 5 women have a chance to develop Alzheimer's by the age of 45; I am currently 43 and don't want to be that one."
Florida currently has the second-largest number of people living with Alzheimer's in the U.S. More than 580,000 are estimated to be living with the disease statewide. As the Baby Boomer generation continues to age, that number is expected to grow.
Those 65 years and older are at greatest risk for Alzheimer's. However, some populations are hit harder than others. Hispanic Americans are 1.5 times more likely to develop Alzheimer's, and Black Americans are twice as likely to develop it as compared to their White non-Hispanic counterparts.
Other risk factors for Alzheimer's include family history, genetics, head injury and certain medical conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes. While there is no sure way to prevent Alzheimer's, research shows that incorporating healthy habits is beneficial for brain health and may reduce the risk of cognitive decline and possibly dementia.
Winter Haven resident Stefanie Wardlow is a research champion for the Alzheimer's Association Florida Gulf Coast Chapter . Part of her work with the community includes advocating for modifiable risk factors that promote brain health.
"The 10 healthy habits for brain health represent the best research we have tying brain health to dementia risk," said Wardlow. "It is never too early or too late to start incorporating these healthy habits into your lifestyle."
The ten healthy habits include:
