“Based upon what I’ve seen, if you do not yet have a personal connection with Alzheimer’s disease, you soon will,” begins Bob McIntosh, managing partner of McIntosh Law Firm of Davidson, North Carolina — one of the teams and sponsors of the Walk to End Alzheimer’s -Iredell County.
Bob, who currently has four or five personal connections to the disease, references a cousin who is two years Bob’s junior and suffers from advanced dementia. “He barely knows who he is and he barely recognizes those who are closest to him,” shares Bob. “It’s heart-wrenching to witness what my cousin and his wife are experiencing.” Bob recently met with his cousin’s wife (the firm specializes in estate planning and trust administration work) and his wife lamented over the fact that they were supposed to grow old together. Bob replied that they are, in fact, still growing old together, but sadly not in the way either one of them had envisioned — it is much sooner and much more quickly.
Given the law firm’s area of expertise, Bob and his staff are particularly in tune with those families that either have or are likely to have Alzheimer’s or dementia related issues in their futures. “Whereas giving back to the community is one of the hallmarks of our business, Alzheimer’s is of particular importance given its direct impact on our clients, as well as my own family.” Bob believes that Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia has a ripple effect on the family or support system of the individual living with the disease — most notably the primary caregiver. In fact his own mother, Becky, was diagnosed with dementia around two years ago, and she now lives with Bob’s sister, Shannon, who is also one of the office managers with the firm. He adds that his families (both biological and office) do what they can to support Shannon so she can be her best, not only at the office, but also caring for the needs of their mom.
Some may believe it is ironic in that the majority of Becky McIntosh’s life (after college) has been spent being a primary caregiver. It began with becoming a wife and mother to three children — Bob and his two sisters. Being an only child, Becky cared for her mother when she had a stroke. Upon her passing, Becky cared for her mom’s sister who lived with dementia. Additionally she cared for her husband who was a diabetic. Upon his passing in 2000, Becky became a caregiver for several people in the community as well as a grandmother — which we all know is an important caregiving role in and of itself. Ten years ago Becky fell and broke her hip at which time they decided it was best for her to move in with Shannon. “About two years ago, we noticed that mom’s conversational patterns had changed somewhat, including lots of repetition,” offers Bob. “Yes, the ‘A’ word was being used, but she was still mentally sharp aside from the short-term memory challenges.” Becky did see a physician who conducted some cognitive tests and diagnosed her with dementia.
Bob shares that he was aware that there is an organization for those who have Alzheimer’s but did not have a direct contact. A couple of years ago, Louise Paglen, one of the firm’s attorneys, made contact and recommended that the firm get involved on a local level and Bob agreed. Louise now serves on the Executive Leadership Team for Walk to End Alzheimer’s – Iredell County. While Bob has not personally worked with the Association (as it relates to his mother’s care), he and his wife are active participants in a dementia care and support group through Davidson United Methodist Church. The church utilizes many of the resources that the Alzheimer’s Association – Western Carolina Chapter provides and believes the group is very therapeutic. Bob’s biggest ‘aha’ moment by participating in the group is the fact that the sessions are not going to be uplifting. The caregivers, particularly those who are further along in the disease journey, are exhausted. “They tell the truth about what is ahead for those who are just beginning that journey.” He adds that both the good news and the bad news is knowing what to be prepared for. One day there will be the first survivor, but until then, there is no upside in his opinion. The recent news of the FDA approval of Leqembi is encouraging to Bob. He remarks that it [drug approval process] remains a flawed system, but it is where we’ve worked so hard to evolve. Bob compares the process to seeing a starfish along the shoreline and throwing it back into the ocean.
The momentum of the 2023 McIntosh Walk team is increasing by encouraging more participation. Last year there were around 20 families and they plan to add more through the families of the firm’s 60 employees along with those participants of the church’s dementia care and support group. Bob notes that his mom participated in last year’s walk and plans to do so again this year on September 23 at Cornelius Road Park. The Alzheimer’s Association staff recently held an informational session at the firm to discuss fundraising ideas and review its newest variety of educational sessions and other valuable resources that are available at no charge to the community. They look forward to sharing the Alzheimer’s education they have gained and reaching for their $10,000 team goal this year.
Bob’s favorite part of the Walk day is seeing everyone actively involved and engaged. He’s a firm believer that many hands make light work. The number of people at the Walk demonstrates the amount of support there is for everyone who has, is or will be impacted by Alzheimer’s. No one needs to feel like they are alone during the battle. Their focus and their ‘can do’ attitudes are what are most meaningful to him.
“Participating in a Walk to End Alzheimer’s is a tangible way to do something that matters,” asserts Bob. “They [Walks] promote community, healthy lifestyle, and even a spiritual outlet for some.” Alzheimer’s disease knows no social, economic, or ethnic boundaries. It is the grand leveler of humankind. By getting more people actively engaged and embracing the idea to do something, we can achieve that first survivor sooner.
LIKE BOB AND THE FAMILY AT MCINTOSH LAW FIRM, WE ALL HAVE A REASON TO FIGHT FOR A WORLD WITHOUT ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE. Join your local Walk to End Alzheimer’s today as an individual, team, or sponsor.
The Alzheimer’s Association hosts 17 walks across North Carolina. The Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Since 1989, the Alzheimer’s Association® mobilized millions of Americans in the Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk®; now the Alzheimer’s Association is continuing to lead the way with Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Together, we can end Alzheimer’s.
| Alamance County | 9/30/2023 |
| Asheville | 10/14/2023 |
| Charlotte | 10/21/2023 |
| Fayetteville | 10/28/2023 |
| Gaston/Cleveland/Lincoln | 10/14/2023 |
| Guilford County | 10/7/2023 |
| Henderson County | 9/30/2023 |
| Iredell County | 9/23/2023 |
| Jacksonville | 10/14/2023 |
| Moore County | 9/30/2023 |
| Mount Airy | 9/9/2023 |
| New Bern | 10/21/2023 |
| Rowan-Cabarrus | 10/28/2023 |
| Unifour (formerly Hickory) | 10/28/2023 |
| Triangle (Raleigh-Durham) | 10/7/2023 |
| Wilmington | 11/4/2023 |
| Winston-Salem | 11/4/2023 |
Alzheimer's Association North Carolina Blog 
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