By Sarah Osment Alzheimer’s has woven itself into the fabric of June Lederle’s family story – touching generations and reshaping lives. Her daughter-in-law, Ellen, lost her mother to the disease. Ellen’s oldest sister was diagnosed with younger-onset Alzheimer’s at 58. Then, in 2019, June’s own daughter, Cathie, received the same diagnosis – at the very […]
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Karen Barnes didn’t always speak openly about the emotional toll of her husband Tim’s diagnosis of younger-onset Alzheimer’s disease. But today, she shares her story with honesty and strength—because, as she says, “It’s important to acknowledge the reality of this disease.” That reality is complex and painful, but Karen also radiates hope. She lights up when […]
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Elena Bare first learned about the Alzheimer’s Association in 2022 from a colleague at her job at Wayne-Sanderson Farms in Dobson, N.C. Sadly, this was just two months before her husband passed away from the disease, after living with it for six years. Now, she’s a passionate advocate for raising awareness in rural communities about […]
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When someone under 65 is diagnosed with younger-onset Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia, the first reaction is often shock or denial. This doesn’t happen to someone so young…does it? What does the diagnosis mean? What kinds of plans need to be made for everyone? What about work? What resources are available to help? The […]
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“Yes, I have Alzheimer’s disease and I am living with it, not dying with it,” offers Pam McElreath of Sugar Grove, North Carolina. “My involvement with the Alzheimer’s Association during the past three years has given me the strength to share my story. I believe it is important for me to be seen and for […]
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Alzheimer's Association North Carolina Blog 