Video: A Family’s Personal Journey With Alzheimer’s

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AMORY, MISS. (WCBI) — It’s a word that has come to strike fear in a growing number of families. Today, more than 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s and the terrible memory loss that comes with it. WCBI’s Alyssa Martin introduces us to an area woman who is telling her story to spread awareness and raise money for important research that already is showing signs of progress if not a cure.

Bill and Jenelle Glasgow married as young teenagers. She was a true Southern Belle. His Air Force job provided travel and adventure. They eventually settled in Amory with their two children and opened the popular Bill’s Hamburgers.

They were together every day for 67 years until they were separated by Alzheimer’s.

Six years ago, their daughter became worried after her mother’s weekly trip to the store went wrong.

“Instead of taking a right to come back into town, she took a left and ended up in Alabama. Probably mother has never driven to Alabama in her life by herself,” said their daughter, Carla Glasgow.

A neurologist confirmed the family’s worst fears. Jenelle was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Her decline has been slow over the last six years.

“She’s still a beautiful lady as always but now she doesn’t know us and her memory is completely gone, ” said Glasgow.

After her mother’s diagnosis, her father started showing signs as well. The disease took his memory much more quickly.

“We took him, did the same steps as we did with mother to be diagnosed and found out that they both do have Alzheimer’s, ” said Glasgow.

The toll on the family is both emotional and physical.

“It affects a family in a way that, unless you have been through it, you just cannot possibly understand. You lose them a little day by day,” said Glasgow.

She can’t save her parents but the experience motivates Glasgow to try to help others. She’s found comfort in a local care center while moving her parents to an assisted living home.

“First Friends here in Amory has helped me tremendously. And that’s why I feel so strong about helping that organization with their fund-raiser this year, ” said Glasgow.

A few times a week, Glasgow visits her parents, who now live at Plantation Pointe in Columbus. She has those memories to keep.

The First Friends Benefit Walk will be held Saturday, September 20th, beginning at 8:30 AM and the Amory City Park. There is no registration fee. It is by donation only.
The Golden Triangle Walk To End Alzheimer’s will take place on Sunday, October 12th at the EMCC-Mayhew campus. Registration is at 2 pm and the walk begins at 3 pm.

 

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