The Masonic Homes of California Joins the Nationwide Walk to End Alzheimer’s

For some, the Walk to End Alzheimer’s is about raising much-needed money to fund research into one of the leading killers in the United States. For others, it’s more personal; it’s about bringing awareness to the pain and stress inflicted on families by memory loss conditions. For everyone, though, the walk is a chance to come together in the fight against a disease affecting more than 6 million Americans.

On Saturday, Oct. 23, the Masonic Homes of California is proud to take part in the East Bay Walk to End Alzheimer’s, held in-person at Bishop Ranch in San Ramon and virtually with Walk From Home events connected through the Alzheimer’s Association mobile app. The Masonic Homes is the largest corporate sponsor of the event.

The Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support, and research. It is held annually in 600 communities around the country. At this year’s walk, participants will carry flowers indicating their relationship to the disease: blue represents those living with Alzheimer’s or dementia; purple for those who’ve lost a loved one to the disease; yellow for those caring for someone with Alzheimer’s; and orange for those who support the cause.

The Masonic Homes of California have become a leader in memory care, a range of conditions including Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Together, these make up one of the leading risks to the elderly. Alzheimer’s disease is responsible for more deaths each year than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined; in fact, one in three seniors dies with Alzheimer’s or dementia. It’s also a growing concern: Over the past 20 years, deaths from Alzheimer’s have increased by 145 percent. They’ve also jumped by 16 percent during the pandemic. Fully half of primary care physicians say the medical profession is not ready for the growing number of people with Alzheimer’s or other dementias.

But the news isn’t all bad: Early diagnoses can help dramatically slow the procession of memory impairment, and treatments are showing promise in halting and even reversing cognitive decline.

That’s where the Masonic Homes comes in. With a wide array of services available to those dealing with memory conditions, the Masonic Homes is a leader in treating memory loss at every step with dignity and compassion.

• The Brain Fitness Gym helps resident sharpen their cognition through neurologist-designed computer programs.
• The Compass Club memory day-care program allows people in independent living who are experiencing early memory loss an opportunity to focus on social engagement like Memories in the Making, Music and Memories, and Opening Minds Through Art. The program also provides a respite for caregivers of those with memory loss conditions.
• The Traditions program provides assisted-living care and around-the-clock support for those at advanced stages of memory loss.
• And finally, the Masonic Homes’ newly opened Pavilion is a state-of-the-art residence with on-site skilled nursing care specifically for those dealing with memory loss.

“Memory loss is frightening—for seniors and their families,” says MHC President and CEO Gary Charland. “The thought of having a life’s worth of memories erased by these diseases is one of the greatest concerns facing seniors today. That’s why we’re committed to providing the best possible memory care and support for our residents and their loved ones.”

For more information on the East Bay Walk to End Alzheimer’s, or to join or donate to the Masonic Homes team, visit alz.org.