Event Chair for Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Jackson

Story by Lyda Kay Ferree, The Southern Lifestyles Lady. Photography by Woody Woodard.

Dana Crotts lived in Haywood County where she graduated from Haywood High School. In 1989 she moved to Hardin County.

Dana is president of the Medical Marketing Network and the founder of Partners in Care—West TN. In addition, she is a member of the Interagency Council and Health Council for Hardin and McNairy Counties. She is a graduate of Leadership McNairy County.

Home care is Dana’s passion. She has worked in home care for over eight years. Dana is a Branch Director with Senior Solutions Home Care, a statewide provider of services which recently won The Inc. 5000 largest family owned business in the nation. Dana works with families to provide support, direction and guidance to seniors and their families, ultimately resulting in clients feeling safe in their homes while providing families peace of mind.

Her passion for helping people and supporting families has led her to become involved with the Alzheimer’s Association and The Walk to End Alzheimer’s. She is this year’s Event Chair for Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Jackson.

Dana has been married for 29 years. She is the mother of two sons. She has one granddaughter and another grandchild on the way.

VIP: What does the word Alzheimer’s mean?

Dana Crotts: Alzheimer’s is the most common type of dementia. It is a progressive mental deterioration that can occur in middle or old age due to generalized deterioration of the brain.

VIP: Why is the Alzheimer’s Association work important to you? Do you have family members or friends with this disease?

DC: Alzheimer’s is a disease. I don’t have anyone in my family with this disease. However, my occupation as part of the care management team with Senior Solutions Home Care places me in the path of many with Alzheimer’s and families struggling with what to do. We are a non-medical agency that provides assistance with activities of daily living such as bathing, housekeeping and meal preparation. It is our mission to help Alzheimer’s patients stay at home for those who want to be at home.

Facts & Figures About Alzheimer's

Alzheimer’s is the sixth largest cause of death in the United States.
Caregivers provided an estimated 18.4 billion hours valued at 232 billion dollars per year.
1 in 3 seniors die with Alzheimer’s or another dementia-related disease.
Alzheimer’s kills more people than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined.
Alzheimer’s primarily affects seniors above 65 years old.

VIP: What are the major symptoms of Alzheimer’s?

DC: The symptoms are as follows: difficulty remembering; disorientation, mood and behavior changes; confusion about events, time and place, eventually leading to difficulty speaking, swallowing and walking.

VIP: Is there anything we can do to try to prevent or slow down this devastating disease?

DC: The number of people with Alzheimer’s is increasing, but here are some things you can do for brain health: regular cardiovascular exercise, work your brain by taking a class at a college or online, prevent brain injuries like falls, and wear a helmet and seat belt. There are a few things that negatively impact the disease like smoking, obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes.

VIP: Are we any closer to a cure for Alzheimer’s?

DC: Through the clinical trials, aggressive treatment of high blood pressure and good cardiovascular health reduce the risk of cognitive impairment and dementia. The most remarkable research progress is understanding how Alzheimer’s affects the brain, and we can offer more treatment.

VIP: How will the funds be used from the proceeds of the September Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Jackson?

DC: The money received drives research for treatment, prevention and ultimately a cure and clinical trials advocacy groups that speak for the rights and needs of people affected by Alzheimer’s.

VIP: How long have you been involved in the Alzheimer’s Walk in Jackson?

DC: I have been involved with this event for four years. I have walked for two years. I was interim chair of the Walk last year, and I am the event chair this year.

VIP: Do walkers need to pre-register?

DC: The Jackson Walk will be held rain or shine on Saturday, September 29 at Union University. Participants need to pre-register by visiting www.alz.org and click on events and choose Walk to End Alzheimer’s or they may call 1-800-272-3900. There are Alzheimer’s offices in Jackson, Savannah, Paris, Dyersburg and Shelby County.

WHAT TO KNOW
13th Walk to End Alzheimer’s Jackson, TN
Saturday, September 29 (rain or shine)
Check-in: 8 am. Walk: begins at 9 am. Ending time: by 11 am.
Carl Grant Events Center at Union University in Jackson
www.alz.org
Facebook: Walk to End Alzheimers—Jackson, TN